SMITH & WESSON MODEL 61 ESCORT Complete Specs and Full Gun Specifications

The Smith & Wesson Model 61 (also known as the Smith & Wesson Escort or simply the Pocket Escort) is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle and designed for self-defense, and was made from 1970 to 1973. The S&W Model 61 is a recoil-operated pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle based upon the Bayard 1908 (Pieper Bayard) pistol. It was marketed for self-defense to fill a void in the pocket auto market after the banning of importation of small, concealable handguns. The pistol was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip panels. Early models had numerous reliability problems, and according to Smith & Wesson historian, Jim Supica, many were returned to the factory for repair.[1] According to Supica, many of these returned pistols were not actually repaired. Employees at Smith & Wesson simply took a new pistol off the line, restamped the serial number, and shipped the pistol to the customer in place of the old one because repair time would have been too costly.[1] Model 61 engineering changes: 61 (B1,001–B7,800; March 1970) Die-cast aluminum frame [1] 61-1 (B7,801–B9,850): Magazine safety (May 1970)[1] 61-1 (B1–B500): Special group of pres. numbers (1970)[1] 61-2 (B9,851–B40,000): Barrel nut added (September 1970)[1] 61-3 (B40,001–B65,438): Forged aluminum frame (July 1971)[1]