Have a 4 screw Model 53 that shipped in May 1961. When I got it it had smooth rosewood target grips. Understand that some Jets came with smooth grips, but mine were of later manufacture so not correct. Mine had the recessed escutcheon which I am told were not produced until 1968.
Also had a Bangor Punta box. None of those boxes until 1965, right? So also not correct.
Sold the box and got I think some correct grips. Diamond Target with flush escutcheon.
Thinking about storing the inserts in the gun since I no longer have a box. Is that OK?
Noticed the inserts have a cut out area on the rim. Is there a right way to have them oriented? I was thinking the open area should be under where the firing pin falls.
Does it matter which way they are oriented? Is there a purpose for the cut out?
Thanks as always for your help.

Attached Images

	20230427_124311.jpg (124.7 KB, 83 views)
	20230427_124144.jpg (121.0 KB, 98 views)

__________________
David Reynolds

Here is my Model 53 that shipped in June 1961. I think all Model 53's shipped with Target Stocks and some were shipped with full target options and a red ramp front/white outline rear sight. I don't think the orientation of the .22 LR inserts matters. I have only run a few cylinders full of .22 LR ammo through my gun just to see how the inserts worked, and then plucked out the fired cases with a fingernail. I wasn't conscious of how I oriented the inserts and didn't experience any issues.

Model 53's are fun !

Attached Images

	Model 53 With Box & Tools.jpg (142.3 KB, 58 views)
	Model 53 with Jet and .22 Ammo Collage pic.jpg (121.7 KB, 60 views)

I keep My inserts in Model 10 HKS speedloaders. Have a few and they stay organized this way.

I think you'll find that those smooth stocks are actually Goncalo Alves rather than rosewood. S&W's rosewood stocks are more uniform in color and don't have the lighter colored areas as seen on those.

Mark

__________________
S&W Forum Member #721

Never used my inserts. Got the LR cylinder. The 53 is a blast to shoot, literally!

This one shipped March 5, 1962 with RR/WO, targets w/ BUTT SWIVEL.

Attached Images

IMG_0628 (2).jpg (85.0 KB, 29 views)

Nice gun...have had the exact same one since about 1974...

As to storing the inserts in the chambers, don't see why not but I would put some lube on the to make sure there is no possibility of corrosion... Then of course clean both the chambers and the inserts with degreaser before use... And the inserts won't get separated and lost as has happened with many 53s...

Bob

Kept clean and oiled I don't see why there would be a problem storing the inserts in the gun. I purchased a 53 online, near mint, original box, inserts and papers. By the time it arrived, going from previous owner, posting dealer and receiving dealer one insert vanished. I have not been able to source another here. One insert missing it's not a complete kit so i purchased another mint 53 in box this time getting the 6 inserts. Don't misplace the inserts.

You are correct on the box, it was not correct for your gun. Mine are pre and post BP so I have one of each body type.

Orientation dose not matter with the inserts. The slit I believe is to facilitate easy removal of the spent case.

I like the idea of using a speedloader to store the inserts......Ben

__________________
Cogito, ergo BOOM!...