Smith & Wesson Model 61
Type	Semi-automatic pistol
Place of origin	United States
Production history
Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Produced	1970-1973
No. built	65438
Specifications
Cartridge	.22 Long Rifle
Caliber	.22
Action	Blowback,[1] Single-action
Feed system	5-round magazine[2]

The Smith & Wesson Model 61 (also known as the Smith & Wesson Escort or simply the Pocket Escort) is a subcompact semi-automatic pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle and designed for self-defense, and was made from 1970 to 1973.

The S&W Model 61 is a blowback-operated pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle based upon the Bayard 1908 (Pieper Bayard) pistol. It was marketed for self-defense to fill a void in the pocket auto market after the banning of the importation of small, concealable handguns. The pistol was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip panels. Early models had numerous reliability problems, and according to Smith & Wesson historian, Jim Supica, many were returned to the factory for repair.^[2]

According to Supica, many of these returned pistols were not actually repaired. Employees at Smith & Wesson simply took a new pistol off the line, restamped the serial number, and shipped the pistol to the customer in place of the old one because repair time would have been too costly.^[2] Model 61 engineering changes:

• 61 (B1,001–B7,800; March 1970) Die-cast aluminum frame^[2]
• 61-1 (B7,801–B9,850): Magazine safety (May 1970)^[2]
  • 61-1 (B1–B500): Special group of pres. numbers (1970)^[2]
• 61-2 (B9,851–B40,000): Barrel nut added (September 1970)^[2]
• 61-3 (B40,001–B65,438): Forged aluminum frame (July 1971)^[2]

• Owner's Manual