Smith & Wesson S&W Model 51 1960 .22/32 Kit Gun .22 Magnum WMRF Revolver, MFD 1973-74
SOLD FOR: $881
LSB#: 191109TA01
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 51, 1960 .22/32 Kit Gun Magnum Rimfire
Serial Number: M69699
Year of Manufacture: 1973-1974
Caliber: .22 Short, Long or Long Rifle
Action Type: Single Action or Double Action Revolver with 6 Round Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON” and the left side of the frame is marked with the S&W logo. The yoke cut is marked “MOD-51”. The right side of the frame is marked with the 4 Line “Marcas Registradas” address. The right side of the barrel is marked “22 M.R.F. CTG.”. The butt is marked “M69699”, the underside of the ejector star is marked “M69699” and the inside of the right grip panel is stamped “69699”. The sides of the grip frame and the yoke have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: The ribbed and pinned barrel is 3 1/2” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat topped square notched target sight adjustable for windage and elevation that is screwed to the top strap. The top barrel rib and the long base of the rear sight are serrated and have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth borders on a round butt grip frame that have silver-colored S&W medallions at the tops of the grips. Ther left panel has a patch of compressed checkers at the top and there are a few scattered minor compressions. The checkering is generally sharp where not damaged. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its metal finish. The cylinder has a faint turn-line, mostly not through the finish. The trigger guard has a couple of light marks. The trigger and hammer show minor operational wear in otherwise strong case color. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The barrel on this revolver is pinned. The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has almost no play on all six chambers. The double action trigger is smooth and the single action crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a two-piece blue cardboard S&W box with metal reinforced corners, model-matching markings at one end of the lid, wax paper and manua. The box has scattered light storage wear on the exterior with minor wear from the contents on the interior, in about Very Good-Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 51 Model of 1960 .22/32 Kit Gun Magnum Rimfire with a 3 1/2” barrel and a blue finish. The revolver has adjustable target sights and a pinned barrel (the barrel pin was deleted on this model in 1982). The revolver is in about Fine-Excellent condition with about 97% of its original metal finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. With its adjustable sights , it will be great for plinking and varmint control and with its .22 Magnum chambering, it will be able to take larger game than a .22 LR and might even be a passable defensive revolver. That said, in its high condition and with what appears to be its original box, this is going to interest the Smith collectors, too. Please see our photos and good luck!