S&W Model 61 .22 lr?

[searcher451]

I've got the chance to pick up a LNIB S&W Model 61, in almost perfect condition, with all of the goodies in the original box, including the original sales receipt, for $350. The original (and only) owner said he put one magazine through it and has kept it in a drawer ever since. It looks like a good buy to me. Any thoughts from those who are familiar with the model?

Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[Jim Watson]

My Dad and I swapped one back and forth when they were in production. He wanted a small carry gun but was more comfortable with his revolver, I wanted something more shootable, so it got traded off for something or another.

Do you want to use it or just keep it for show and tell?
I cannot guess what its collector interest or resale value might be.

 

[searcher451]

Thanks for the reply, Jim. I'm not a collector of Smiths and tend to shoot my guns, although this one seems too nice to run a lot of ammo through at the local range. It looks to be a very nice piece and worthy of some attention, though I don't know much of anything about the model's performance, reputation, reliability, accuracy, etc. How did the one you owned perform for you? Do you still have it, or did you trade it off somewhere along the line?

 

[capttom]

I had a 61, bought it used in the box with everything, including a neat little zipper case, almost 30 years ago. The pistol was sufficiently odd in design to be interesting and wasn't very common even back then. This was especially true in a world of .25 Colts and Berettas in .22 Short. I don't remember what brands of ammo I tried in it, but my example was neither accurate nor reliable. It didn't like to work dirty and functioning was only marginally better clean. It also sat strangely in my hand because of the frame design. I don't remember the price I paid, but I lost a few dollars selling it at a gun show. It was a pistol I never regretted selling.