I just acquired a model 53-2. It is unfired, and includes a pristine box with papers, cleaning kit, and 22 magnum adaptors. It did not come from the factory with a 22lr cylinder. Serial #4K49xxx. What year was this manufactured? What changes does the -2 designate? Real world value? Thanks.

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If the cleaning swab is tapered I paid about 135 for one. You ahve a pricey revolver better heads than mine will tell when and what it is worth.

Depending on what part of the country I'd say from about $1000 to $1250.
Pictures look GREAT!
DOB around '72-73.
The -2 started in '62 and eliminated a screw in the trigger guard.
The model was discontinued by '74.

I think the price above is about right for LNIB.
The inserts are for 22 LRs not magnums.

I think it would be worth about at least $1,000.

The 6" barrel length is the most common version, followed by the 8 3/8' and then the 4" barrel length.

Very nice pistol.

That is very cool.

What a cool acquisition, it must have taken you back in time...except for the price of course. A complete package like that unfired and pristene as it is would even go higher in Kalifornio.

Looks like you have bothe swab; one tapered for chamber diameter and one straight for bore diameter. Don't you just love the cleverness of that little switch on the hammer for centerfire and rimfire?

Just FYI, there was no 53-1 since the Model was introduced as the Model 53 after the date of the right-to-left hand thread change on the ejector rod and then jumped to 53-2 as stated above. They were discontinued as the -2 in 1974 with a ton of other classic Smiths of low sales volume. That's an official year of mourning for Smith collectors by the way.

Early inserts were in 22 Mag but they split in use so by the production of yours they should be for 22 LR.

All the best,

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thanks to everyone who responded. I've always been more of a Colt guy, but have been buying alot more S&W lately. The early ones just look so pretty in that blue box. I have alot to learn about dates, models, and such regarding S&W. Judging by the answers I've received so far, I've come to the right place.

I would not leave it in that box for long term storage. At one of the recent gun shows there was one that looked very good until you picked it up out of the box. It had sat in the box for a long time and there were several places where the finish was ruined on the right side.

Your 1st source and most complete is the Standard Cat of S&W 3rd Ed.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I paid $1150 for LNIB 4", correct blue box, inserts, 3-T's and extra .22 LR cyl.

That is a very nice find nevadacoz, a nice collectable model.
I see a few in 6" at local shows from time to time but they are never LNIB but are priced as such. I have a mod 53 6" with the extra 22 LR cylinder that shipped in Dec. 1961 and I would love to find a 4". The post from CJS57 makes me drool.
Steve

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Birds like shiny new toys too.

Did someone say 4" model 53:



And dont forget the long tubes, which for the .22 jet may make the most sense:

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

WOW ! Just gorgeous. I guess now I'd love to find the long tube variant as well.

Steve

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Birds like shiny new toys too.