Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 61-2 Escort
Serial Number: B39602
Year of Manufacture: 1970 / C&R
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Rimfire
Barrel Length: 2"
Sights / Optics: The front and rear sights are open iron sights with a blade in the front and notch sights in the back.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece checkered brown marbled plastic. The checkering is crisp with faint peaks. The grips have loose storage wear. There are minor scratches. The grips rate in 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. In this writer's opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There are a few minor scratches. The markings are clear. The screw heads are sharp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This pistol comes with a total of one magazine, its Smith & Wesson velvet lined soft case, factory box, cleaning tools, owner's manual, paperwork, and moisture absorbent paper.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 61 Escort was introduced in 1970 as the company’s diminutive .22 LR pocket automatic, entering a domestic market that had changed considerably after the Gun Control Act of 1968 restricted importation of many small foreign-made pistols. Mechanically derived from the earlier Pieper-Bayard design, the Escort used a fixed barrel, blowback action, and an unusual recoil spring positioned above the barrel. The Model 61-2 appeared in September 1970 with the addition of a barrel bushing and occupied the broad B9851-B40000 serial range before the strengthened Model 61-3 appeared in 1971. Despite its short commercial life, the Escort has become an interesting specialty collectible within Smith & Wesson’s catalog because it represents the company's brief venture into the true pocket-auto market.
This blued Model 61-2 is exceptionally well preserved, retaining about 98% of its original finish with only a few minor scratches, while its marbled plastic grips remain in Fine condition and its bright, sharply rifled bore rates 9/10. The action functions correctly, and the pistol is especially complete with its Smith & Wesson soft case, factory box, cleaning tools, owner's manual, paperwork, and magazine. The Escort also enjoys an unusual bit of cinematic recognition through Taxi Driver, where Travis Bickle played by Robert De Niro purchases a Model 61, mounts it to his improvised sleeve mechanism, and handles it during the famous mirror sequence. With its high condition, extensive factory accessories, short-lived configuration, and memorable place in popular culture, this is an appealing example for the Smith & Wesson collector looking beyond the company’s better-known revolvers.
