Smith & Wesson S&W Model 53 .22 Remington Jet / .22LR 8 3/8″ Revolver 1974

SOLD FOR: $1,725.00

LSB#:  LSB260201JR014

Make:  Smith & Wesson

Model:  53 The .22 Centerfire Magnum

Serial Number:  4K82707

Year of Manufacture:  1974 / C&R

Caliber:  .22 Remington Jet (.22LR with sleeves in cylinders) 

Action Type:  6-Shot, Double / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver.

Markings:  The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON”, the right is marked “.22 Magnum”.  The left side of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo, the right has the four line Marcas Registradas.  The yoke cut is marked “MOD. 53”.  The yoke and sides of the grip frame have inspection marks.  The butt of the grip frame is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length:  8 3/8″ Pinned, with solid, serrated rib.

Sights / Optics:  The front sight is a serrated ramp blade with an orange insert, integral to a rise in the solid, serrated rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square notched leaf in a base that is micrometer-click adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition:  The grips are two-piece checkered walnut magna stocks with S&W medallions at their tops and a speedloader cut.  There are a couple of faint compressions and handling marks throughout.  There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish:  Blued

Finish Originality:  Original

Bore Condition:  The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp.  There is no erosion in the bore.  This bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition:  This pistol retains about 98% of its metal finish.  There is minimal handling wear in the form of light scratches throughout the finish.  There are some scattered draglines and scuffs.  There are some light handling marks. There is a crisp turn line on the cylinder.  The screwheads range from sharp to lightly used. The markings are clear.  Overall, this handgun rates a Fine condition.

Mechanics:  The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces very little side-to-side play. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards. The internals have been replaced and lightened.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.

Our Assessment:  In 1961 Remington was contracted by Smith & Wesson to produce a new round that was similar to the 224 Harvey Kay-Chuck but was cheaper to mass produce.  They tapered the .357 Magnum cartridge down to .22 caliber.  The result was a handgun-hunting cartridge called the .22 Remington Jet.  

Smith & Wesson developed a handgun alongside the cartridge by modifying the K-Frame Model 17, and the Model 53 was born.

The Model 53 is chambered for the .22 Remington Jet, but it comes with a set of cylinder-inserts that will allow it to fire .22 Short, .22 Long, or .22 LR.  A dedicated .22LR replacement cylinder (not included) was available for purchase at the time.  Notably, no other revolver was ever chambered for the .22 Remington Jet.

This particular Model 53 is in Fine condition, with an excellent bore and a nice smooth trigger.  It is the three screw variant.  It retains 98% of its blueing and represents a hard to find item (less than 15,000 were ever made).  Production ended in 1974.

Please see our photos.  -C.B.