Selected Handgun Detail

Manufacturer
	Smith & Wesson More Info

About the Gun

The Smith & Wesson Model 61 Escort stands out as one of S&W's bold but short-lived forays into the pocket pistol segment. Introduced in an era when concealed carry was gaining traction —especially post-1968 Gun Control Act, which restricted imports like the popular Baby Browning— this .22 LR semi-automatic was pitched as a lightweight, discreet self-defense option. However, its quirky ergonomics, finicky reliability with certain ammo, and unorthodox looks doomed it to just four years of production. S&W iterated quickly on the Escort, rolling out three dash-number updates in under two years to address safety and manufacturing gripes. All shared the core design, but changes focused on reliability and build quality. Production skewed heavily to later models, with the -2 being the most common (nearly half the run). Variant breakdown: Model 61 (No Dash) Die-cast Aluminum frame; no mag safety (allows hand-feeding); press-fit barrel. Model 61-1 Added mag safety (blocks hammer sans mag); same frame/barrel as base. Model 61-2 Added removable barrel bushing/nut for precise alignment; mag safety retained. Model 61-3 Forged Aluminum frame (vs. die-cast); tweaked disconnector (riveted for strength); minor breech spacing reduction. Nickel-plated variants command a solid 20–35 % premium over blued examples in the same condition and variant, and sometimes more if the plating is 95 %+ and paired with the correct white pearlized grips.

Production

This variant was produced from September 1970 to July 1971.

Market value

The current market value for this variant in 90-95% condition ranges from $375 to $475.

Cartridge Specifications
Cartridge:	.22 LR
Alias:	.22 Long Rifle
More Info

Analysis

This .22 LR pocket auto is a pure blowback with a fixed steel barrel liner pressed or nut-retained in an aluminum frame—a rare above-barrel slide that rides rails over a stationary barrel, recoil spring perched on top like a Bayard 1908 tribute. The unique setup yields a low bore axis and minimal muzzle flip, making it surprisingly pointable despite the stubby grip. Accuracy is 3–4" at 7 yards with CCI Mini-Mags; trigger is crisp 4 lb single-action. Reliability demands high-velocity ammo—subsonics or dirty bulk packs cause stove-pipes. Light 14 oz weight aids concealment but invites frame cracks with hot loads. Ultimate last-ditch backup, not a primary; quirky, fragile, yet oddly charming.