Smith & Wesson Model 651 Kit Gun .22 WMR Revolver – 1985 Stainless, Scroll-Engraved, 4-Inch Barrel
Built in 1985 as part of the first stainless run of the Model 651, this J-frame Kit Gun pairs a 4-inch heavy ribbed barrel with the flat-shooting .22 WMR cartridge. Extensive non-factory scroll engraving covers the barrel, frame, cylinder, top-strap, and trigger guard, giving the revolver a custom presentation-grade look. Aftermarket smooth imitation-mother-of-pearl stocks add to its display appeal while the original AEM-prefix serialed box confirms factory provenance. The result is a scarce, early-production 651 that blends collectible pedigree with distinctive custom work.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good – Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling – Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Minor scratching, scuffing, and blemishing are present on the stainless surfaces.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson factory blue cardboard revolver box (matching AEM-prefix serial)
- Smith & Wesson factory cleaning rod kit (sealed in plastic)
This Model 651 is built on a square-butt stainless J-frame and chambered for .22 WMR, offering six-shot capacity in a compact yet accurate package. The heavy, ribbed 4-inch barrel balances the revolver and aids steady off-hand shooting.
The satin stainless finish provides corrosion resistance and serves as a striking canvas for the deep scroll engraving that spans nearly every major surface. The engraving is non-factory, executed after purchase, and transforms the revolver into a unique, presentation-style piece.
Iron sights consist of a red-ramp target front and a fully adjustable rear, giving precise elevation and windage control. The smooth double-action/single-action trigger maintains the classic Kit Gun feel, while the fluted stainless cylinder keeps weight manageable.
Aftermarket smooth imitation-mother-of-pearl stocks replace the factory grips, complementing the bright stainless frame and further elevating the revolver’s display qualities. Despite the aesthetic upgrades, all mechanical features remain true to Smith & Wesson’s original design.
Early stainless Model 651 revolvers were produced in limited numbers, making this AEM-prefix example desirable to collectors. Its factory-matched box and product code 103902 documentation reinforce authenticity, while the tasteful custom work sets it apart from standard production guns.