This is generally considered one of the more unusual of Smith & Wesson’s offered products. The Model 61 was designed as a very small, lightweight back-up gun for conceal carry. It featured a 2.125-inch long barrel, blue or nickel finish, a 5-shot magazine, plastic grips, fixed front sight and square-notch rear sight, and a manual safety. The ill-fated Escort was produced by Smith & Wesson between 1970 and 1973 with a total production of 64,938 units. According to the Standard Catalogue of Smith & Wesson, 4^th Ed., many of the early pistols were returned to the factory for repairs, and rather than fixing them, the factory would take a new gun, change the serial number, and return it to the customer. It isn’t hard to imagine why the 61 was only in production for four years. Needless to say, this leaves the Escort as something of a collector’s item. The breach and bolt are visually identical to those used in the Models 422, 622, and 2206 target pistols. Indeed, the 422 is reportedly based on an improved, stretched version of the 61. The Escort shown here is in excellent condition and retains 98-99% percent of its original finish. The plastic grips exhibit no cracks. The pistol operates correctly. The original box and paperwork are included. Despite its poor sales, no S&W collection can be complete without an Escort.