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m14slamfire
02-14-2012, 04:11 PM
Found a j frame S&W 22 mag. at a gun shop for $650, 95%+/- serial m44XXX, I was wondering if anyone has any reference material on this weapon as it is speaking to me in my sleep. It's valentines day, so perhaps I am subject to emotional duality. I greatly appreciate any and all help, regards.

Richard Simmons
02-14-2012, 04:26 PM
Barrel length? Nickle, blue or stainless? If you open the cylinder at look at the area of the frame that is exposed it should have a model #.

This is the only one that S&W currently offers.

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product4_750001_750051_786530_-1_757912_757910_757787_ProductDisplayErrorView_Y


I'll check the bible when I get home. IIRC they also made a kit gun in .22M or perhaps in .22LR with a spare cylinder and crane in .22M. Maybe a Model 651? Sorry but I'm just not up on those S&W models.

m14slamfire
02-14-2012, 04:52 PM
Oops, model the shop had quoted was 51, weapon is blued, 4" barrel, adjustable rear sight, all steel frame, surprisingly heavy for such a small revolver, looks much as this, except bbl length.

Richard Simmons
02-14-2012, 06:24 PM
OK, according to the 3rd Edition, Standard Catalog of S&W the Model 51: 1960 .22/32 Kit Gun magnum Rimfire had a 3.5" barrel, adjustable target sights with square butt in blue, nickle or a combination "pinto". Approximately 600 were made with a round butt and are considered rare as are the "pinto".

The M prefix to the serial number indicates it was made in 1969 or later which means by the time yours was build they had changed the design of the thumb piece (1966) and stopped putting on the diamond grips, (1968). The model was discontinued in 1974.

Given a further breakdown on the serial number 1971-73 M30001-M60000 I'd guesstimate yours as 1972.

Value according to my reference which was published in 2006 is $500 new in box and $400 in excellent. I have no idea how collectible this model is, or isn't so perhaps searching the various auction sites would give a better idea but even if it has the original box, paperwork and accessories I'd be inclined to say $650 is high by a good bit.

For a 95% gun by itself I'd say $450 tops but prices vary a lot by geographic area. For example, due to the restrictions in CA only those revolvers in state before a certain date are able to be purchased so prices there tend to run at a premium since the supply is limited. Other places just don't see too many so they too run on the high side. Up in CT near the S&W factory I'd expect the opposite is true.

Hope I've been of some help.

m14slamfire
02-14-2012, 06:48 PM
Thank you, that's great, pass on this revolver for sure then.