smith & wesson model 51

[Race Bannon]

Hello everyone,

Today I bought a S&W model 51 Serial number 573** for $275.00.
I understand that this is the .22 magnum version of the kit gun. My first gun was a Marlin 782 in .22 magnum so I thought it would be fun to have a .22 magnum revolver. At the range tonight I was surprised to find that this thing produces quite a flash and is much louder than my .38's. The gun even has some recoil where my rifle has none.
I'm wondering what this gun is for. Would this be a good hiking/ camping gun? What do you guys think of .22 magnum? What do you think of .22 magnum out of a four inch barrel?

 

[Croyance]

I think a revolver is a lot smaller than a rifle, while a rifle is also more efficiently braced and stabalized. So don't expect the same experience on your end.
It is a kit gun, handy to toss in with other stuff when going out and about. Not made for big trouble.

 

[RUT]

>>Today I bought a S&W model 51 Serial number 573** for $275.00.<<

If that gun is in any kind of condition, you got a hell of a deal!!

 

[Starter52]

The Model 51 hasn't been made since 1974. Your gun would be of interest to a S&W collector. You can get $325-$400 for the gun if it's in decent condition.

You might consider selling/trading your gun for a Model 34 in .22 LR.

 

[c1ogden]

22 Mag/4 inch barrel?

I think its not much more powerful than a 22lr and costs more to shoot than the 38. Trade it for a 22lr or go back to your 38.

 

[RUT]

>>costs more to shoot than the 38<<

Really??

 

[Starter52]

The .22 magnum costs more to shoot than a .38 Special if you reload your own .38 Specials.

My .38 reloads (LSWC) run me about $3.75 a box.

 

[floridaboy]

It ain't real cheap to shoot, but they hit harder than the paper ballistics indicate. I have a 51/2" ruger single six that's been mine around 20 years or so. I couldn't really even guess at what all it's killed over the years, mostly with the Winchester hollow-point magnums. But I know it's done everything from deer to squirrels. Not the best for critters over maybe 50 lbs. or so, but put it right and it will work just fine.

 

[461]

.22mag gives you the performance from a handgun that a .22lr gives from a rifle. A great cartridge that everyone loves to claim is too expensive to shoot but is still cheaper than any factory centerfire rounds.

Sure with reloading you can make ammo cheaper but you can't duplicate the .22mag performance with a .38 so it's really apples to oranges. I think of the .32 H&R Magnum as my "Reloadable" .22mag but the performance is still very different even if I can cast and load my own cheaper.

Edit: Your gun purchase was a steal that you can flip for a profit anytime you want.