Smith & Wesson Model 61
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.
Smith & Wesson Model 61
Self Loader · CC0
- Name
- Smith & Wesson Model 61
- Field
- semi-automatic pistol
- Region
- United States
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wikidata · Q7545029 · wikipedia · Smith & Wesson Model 61
In this article
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Smith & Wesson Model 61 • Origin — United States • Type — Semi-automatic pistol • Is Ranged — yes • Manufacturer — Smith & Wesson • Production Date — 1970–1973 • Number — 65,438 • Cartridge —.22 Long Rifle • Caliber —.22 • Action — Blowback, Single-action • Feed — 5-round magazine
Design
Design
The S&W Model 61 is a blowback-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 the 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. 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. Model 61 engineering changes: • 61 (B1,001–B7,800; March 1970) Die-cast aluminum frame • 61-1 (B7,801–B9,850): Magazine safety (May 1970) • 61-1 (B1–B500): Special group of pres. numbers (1970) • 61-2 (B9,851–B40,000): Barrel nut added (September 1970) • 61-3 (B40,001–B65,438): Forged aluminum frame (July 1971) The Model 61 was unique among Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handguns in that it was the only one chambered for.22 long rifle which was intended to be used primarily for self-defense.
In popular culture
In popular culture
The Model 61 has appeared in several movies since its introduction, most notably being used by Travis Bickle (played by Robert De Nero) in the movie Taxi Driver, where it is misidentified as a Colt.25. It also appeared in the movie Goodfellas in the hands of the character of Jimmy Conway (also played by Robert De Nero) and in the movie Driven to Kill starring Steven Seagal.
Identity
Identity
Smith & Wesson Model 61 is classified as a semi-automatic pistol. Associated with United States.
Places
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- United States
Literature
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Licensing
Text attribution
Part of the biographical narrative on this page reuses licensed material. Its origin, revision and licence are recorded here.
The biographical narrative on this page is based on the Wikipedia article Smith & Wesson Model 61, revision 1357574494 (EN edition), by its contributors. VALÉORINE has edited that text and built its own documentary record around it. The reused material is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, and this page's reuse of it is offered under the same licence. Everything else on this page — the chronology, the holdings, the evidence, the plates and the connections — is VALÉORINE's own record. Sources and licences.
Notes from the source article
Cited by Wikipedia
Notes from the source article
These works are cited by the source article, in its own numbering. They are recorded as its citations, not as sources VALÉORINE has verified.
- 1.Historical Firearms - Smith & Wesson Model 61 in May 1970, Smith &.
- 2.Supica, Jim. Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson. Gun Digest Books. 281. 2007. 978-0-89689-293-4.
- 3.https://www.imfdb.org/wiki/Smith_%26_Wesson_61_Escort
References
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Broader subject
1- semi-automatic pistolTerminology
Established from a fact already recorded on a verified source.
The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 16 August 2026.
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