.22 Jet

[steelslaver]

I doubt the 22 mag .224 bullets care much about the slightly smaller bore on a 53 any more than they do when people to it with lots other 22 revolvers. It hits the forcing cone and instantly becomes bore size. People regularly fire 454 and larger bullets into 452 bores on 45 colts to get accuracy on those with large cylinder throats. The rim thing is also unimportant. The case centers so the 22 mag rim is only .008 farther out from center. The rim is .026 from the case wall so the firing pin will smash plenty it.

Model 53 22 cylinders are rarer and hard to come by. I have picked up an early recessed model 19 cylinder which is the same length. When I work through some of my other projects I plan to ream the chambers to 25/64 (0.3906). Turn some 4140 round stock to 0.391 with a reamed 0.222 bore. Then shrink fit a section of round stock in each chamber, then face them of in my lathe to flush. On the back side I will have to turn the inset for the extractor. Fit a K22 extractor I have to it. Then run a 22 lr reamer in each new chamber. A home made model 53 cylinder. Not cost effective but, to me its interesting.
Once I get my thumb hole stock 6.5 Creedmoore, my 2nd 325 converted to 45 colt and a couple other projects done. I will get to it someday. I also want to make a receiver that a S&W 45 colt cylinder fits in and see how much it takes to blow the cylinder up. So many guns. I spend to much time on here too. LOL

 

[snw19_357]

I had always wanted a 4" Model 53 (a .22 Model 19) but until recently hadn't gotten around to it or found the right one. I figured I'd shoot mostly .22LR out of it with the occasional Jet but shooting the 22 Remington Jet are just way too much fun and it rarely sees a .22LR.

My new to me 4-screw Model 53 with matched .22LR cylinder

which after receiving and shooting was quickly followed by a 53-2 with TT/TH, inserts and box, so I have a place to put the .22LR cylinder.

These quickly became one of my favorite revolvers and I can see I will need a lot more reloading supplies for them.

Congrats on your soon to be 53, Bob. I know you're going to enjoy it immensely.

 

[series guy]

In regard to rim diameter of .22LR vs .22WMR it's only .016 difference meaning the firing pin strike would be .008 closer to the center of the cartridge. I'm not sure this would be an issue.

 

[rkittine]

Just a great excuse for me to get around to buying a Model 48.

Bob

 

[rkittine]

Yesterday I received 500 40 grain .222 projectiles and tomorrow I expect 500 more. I am awaiting ammo from Target Sports USA who are behind in shipping, but have a supply coming. In addition I have 70 pieces of brass and 500 coming, so since I have plenty of primers and powder, I should be able to shoot the heck out of this as soon as the gun club reopens.

The only think I want to do now is find a Target Trigger for it. The Hammer is fine staying as it is.

Bob

 

[rkittine]

Well thanks to everyone on this site and one other forum, I now am all set for .22 Remington Jet. So many people answered me I now have literally Thousands of Once Fired Pieces of Brass, a bunch of new brass and a couple of thousand .222 Projectiled in 40 and 45 grain jacketed forms. Still looking for a K frame target trigger that will work in a late 60s gun like this and an Amorer's Manual which Smith says they no longer have.

I also bought a .22 Jet Barrel for my Thompson Contender, but havfe been told that the TC Barrel is .224 rather than the .222 that the .22 RF and Model 53 are.

I have also, again thanks to many on this site, amassed old loading data from most of the major loading manual companies (older manuals still showing this round, both for the Model 53 and for the TC Barrel) and added to Load Data information, I am throwing together a consolidation of PUBLISHED , not my, load data. Anyone wants one, send me your name and address at [email protected] and when it is done, I will send you a copy.

Now that I have a 53 (As soon as the Pistol Permit office re-opens and I can get it on my permit and from my local dealer) what can you guys tell me about the cylinder lock up issues? I have now read a lot about this. If I just use alcohol and clean the outside of reloaded cases and the inside of the bores and do not load really heavy loads, can I eliminate this issue? What do you have to do if your cylinder does lock up from cases moving back after firing.

Thanks, Bob

 

[Pavia]

I was convinced and bought a pristine 53 with 100rds of PPU ammo. Down side is all ammo and brass is no longer available at all. RCBS dies at $80 only deal. Of course pistol powder and primers are scarce too

 

[nutsforsmiths]

Here's the one I've had for about 20 years. Used to shoot it quite a bit. It was the first caliber I reloaded for. Loud and fun. Had one guy at the range ask me what I was shooting. He said it sounded like a 357, buy the tiny holes in the target threw him! I also have a T/C Contender with a 10" octagonal Jet barrel that's also tons of fun!

 

[bdGreen]

Sometimes the shiny ones are exciting also.

enjoy,
bdGreen

Tap on image to enlarge.

 

[gfors]

I took my 53 to the range yesterday. Didn't bother with the inserts. As others have said, shooting .22 Jet is just too much fun, to mess with .22 rimfire. Besides, I have other guns for that.

 

[gmarshall99]

I'm looking at an M-53 on an auction site now. Has the inserts for .22 magnum, 6 inch barrel, but has rust on the frame, barrel, cylinder. No second cylinder. current price is $850 plus buyers premium.
should I bid on this, and how hi would you go?

 

[bdGreen]

I'm looking at an M-53 on an auction site now. Has the inserts for .22 magnum, 6 inch barrel, but has rust on the frame, barrel, cylinder. No second cylinder. current price is $850 plus buyers premium.
should I bid on this, and how hi would you go?

Taking into account your description of that Model 53, I wouldn't go any higher.
Keep looking if you gotta have one.
bdGreen

 

[rkittine]

I have yet to shoot mine, but one of these days. I did get enough factory ammo, brass and projectiles to carry me for a few years.

Bob

 

[CLASSIC12]

So, what do you think? Should I buy one?



Bob

I didn't know anything abt this revolver but this thread has me made want one.

So before this thread was started I didn't know anything about this gun and this caliber. As I said it made me want one, but I thought I was safe since I didn't think there would be one for sale here in Switzerland.

Wrong, went to the LGS to pick up other guns I bought and he showed me this, together with a few boxes of ammo. I asked him to reserve it for me, I'll pick it up in January

 

[Dave.357]

Here's mine a no dash # K445043 I do not know the year.
Have hit groundhogs out past 100 yards (off a rest)and
The inserts for .22 are accurate but like everyone else
I have other revolvers chambered for .22.