Smith & Wesson Model 51 .22 W.M.R. Kit Gun DA/SA 3.5″ Revolver 1965 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,076.00

LSB#: LSB260611JS008

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: Model 51 .22/.32 Kit Gun M.R.F.

Serial Number: 108769

Year of Manufacture: 1965 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)

Caliber: .22 W.M.R.

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver with Recessed Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”.  The right side of the barrel is marked ” .22 M.R.F. CTG.”   The right side of the frame is marked with the 4-line Marcas Registradas, and the left side of the frame is marked with the S&W trademark logo. The crane cut is marked “MOD-51”. The bottom of the butt is marked with the serial number. The crane arm and interior grip strap are marked with assembly marks.

Barrel Length: 3.5” Pinned, Ribbed

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade fixed to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer click adjustable for windage and elevation. The barrel rib and topstrap are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition:   The stocks are two-piece checkered Magna stocks with smooth diamonds and S&W medallions at the top. There are scattered handling scratches and compression marks. The checkering remains sharp. These are the original stocks for this revolver. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, these grips rate in Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color Trigger & Hammer

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. There is finish loss at the muzzle, cylinder edges, and the right side of the trigger guard. There is thinning along the grip straps and within the trigger guard. There is scattered oxidation and staining throughout. There are scattered scratches and handling wear. The cylinder has a turn line, and the action shows operational wear. The case-color remains mostly vibrant. There is verdigris around the escutcheons. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder locks up with light play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. 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: None

Our Assessment:  The Smith & Wesson Model 51 was introduced in 1960 as the .22 Winchester Magnum Rimfire member of the company’s popular .22/.32 Kit Gun family. The “Kit Gun” concept was intended to provide outdoorsmen with a compact, accurate revolver that could easily accompany a hunting, fishing, or camping kit, and the Model 51 brought the then-new .22 WMR cartridge into that format. Built on Smith & Wesson’s J-frame, the Model 51 combined six-shot capacity with adjustable sights, recessed chambers, and a compact 3 1/2″ barrel, offering considerably more rimfire performance than the .22 LR Kit Guns while remaining light and portable. Production continued through 1974, making this 1965 example representative of the classic early period of Smith & Wesson’s Magnum Kit Gun.

This Model 51 retains approximately 92% of its original blue finish with honest use represented by muzzle and cylinder-edge wear, grip-frame thinning, scattered handling marks, oxidation and staining, operational wear, and a cylinder turn line. The original diamond Magna stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering, no chips or cracks, and only moderate age-related handling wear, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion. The pinned 3 1/2″ barrel, adjustable sights, recessed cylinder, and compact J-frame proportions give the revolver the distinctive configuration that made the Magnum Kit Gun such a useful outdoorsman’s sidearm. Mechanically, the revolver remains strong with proper action function and tight lockup showing only light play at each chamber. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY