Smith & Wesson S&W Model 53 No Dash .22 Rem Jet 6″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1586.69
LSB# 210911DJ22
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 53, The .22 Remington “Jet” Centerfire Magnum Revolver
Serial Number: K462779
Year of Manufacture: 1961, First Year
Caliber: .22 Remington “Jet” Magnum (will also fire .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle with included inserts)
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”. The right sideplate has the large “S&W” logo. The right side of barrel is marked “22 MAGNUM”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address. The yoke cut is marked “K462779 / MOD. 53”. The yoke and sides of the grip frame are marked with inspection marks. The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with the serial number.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade with a red insert and is set on a serrated ramped base on the rib. There is a white outlined S&W square notch micrometer click adjustable rear sight
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut target stocks with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons, medallions, and a football cut. There are a couple of small compressions and draglines, the most noticeable compressions are on the right grip up towards the top. There are a couple of light marks on the bottom faces. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering is strong, there are a few light compressions and some rub wear. The grips rate in about Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 94% of its metal finish. There is a hole for a lanyard ring that has been drilled in the butt of the grip frame. There are some scattered scuffs, draglines, and little marks, some of the most noticeable are on the barrel. There is some finsih loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle that appears touched up. There is thinning on the edges. There are a few scuffs that have thinned the finish on the cylinder and there is a turn line through the finish. There are a couple little hairline scratches and nicks on the trigger guard. There are some scattered light handling marks. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The single-action is crisp and the double-action is smooth. The cylinder produces light side-to-side movement. We did not test fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be required to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The revolver comes with a blue box with metal reinforced corners, there is no label but it is marked with the correct configuration, the bottom portion has numbers in grease pencil that do not match the serial number. Also included is a .22 LR cylinder, and six-chamber inserts for use with .22 LR.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 53, “The Jet” is a really interesting offering from Smith & Wesson, one of only two guns ever produced in the .22 Remington Jet caliber. The model was also sold with chamber inserts allowing for the use of .22 Long Rifle for less expensive plinking. The revolver is manufactured with a “switch” on the hammer nose to select one of the dual frame mounted firing pins for either centerfire (.22 Jet) or rimfire. These guns were produced from 1961-1974 and have tremendous value for any serious Smith & Wesson collector. This example is an earlier production 53 made in 1961 with a 6? barrel and target stocks. For the Smith collector, this could make a great addition but it would also be a fun revolver for velocity junkies who want a .22 Remington Jet handgun. Please see our photos and good luck!