Smith & Wesson Model 51 .22/32 Kit Gun M.R.F. in .22 WMR, 3.5 in Barrel, Polished Blue, J-Frame Square Butt, 6-Shot (1971–1972)
This 1970s-era Smith & Wesson Model 51 is a .22 WMR J-frame from the historic .22/32 Kit Gun line, featuring the cataloged 3.5-inch barrel, polished blue finish, and adjustable sights. Dating to 1971–1972 with an M-prefix serial on the butt, it comes complete with its factory-labeled box and Model 51 instruction manual.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This 1970s J-frame shows light surface scratches and minor handling marks from responsible use. It remains mechanically superb and presents as a clean, well-cared-for rimfire magnum.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson factory cardboard box with end label (22/32 Kit Gun M.R.F., Model 51, 3.5-inch barrel, square butt)
- Smith & Wesson .22/32 Kit Gun M.R.F. Model 51 instruction manual
Produced from 1961–1974, the Model 51 is Smith & Wesson’s .22 Magnum entry in the .22/32 Kit Gun family. This example dates to 1971–1972 and follows the typical cataloged configuration with a 3.5-inch barrel and square-butt J-frame layout, chambered for .22 WMR.
Built on a carbon-steel frame and barrel with a polished blue finish, it wears checkered walnut service stocks with S&W medallions. The cylinder is a 6-shot fluted design, paired with a knurled-tip ejector rod and a short under-barrel lug.
Sighting equipment is classic and practical: a serrated ramp front sight teams with a micrometer-adjustable rear. The revolver operates in double-action/single-action, aligning with the Model 51’s field-friendly design ethos.
Factory markings are crisp and correct, including a yoke stamp of MOD-51 with assembly stamps, the barrel rollmarked "22 M.R.F. CTG.", and S&W’s circular trademark with the four-line Springfield, Mass. address. The butt carries an M-prefix serial, appropriate to its early-1970s production window.
This example is further supported by its original factory-labeled box and the correct Model 51 instruction manual, matching the 3.5-inch, square-butt configuration noted on the end label.