Just picked up a very nice Model 53 of 1961 vintage (K439544). Looks pristine and barely fired. Came with 22LR inserts, S&W maintenance tools, box (not correct), and 100rds of PPU 22 Jet ammo. No serial number on the grips. Already have RCBS die set and another 200rds. Now if I can just find small primers... 😊









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Wow, that’s a super nice 53. Gotta love the loud bang and no recoil.

I have one close to yours. # 444444 , shipped 6-30-1961. N.I.B. Big Larry

My Model 53 is just shy of S/N K440,000 and also shipped in June of 1961. They are a lot of fun. I happened to buy it about the same time as PPU started to make ammo for it which was quite a relief. Before that time, finding an old box of factory loads at a gun show meant shelling out about $60.

If you can find a .22lr cylinder for it (I know much easier said than done) it is cool the have a K-22 with a shrouded extractor rod and ramp front site. Mine is very accurate with the .22lr.

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Jim
Many K and N Frames

Went to range with some PPU ammo. Very accurate and, yes, very loud! There was a lady next Lane over learning to shoot for the first time. Felt bad about the shockwaves she was exposed to haha.

I cleaned the oil out of the cylinders with some alcohol but still had some issues. Very hard extraction. Had to use a small rod to knock the brass out. And a couple cylinder lockups. I traced the issues to one chamber. Maybe needs some polishing.

But there was a sign this pistol is for me... on the way home I stopped at Bass Pro and sitting on the shelf was a lone brick of CCI-550 small magnum pistol primers at regular price. And H110 powder above it. Good karma!

I have one of the last made M53's. It is a 4K 8 3/8"er from 1974. I am assuming it is a M53-2, but it is stamped M53 only. My buddy just brought it back to me today as he had Ren Waxed it and the original box. It has the 3 T's and the auxiliary cartridges for 22 LR's. Almost mint, I have been searching for years for a 22 LR cylinder for it. Found one, but it had been ruined by its previous owner. I sent it to S&W and they tried to fix it of no avail. Big Larry

Like them 53s

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"IN GOD WE TRUST"

Loved my 53, never once had an issue with extraction , used Hornady spray cleaner , drys clean no residue or oil , I used hoppes on the barrel and gun exterior if needed. My handloads were mid range to real hot! .222, .223, snd .224 bullets used , I still have a box of loaded ammo snd .222 Hornady jet bullets somewhere. The PPU loads I never used they cane out after I sold mine. But their ballistics are way to mild fir a jet IMO. Good luck with it and enjoy!

Mine is serial number 442419....shipped in June of 1961.. lots of fun to shoot...mine has a 2x scope on it..

Robert

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Robert
SWCA #2906, SWHF #760