The S&W Model 2214 and its stainless brother the 2213 began their life as the S&W Model 61 Escort:
You may notice the overall silhouette and the design are much the same.
The S&W Model 61 Escort was first conceived in the early 60's by the engineers in Springfield, but the design predates Smith & Wesson's endeavors.
S&W engineers were a little bit more than inspired by the design from the 1908 Pieper Bayard.
The Pieper Bayard was designed and patented in 1907 by Belgian gunsmith Bernard Clarus.
the 1908 Pieper Bayard (top) & S&W 61 Escort (bottom):
In the early 1960's Smith & Wesson was looking to produce a small pocket pistol for sport and defense. They began tweaking the Pieper Bayard's design and by 1965 they had what they thought was a marketable product. They announced their pistol late in 1968, although the pistol wasn't actually available until more than a year later. Orders began shipping in Spring of 1970.
The "Escort" name was fitting of the gun, the nickname was chosen due to the target audience of Women, perhaps even as back-up gun for Law Enforcement Officers.
Smith & Wesson produced the Model 61 for almost exactly 3 years with four variants being made: 61 no dash, 61-1, 61-2, & 61-3. Production ended in March of 1973, apparently due to slow sales.
The design sat unused for fourteen years before being resurrected by Smith & Wesson for the Model 422 in 1987.
the model 422:
The model 422 was only made until 1996, during its production run, Smith & Wesson introduced several variants including the models 622, 2206, 2213 and the gun we discuss here the 2214. The 2213 & 2214 are essentially shortened versions of the 422 and 622 models.
The model 2214 Sportsman was produced from 1991 to 1999.
The gun is chambered in the .22 LR cartridge only. The operation is of the semi-auto, blow back design. There is no exposed hammer and the trigger is single action (the slide must be moved rearward to reset the hammer/trigger).
The fixed barrel on the 2214 was only 3 inches, contributing to an overall length of just 6 inches. The overall height is 4.5 inches with the width being 1.125 inches. The aluminum frame helps keep the weight down to just over a pound at 18 ounces.
The magazine, which fits in the grip, holds 8 rounds and is released by a lever in the front strap of the grip.
The release interfaces with a slot in the front of the magazine.
The magazine featured a thumb assist button on both sides as well as a window with the round count stamped into the steel.
The safety is on the top left side of the gun, actuated by the operator's thumb. The pistols are also equipped with a magazine safety, meaning the gun will not fire unless a magazine is inserted.
The back strap of the pistol has a generous beaver tail, which may not be necessary to prevent slide bite on this gun as the slide sits higher than normal.
The guns came shipped in S&W signature plastic box with appurtenant instruction manual and safety information. (some of the first guns to roll off the assembly line did get shipped in the older cardboard box with folding top.
The orange piece stuck in the foam above is the take down tool, it is inserted between the slide and muzzle stop like so:
Stats
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle
Action: Semi-Auto, blow back, single action trigger
Capacity: 8 rounds
Weight: 18 ounces
Length: 6 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Height: 4 1/2 inches
Width: 1 1/4 inches
The take down procedure is a departure from the norm:
Step 1: Remove magazine and verify pistol is unloaded, then check to make sure it is unloaded....then check again...
Step 2: Pull the slide back and insert safety take-down flag or a used 22LR case between recoil guide rod and muzzle stop
Step 3: Remove recoil guide plug from slide
Step 4: move slide to rear
Step 5: Remove .22 LR case, guide rod and spring from slide
Step 6: Remove slide from frame, by sliding it backwards (away from muzzle)
This particular gun is owned by my Father-in-Law. I was first introduced to the gun when he lost his key to the trigger lock that he had installed and needed my help removing it. Which I found an easy solution for (I'll share that in another post).
References
The Unblinking Eye
S&W Forum
Genitron
Skjos
