Smith & Wesson Model 61-3 Escort .22 LR Micro Semi-Auto Pistol
Built between 1970 and 1973, the Smith & Wesson Model 61-3 Escort is a pocket-size, single-action pistol that holds a distinct spot in S&W history. The -3 engineering change introduced a stronger forged aluminum frame, making this final variant both sturdier and less common than earlier runs. With its fixed barrel, over-barrel recoil spring, and heel-type magazine release—features rarely seen on U.S. pistols of the era—this micro .22 LR offers collectors a compact design that predates modern S&W pocket autos by decades.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The forged aluminum frame and carbon-steel slide display scattered scratches, finish blemishes, and areas of surface rust and pitting. Despite the exterior wear, the bore remains bright with sharp rifling, supporting reliable accuracy.
What’s Included
- 1 × Smith & Wesson Model 61 factory 5-round steel magazine
The Model 61-3 retains the compact 2.2-inch fixed barrel that helps deliver steady accuracy from a micro platform. Its forged aluminum alloy frame keeps weight to a minimum while adding durability over earlier cast versions.
The slide combines a polished blue finish with a matte gray rib, giving the pistol a purposeful two-tone look while reducing glare along the sight line. Rear serrations aid reliable manipulation.
A heel-type magazine release and manual safety lever reflect European-influenced design choices, underscoring the pistol’s lineage to the 1908 Pieper Bayard. These features, along with the internal hammer and blowback action, contribute to the Escort’s distinctive operating feel.
Fixed sights consist of a ramped, dovetailed front blade and a square-notch rear integral to the slide. The original brown-and-black marbled phenolic grips remain in place, maintaining the period-correct profile.
With only about 65,000 Model 61 pistols produced and the -3 variant marking the final and most refined iteration, this example offers collectors a compact slice of early-1970s Smith & Wesson engineering.