Can someone advise as much as possible on this model? For example, I see some that say 22 magnum on the barrel?! I thought they were chambered in the 22 jet? I see some with "inserts" that allow you to use 22 lr cartridge! I then see some with an additional cylinder! If it is the true jet, should it have inserts or the other cylinder or is either appropriate?! Also, fair buy/sell price with a box and without if gun is in 95% condition! At this time, do not know the barrel length! Which barrel length is most desirable? Thanks, Tom

A picture is worth many words!

As you can see in the picture of an original box, all came with the 22 inserts, some came with an extra cylinder for 22 LR and all were marked "22 Magnum" on the right side of the barrel! IMHO the 4" barrel is harder to find! The gun wo/box has a nickel finish, which was done by the factory after the original shipment of the gun. There are very few factory nickel original finished guns!
CAUTION! ! When buying these guns you must look at the breech end of the barrel for forcing cone erosion! These guns were "barrel burners" when factory ammo was used and it appears after a few hundred rounds of factory ammo! This picture is a good barrel!

This picture is an eroded barrel!

jcelect

Thank you sir and esp the info about the eroded forcing cone area! Any idea on fair price to both buyer and seller if gun is good? Tom

Price? That's a VERY HARD QUESTION to answer! There are so many things to consider when buying the model 53! Barrel length, barrel erosion, % of original finish, original box(yes/no), condition of original box, extra cylinder, inserts, tools(the tapered swab can sell for $150.00 alone), paper work, dash number, extras(ammo, brass, dies), etc................
I have bought well worn shooters for $700 and collector grade for $1500! I have also seen them go for $2000+! If you do not reload, the only one I would buy would be a "safe queen"! ! ! Too find factory ammo is close to impossible and/or very expensive($75+/box) and it will erode the barrel of your gun! Good luck! ? ! ? !
jcelect

Here is a pretty much complete (except for the red hang tag) 1st year production Model 53 package. It does not have the extra .22 LR cylinder and I have not lettered it to see if it came with one. I wouldn't take less than about $1750 even if I wanted to sell it which I don't.