Smith & Wesson S&W Model 53-2 .22 Remington Jet / .22LR 8 3/8″ Revolver C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,576.00
LSB#: LSB260611JS055
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: 53-2 The .22 Centerfire Magnum “The Jet”
Serial Number: 4K48602
Year of Manufacture: 1973 / C&R (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson)
Caliber: .22 Remington Jet (Also fires .22 LR using the steel chamber inserts)
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 right side of the frame has S&W’s monogram logo and the four line Marcas Registradas. The yoke cut is marked “MOD. 53-2” and with the serial number. 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, Solid Rib
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated ramp blade 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. The topstrap and rib are serrated and have a matte finish to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered target grips with S&W medallions at their tops and extractor relief. There is light handling wear. The checkering is sharp with minor peak loss. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Fine 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. There is minor fouling. This bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 98% of its metal finish. There is light handling and storage wear. There are minor drag lines along the barrel. The action shows operational wear. There is a turn line on the cylinder. The case-color remains vibrant. The screw heads are strong. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates a Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lock up produces minor play at each chamber. 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 barrel marking 22 Magnum refers to Smith & Wesson’s contemporary “.22 Centerfire Magnum” terminology for the .22 Jet, not .22 WMR. There is also a hammer-mounted firing-pin selector to select between rimfire and centerfire.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Serial matching S&W cardboard box with reinforced corners, paperwork, cleaning kit, and 6x steel .22 LR inserts.
Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 53 was introduced in 1961 as one of the company’s most unusual and mechanically inventive K-frame revolvers. Developed around the bottlenecked .22 Remington Jet cartridge, the Model 53 was marketed as the “.22 Centerfire Magnum” and offered exceptionally high velocity for a revolver of its era. Smith & Wesson further increased its versatility by incorporating two frame-mounted firing pins selected by a switch on the hammer, allowing the same revolver to fire .22 Long Rifle ammunition through steel chamber inserts. The Model 53-2 engineering variation appeared in late 1961 when Smith & Wesson eliminated the trigger-guard screw and revised the cylinder stop; notably, there was never a Model 53-1. Offered with 4″, 6″, and 8 3/8″ barrels, the Model 53 remained a highly specialized sporting and varmint revolver until production ended in 1974.
This late-production Model 53-2 remains in particularly attractive condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original blue finish with only light handling and storage wear, minor barrel drag marks, operational wear, and a cylinder turn line. The checkered target stocks remain in Fine condition with sharp checkering and no chips or cracks, while the bright 9/10 bore retains sharp rifling with no erosion. Mechanically, the revolver remains strong with tight lockup, only minor play at each chamber, a smooth double-action pull, and a crisp single-action release. The serial-matching Smith & Wesson box, paperwork, cleaning kit, and complete set of six steel .22 LR chamber inserts are especially desirable, preserving the unusual dual-caliber capability that distinguishes the Model 53 from virtually every other Smith & Wesson revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids! -MY