The Smith & Wesson Model 61 (also known as the Smith & Wesson Escort or simply the Pocket Escort) is a subcompact semi-automatic blowback pistol chambered in .22 Long Rifle and designed for self-defense.
Based upon the Bayard 1908 (Pieper Bayard) pistol. It was marketed for self-defense to fill a void in the pocket auto market after the banning of the importation of small, concealable handguns.



The pistol was available in blued or nickel-plated finishes and black or white plastic grip panels, however, early models had numerous reliability problems, and according to Smith & Wesson historian, Jim Supica, many were returned to the factory for repair, all these disadvantages and setbacks ultimately made the pistol cease production in 1973, not without producing 65,438 units first, though, as the gun was a reliable method of self defense that could be stuffed in a purse, or stored in a pocket.

Nowadays however, this handgun is know for being featured in the 1976 movie "Taxi Driver", where Travis Bickle (Robert De Niro) buys a Model 61 off "Easy Andy", and straps it to a forearm-mounted slide draw holster.

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