Smith & Wesson S&W Model 651-1 103900 RSR Special .22 Magnum WMRF Revolver, MFD 1999
SOLD FOR: $1,826.22
LSB#: 191109TA06
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 651-1, Product Code 103900 RSR Special
Serial Number: CBC8031
Year of Manufacture: 1999
Caliber: .22 Magnum
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 “CBC8031 / 651-1”. 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 “CBC8031”. The sides of the grip frame and the yoke have inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 2″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated, ramped blade with red plastic insert integral to the barrel’s rib. The rear sight is a square notch adjustable for windage and elevation screwed to the top strap.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black rubber Uncle Mike’s boot grips with finger grooves (standard on this RSR Special model) which leave the backstrap and butt exposed. The grips have one spot of wear at the front seam in the bottom finger groove. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. There are no rips or tears. Overall, the grips are in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Stainless Steel
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 98% of its metal finish. The cylinder has an extremely faint turn-line. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The grip screw shows light tool marks, the other screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: 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 blue plastic S&W box with serial-matching label and wax paper. The box has scattered light storage wear with some light fraying at edges and corners in about Very Good condition. The cleaning accessories are still sealed in their plastic packaging.
Our Assessment: This is a S&W Model 651, the .22 M.R.F. Target Kit Gun Stainless. This revolver typically combines the small J-frame with the .22 Magnum cartridge, a 4″ barrel and a stainless steel finish. This example is a much less common variant, made in 1999 as an RSR distributor special with a 2″ barrel. While .22 Magnum is perhaps not an ideal defensive cartridge, it has energy consistent with a .380 ACP at much higher velocity and manages to fit 6-rounds in the J-frame compared with the 5-rounds of a .38 Special. Add a compact frame and barrel, throw in adjustable sights, and you have something that could make for a decent defensive revolver. The revolver is in about Excellent condition with about 98% of its original metal finish remaining. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and no erosion. While this was likely originally intended as a defensive revolver, and it would serve well in that role, given that only 1,241 of this variant were produced and in its high condition with its original box, this is going to interest the Smith collectors, too. Please see our photos and good luck!