Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 651, .22 M.R.F. Target Kit Gun Stainless

Serial Number: ALV0266

Year of Manufacture: Circa 1985 / Modern

Caliber: .22 WMR & .22 LR with auxiliary cylinder

Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Barrel Length: 4"

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert, set on a ramped base that is integral to the rib. The rear sight is a square notched leaf in a click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation screwed to the top strap. The rib and rear sight base are serrated for glare reduction.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two piece smooth Goncalo Alves combat wood grips with finger grooves, S&W medallion, and extractor relief cut. There is little to no handling wear. There are no chips or cracks. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless

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 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout. There is little to no handling or operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action trigger is crisp and the double-action smooth. The cylinder lockup produces light side-to-side movement. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with its factory box, auxiliary .22 LR cylinder in Excellent condition, moisture absorbent paper, cleaning tools, screwdriver, and paperwork including its manual.

Our Assessment: Smith & Wesson introduced the Model 651 in 1983 as the stainless-steel .22 Magnum Target Kit Gun, continuing the company's long-running J-frame Kit Gun concept in a weather-resistant, adjustable-sight configuration. Chambered primarily for .22 WMR, the 4" Model 651 combined compact J-frame proportions with target sights and the additional velocity afforded by the Magnum Rimfire cartridge. Smith & Wesson also offered a factory-fitted auxiliary .22 LR cylinder for the Model 651 through 1987, allowing one revolver to serve both economical .22 LR shooting and the more capable .22 WMR cartridge.

This circa-1985 example is particularly attractive, retaining about 99% of its original stainless finish with little evidence of handling or operational use. Its smooth Goncalo Alves combat stocks remain in Excellent condition, the bore rates 10/10, and the action functions correctly with a crisp single-action pull and smooth double-action pull. The included auxiliary .22 LR cylinder, factory box, cleaning tools, screwdriver, and paperwork make this a notably complete package.. For the Smith & Wesson rimfire collector, the combination of excellent condition, dual-cylinder versatility, and classic stainless J-frame configuration gives this Model 651 considerable appeal.