S&W Model 61-3 Escort?

[mshechte]

Smith & Wesson Model 61-3 Escort??? Does anyone have any info on these interesting little .22 auto's. The only thing I can find on these is that they were made between 1970 & 1973. It looks like it might be a fun little plinker. What'cha think?
Mark

[Laserlips]

mshechte:

The S&W Escorts were produced for a few years in the early 1970's.  

The original Escort model 61 had a myriad of problems and quickly gained the reputation for being a pos..  The later models corrected those problems (added barrel nut, etc) but still were tarred with a IMO undeserved bad reputation.  

I had a 61-2 and it has been excellent.  My Escort 61-2 was  as accurate and reliable at self defense range as either my NAA Guardian (32cal), or my KelTec P32.  
 



I think the Escort is a fun little plinker, as it was designed as a "woman's pocket pistol, or police mousegun" back before Keltec, NAA and others were making small pistols.  I would not recommend you buy a model 61, but any 61-2/61-3 SHOULD be a nice little pistol, providing you don't pay too much for it, and realize it's limitations.  



Hope this helps,

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

[mshechte]

Laser, Sorry it's taken so long to respond. Life got in the way.
I picked up a pair of Escort 61-3's from an Estate sale here in town for $300. One Nickle, and one Blue. Both NIB unfired, with the boxes, all paperwork, and cleaning kits included.
Interesting littles pieces, with the Barrel and Recoil Mechanisim inverted and all. The Nickle version has the Champagne colored grips, while the Blue version is just like yours. After a good oiling, ( both had been sitting for 30 + years, and were drier than a popcorn fart) they functioned flawlessly.Thanks for your input.
Mark

[Laserlips]

Laser, Sorry it's taken so long to respond. Life got in the way.
I picked up a pair of Escort 61-3's from an Estate sale here in town for $300. One Nickle, and one Blue. Both NIB unfired, with the boxes, all paperwork, and cleaning kits included.

mshechte:

Sounds to me like you "stole" two Escorts!  

What a great deal.  I recently sold my Escort 61-2 to a gentleman in Arizona.  I have lusted after a Seecamp for a long time, and the price of the 32cal. Seecamps finally dropped to a point I could afford one, so sold the Escort to help pay for the Seecamp.

I didn't sell the Escort because I was unhappy with it, it's just that I'm a retired old fart and "play money" is scarce.

I would have jumped on the deal you found in a heartbeat..

My Escort was not ammo sensitive in the least.  It was a fun plinker, and I think you will enjoy your find!

Best Wishes,

J. Pomeroy

[Brenden]

I have never seen one up close!!

I love the little pocket guns!!

I have/had a Baur .25,Budsniosky(attempt at spelling humor),Tomcat,Baby Browning,Jennings .22 (surprisingly accurate/reliable),Seecamps(.32,.380),Pups..

No Ravens or Lorcins though!!

Being from MI,the fact that the Baur/Bud were made in MI is cool for me..

An escort may be the next "quest"..

Thanks for sharing the pics!!

Brenden

[mshechte]

Brenden,
     I have come real close to picking up a Baby Bauer 25 a couple of times. You can find them pretty regularly on Gun Broker in the $200 range.
     The Michigan connection is a cool little hook too. Fraser, MI on Groesbeck Ave. near 14 Mile is where the plant used to be. I think it's a Block Buster, or a Walgreens now.
     I am a Big Fan of Little Guns too! As far as the S&W Escorts go...They grabbed my attention with their funky look, and I have not been dissapointed at all with the purchase. As soon as I can figure out how to post pictures, I'll throw some out there.
Later,
Mark

[Brenden]

I am going to have group up the bitties and do a pic also..

RJ, The Bauer..

Show us yours again!!!