Rare Smith & Wesson S&W Model 53 .22 Rem Jet 6″ Revolver 22 JET C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,010.00
WOA#: WY240723KM005
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 53, The .22 Remington “Jet” Centerfire Magnum Revolver
Serial Number: K444144
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 side-plate has the large “S&W” logo. The right side of the 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 “K444144 / 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.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramped blade set on a serrated ramped base on the rib. There is a 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 is a small chip near the butt of the right grip and no cracks. The checkering is strong, there are a few light compressions and some rub wear. The grips rate in about good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion. There is some fouling in the bore. The bore ates at 8.5/ 10 in this writer’s opinion.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 89% of its metal finish. There are some scattered scuffs, draglines, and little marks, some of the most noticeable are on the barrel. There is some finish loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle. 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 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 six-chamber inserts for use with .22 Mag & LR. Also a wallet for carrying the inserts.
Our Assessment: Developed jointly by Remington and Smith & Wesson, it was to be used in the Model 53 revolver, which first appeared late in 1961. While it traced its origins to potent wildcats such as the .224 Harvey Kay-Chuk, which ultimately derive from the .22 Hornet, it was a bottlenecked cartridge based upon the .357 Magnum case necked down to a .22 caliber bullet, with an unusually long tapered shoulder.
By 1972, the Model 53 remained the only revolver chambered for it, while Marlin in 1972 was planning a lever rifle in .22 Jet. The .22 Jet was also a factory chambering for the T/C Contender and the design allowed for it to reach its full potential.The Contender has no cylinder gap, no case setback.
The .22 Jet was designed as a flat-shooting hunting round for handguns, and it is suitable for handgun hunting of varmints and medium game out to 100 yd (90 m). The 2460 ft/s (750 m/s) and 535 ft-lbf (725 J) claimed for factory test loads. Most shooters today experience 40 gr (3 g) bullets,710 ft/s (520 m/s) 261 ft·lbf (354 J). This ammo is still being sold on the market and is rather affordable.
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 a first year production Model 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 to fire a .357 Magnum necked down to .22! So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition in our high quality photos. Good luck on your bid. -K.F.
