Smith & Wesson Model 53 Double Action Revolver .22 Remington Jet 8 3/8” C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,275.00

LSB#: WY250404KM005

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 53

Serial Number: K443804

Year of Manufacture: 1961 (First Year Production, C&R Eligible)

Caliber: .22 Remington Jet (can also fire .22 LR with inserts, not included)

Action Type: Double-Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON,” and the right side is marked “22 MAGNUM.” The yoke cut is marked with the serial number and model designation “MOD-53.” The right side of the frame has the S&W monogram logo. The left side of the frame is marked with the four-line Marcas Registradas address.

Barrel Length: 8 3/8” Pinned Barrel

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp on the barrel. The rear sight is a fully adjustable square-notch “Micro-Click” rear sight.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered Goncalo Alves target stocks with a football relief cut around the screw escutcheon on the left panel. The grips are in Very Good condition with crisp checkering and only minor handling marks. Grips do not have matching serial numbers inside.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion or fouling visible. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 9.75/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains over 95% of its metal finish. There is a thin, superficial turn line on the cylinder and minor burn marks on the face of the cylinder. The chambers are recessed. The backstrap is serrated, and the selector lever is located on the hammer spur. All markings are clear and the edges are sharp. This revolver is in Excellent condition overall.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly in both single and double action. The cylinder locks up tightly with minimal play. The selector on the hammer functions as intended to switch between rimfire and centerfire firing pins. The timing is excellent. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 53 debuted in 1961, and this revolver is a first-year production example of one of the company’s most innovative revolvers. Chambered in the high-velocity .22 Remington Jet cartridge, it offered long-range varmint-hunting capability from a double-action wheelgun. Recessed chambers, a hammer-mounted selector to alternate between centerfire and rimfire, and the option to use .22 LR inserts all reflect the forward-thinking engineering that defines this model.

This example features the scarce 8 3/8″ pinned barrel, serrated backstrap, factory Goncalo Alves target stocks with the early football relief cut, and over 95% of its original blued finish. It shows only light wear and has clearly been well cared for. With a bright bore and crisp mechanics, it remains highly functional and collectible.

Whether you’re a Smith & Wesson collector, a fan of exotic calibers, or simply appreciate first-year production guns with unique features, this Model 53 checks all the boxes. It’s a prime piece of revolver history from an era when experimentation led to some of the most distinctive firearms in the S&W catalog. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a look at the condition of the item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.