I ran across a model 53 in the shop today on consignment. It has a 6" barrel, checkered targets with diamonds. The inserts are all there and in great shape also. I looked it over close and couldnt find a scratch besides the turn line, I see no blueing wear anywhere else. Grips are perfect also and match the gun. It has adj rear sight, bore and chambers like new. #440,403 /1961. I just wanted opinions of what price range this should be in. Thanks

box, extra cylinder, th,tg, rr,wo, papers, tools,all add to the overall value. what do they want for it? are pics possible, would be a great help.

I've only ever seen one in in person; pretty uncommon gun! Back when most Smiths were only valued as shooters, these things were pulling more than the very early long action .357s!

It'll be interesting to find out what it's worth. Good luck if this is something you are looking to buy.

In the near-mint condition you describe, and accompanied by all the items Perrazi mentions, I would consider this a high 'teens package. Maybe even $2000-2100 in places like California, where M53 sales are still limited to those already in state because they do not yet enjoy C&R status. But in a couple of years the gates will begin to open and these guns will start becoming eligible for import.

Without the box, docs, cleaning kit and auxiliary LR cylinder, I'd think it might be a $1000-1300 gun. The LR cylinder by itself is a pricey item as there are so few loose ones around.

I know that price will sound ludicrous to some long-time owners of these interesting guns, particularly if people live in a corner of the world where M53 supply outruns local demand (if such places exist). But I haven't seen a cheap one of these in ages, and I believe they are on their way to attaining K-32 status as shooters and collectibles.

I don't think I have ever heard an estimate of how many were produced.

In case you didn't know, 440403 is an early serial number. Mine is 474-something (shipped 1963), one of the later four-screw models.

I'd be interested to hear the asking price on the one you saw.

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David Wilson

The original box and all the accessories really add to the value of these guns. The extra cylinder if #'d to the gun would add tremendously. However, if you actually read the OP the poster didn't mention any of these valuable extras.
I've been at Tulsa since Friday morning and there are a LOT of nice jets here. I've seen 4's, 6 1/2's and 8 3/8's.
Only one had the original box and papers and it was a 98% 4" with the right grips. That one sold for $1100.00
One of the 8 3/8's had a box but it was a wood box and was missing the liner so I doubt it was original. It was missing the correct grips and had a plain set of Goncalo -Alvez Football targets. That one is again about 98% and at $1100 is still sitting on the guys table.
The two 6 1/2's were missing the boxes both were in the 95% category and were priced in the mid to upper 900's and still sitting there this afternoon.
All of the above mentioned guns had the inserts.
I think you could buy either 6 1/2 tomorrow for $800-850
The other 8 3/8 looked like a 99% gun until I picked it up and spotted 3 neatly drilled and plugged holes in the top strap. He had $900 on that gun without a box and gave me a nasty look when I pointed to the holes.
This should be a real current thermometer for anyone who's going to buy one of these at this time.
As always the primo examples sell even if they are a little high. The rest will just sit there.
OH...I also saw some if the usual IDIOTS....$1600-2000 for no box guns in similar condition to the one's above.
I don't know what goes on in some people's minds....
K-32 Status???? I seriously doubt that will EVER happen..Smith made way too many Jets compared to K-32's

Standard Catalog shows total Jets manufactured to be 14,956.

A word of caution: Jets become addictive. A year ago I had seven. I've been able to sell down to four. But I still get the urge whenever I see another.

Dave

siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

Great responses as usual! This gun has no box/docs or extra cyl. The rear sight is a micro click adj. I am not sure if it has a target hammer and trigger I dont think so though. I would call it a 98% + gun. The asking price is 700. I am just wondering how annoying it is to have to pick the spent cases out. Other than that I see no reason to not buy this one.
I did check completed auctions but a direct comp is not always there. Here I get opinions with explanation from qualified people, which is as good as it gets

tjs, thank you that is a very current thermometer of market conditions. Very helpful, as were all other responses.

David Wilson:

The Model 53 IS listed as a Curio & Relic and can be imported into California !

Jerry

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.38/44 Outdoorsman Accumulator

Dang! I checked that and you're right. Don't know how I missed that. Thanks for the correction.

And since I am now likely to spend even MORE money on 53s and accessories because I know I can, maybe I should curse you for the correction as well.

Pitdog, I would jump on that gun at $700. Don't worry about the annoyance of picking empties out of the inserts; one of the pleasures of Jet ownership is complaining about the technology that makes them so fascinating in the first place.

Yeah, I was kind of overboard on the K-32 comparison, so I take that back -- but I still think these things are money in the bank in the long term, and fun to own and use while they appreciate.

Is it true that hyperenthusiasm and ignorance in company are markers of addictive behavior? I'm copping to both here. Maybe I need an intervention.

By the way, I just picked up a loose 8 3/8 inch Jet barrel a couple of days ago. Not sure yet what use I will make of it, but it just seemed like something I ought to have in the parts locker.

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David Wilson

I went back and gave a closer look at the 53. It does have a target hammer and the trigger is grooved but its not a big wide target type. The front sites are just plain ramped with no red but the ramp base has the barrel serrations integrated. It has a very small blue wear spot on the right side of the muzzle. I removed the grips no number but they looked and felt like the had never been off the gun and they are perfect. I find no scratches or imperfections anywhere else. I told them at 600-650 I would feel comfortable.I wasnt really considering a jet at all until I found this one, but the cool factor is very high on this one. If they tell me no price reduction I will probably buy it for 700. The only guys that are interested in this type revolver at my shop are sure a gun they were offered at one time way back for 200 could'nt possibly be worth 700. So I think I have a little time to try and work a deal.

Over the years there has always been some type of interest in a model 53 for the simple fact they are somewhat of a novelty item. A .357 case necked to a .22 cal bullet with a bunch of powder behind it is a sight to behold in low light conditions. Most 53's were played with, shot, and enjoyed for the simple fact they were really cool to shoot! To this day since its introduction in 1961 the 53 has had a following simply because of the "cool" factor. While it may not be as rare as the K-32 I have to somewhat agree with Mr. Wilson that the 53 is a very good investment just like the K-32 its just not as pricey. My opinion is buy the gun, enjoy it, take care of it, and in years to come you will not be sorry. -Chad

Model 53's ARE C&R by definition. Look it up. They are on the exceptions list. It doesn't matter what year it was made. They have been declared Curios even though they haven't reached relic (50 year old) status yet.

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

Thank you. GLL also called me on that in a post above, and I acknowledged my ignorance in a response there. I am so used to thinking in terms of the half-century "relic" mark that I lose track of the "curio" half of this category.

Now if we could only get the 547 defined as a curio...

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David Wilson

You can always submit a request to the BATF. It doesn't cost anything and you never know...
They are essentially the same gun as their .38 Spl counterpart, yet they have a much higher intrinsic value. Their scarcity doesn't hurt either. I bet there were higher numbers made of some of the Colt or Win. commemoratives that have been added to the list!

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Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

$700 is a fair price for a 53 with no extras. As a matter of fact, it's better than fair.

jet target hammers will bring in the 100-150 range and sell rather quickly. can you tell if the sideplate has been off? it may have been added later. usually when a wide hammer was present, so was the wide trigger. i wouldn't hesitate on this if you want a jet. price sounds good for the condition of gun. as stated above, they are just plain cool to shoot. you will need to reload, as factory ammo is somewhat scarce, and expensive when you find it. remington was only factory source and none made for 20-25 years now. good luck, my favorite of all the smiths.

Hey Moose how are ya buddy?

I will check back on it this week tues or wed, if I end up not getting it for what I want I will tell you guys where it is located.

All of the Jets that I said were on their tables yesterday were still there when I left today.
I did see one more 4 inch that I didn't spot before. 99% in the original box w/ kerrekkt grips all the papers and inserts......$1100.00
I'd a tried to talk the guy down a little bit and bought it but I was on my way out the door with a LOOONG drive ahead of me (in a TORRENTIAL downpour!!) and had already spent almost all my cash.
Look for pics of the guns I bought at Tulsa this time around and some interesting stories concerning their purchase in future threads!

You got THAT right! Pete

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NRA LIFE 1974

Hopefully factory loaded .22 jet ammo might make a reappearance... my December issue of Handloader magazine arrived a few days ago with the cover screaming in bold red letters ".22 Remington Jet - T/C to the Rescue".

The article says 16" Contender barrels in .22 Jet are now being made by T/C, and it sure would be nice if it sparks a resurgence in interest and spawns loaded ammo.

The article is a good one, not only is it about T/C and the new barrel, but it also covers .22 Jet case forming from 357 Magnum brass and has reloading info too.

I bought an unfired M53 6" bbl, with box, papers, tools, inserts and aux .22 LR cylinder a few years ago and just have not been able to work up the gumption to shoot it yet. But turning my T/C Contender Super 14 into to .22 jet carbine with thumbhole stock... now that gets the salivary juices flowing.

what the author of the handloader article didn't tell you was the cost of the forming dies in addition to the loading dies. also it's a major PITA to form jet cases unless you enjoy annealing and trimming. it isn't a simple case form.cases are available from several sources if you look for them.

Just to update, I picked up the Jet tonight. I will post some pics this weekend. It is a cool little gun I like it, after listening to all the advice I think I would have regreted letting it get away. Thanks Dale.

Im a bad photographer but I did promise pics.

Nice Jet i have one with the 8 3/8'" barrel and its a blast to shoot Enjoy!!..

Rick

That is one sweet Smith, thanks for posting the pics.

Troy