53 Jet 4”… value?

[Model29-26.5]

I have a 6” Jet. I’m wanting the 4” at some point.
At least, it is on the list.
I’m seeing a few on GB around the $1500 mark bug no takers for months. I’ve kept a good eye on them.
It would seem that if they are not selling, then they would be overpriced.
I’m hesitant to put a foot forward, but at around 1200 it would seem good because you’d be paying almost 1400 after taxes and fees.
Might just have to pay the premium though.
What say y’all?

The extra cylinder that I found just dropped right into my 6”.
I figure it will probably do the same on any 4”.

 

[steelslaver]

I would start by sending offers to those on GB that have been sitting. Now, is a good time as most want some extra for Christmas

 

[22hipower]

Depends if you just want the gun or the complete package. The 53s I've watched sell in the last year or so (mostly at auctions) have generally sold for upwards of $1500. Those with the box and inserts for more and those with the box, inserts and extra cylinder in great condition for a lot more ($2500+); especially the 4 inch.

I paid $2kish for this package three years ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

https://flic.kr/p/2noAP4D https://www.flickr.com/photos/194934231@N03/

 

[Retired W4]

While I think the 4" 53 is pretty cool I can only imagine the muzzle blast would be even more extreme than it is coming from my 6". Try just six rounds of the old Remington Jet ammo, after sunset, for best effect.

 

[Doc44]

A Model 53-2 shipped in April 1968. I had this in my collection for many years until being sold a few years ago. Click on the photo for a better look.

Bill

 

[Rakkasan13F]

Model29-26.5,

I tried to send you a private message, but your in box is full. Please clear some space and send me a message.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Model29-26.5,

I tried to send you a private message, but your in box is full. Please clear some space and send me a message.

Done! Thanks

 

[Model29-26.5]

Depends if you just want the gun or the complete package. The 53s I've watched sell in the last year or so (mostly at auctions) have generally sold for upwards of $1500. Those with the box and inserts for more and those with the box, inserts and extra cylinder in great condition for a lot more ($2500+); especially the 4 inch.

I paid $2kish for this package three years ago.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

A beautiful set
Mine came with inserts but no box or cylinder. I had to find the extra.
I had a guy in NC make a very nice presentation case for it that I have yet to see in the wood.

 

[jcelect]

I have a 6” Jet. I’m wanting the 4” at some point.
At least, it is on the list.
I’m seeing a few on GB around the $1500 mark bug no takers for months. I’ve kept a good eye on them.
It would seem that if they are not selling, then they would be overpriced.
I’m hesitant to put a foot forward, but at around 1200 it would seem good because you’d be paying almost 1400 after taxes and fees.
Might just have to pay the premium though.
What say y’all?

The extra cylinder that I found just dropped right into my 6”.
I figure it will probably do the same on any 4”.

Sir, be very careful of buying ANY mod 53! With original Remington Factory ammo, they were barrel burners! S&W wanted a round to shoot a 40gr bullet at 2400fps from a 6" barrel, and Remington came really close!

The first pic above is my 6" "shooter", with many rounds thru it! The second pic is from the internet and I would guess that erosion occurred with only a couple hundred rounds.

From my experience, this erosion does not affect accuracy out to about 50yds. However, at 100 yds the gun shoots a better pattern than a group!
jcelect

 

[flundertaker]

Keep in mind a $1500 gun on GB is going to be a $1800 gun by the time it’s in your safe. Fees, taxes, shipping and transfer all add up. I’m still kicking myself for the “good deal” I got on a 19-3 a few years ago on GB.
To answer your question, I bought a nice No dash 4” model 53 at a large show this year for $1500. The stocks were not period correct but nice. It came with inserts but no box or accessories. It was the only 4” at the show. Several 6” and zero 8”.

 

[Model29-26.5]

Thanks.
This gives me the info I need to make decisions.
Consensus is good.
My 53 currently has the 22LR cylinder in.
I doubt I’ll shoot the jets through it much.
I’ve put maybe 4 or 5 cylinders of jet through it.
Seems to be holding up, but this is PPU factory.
I’ll be hand loading these now.

 

[Rick Sanborn]

It took a long time but I put together the three barrel lengths, all boxed with inserts and 22 cylinders. As I recall I paid about $800 on a face to face deal for the 4” but that was a few years back.

 

[flundertaker]

It took a long time but I put together the three barrel lengths, all boxed with inserts and 22 cylinders. As I recall I paid about $800 on a face to face deal for the 4” but that was a few years back.

Boxed with both cylinders and inserts, 4” for $800???? When you say “a few years back”, I hope you mean like 15! Otherwise you absolutely stole it.
Nice collection, dash 2’s? Did the 6” come with the smooth targets?

 

[Rick Sanborn]

I’d have to check on the dash numbers but the 6” came as you see it, with smooth targets.

 

[rmc]

My first M53 was a 4" model. The original owners also got the 22 cylinder AND ordered both of the longer barrels for it. The box has the gun cutout for all three barrel lengths but the box is marked as a 4" model. Paperwork, inserts, and a cleaning set also included. When I read that the 4" was harder to find it went into the safe and I bought a boxed 6" version with inserts. The 6" does show some flame cutting.

 

[Retired W4]

My early 1962 53 came with the "common" 6" barrel. What is not common about it is the factory butt swivel (lanyard loop). I have never heard of another M-53 so equipped. It also came with RR/WO sights. With the original box, inserts, extra cylinder and letter, 2G's. It also letters with target hammer and trigger but I don't know how common those features are. I did not mind paying that price for a gun with those features.

 

[JohnRippert]

I cannot imagine what the muzzle blast would be like on a 4inch .22 Jet

 

[Rakkasan13F]

FYI, here's a recent article on the Model 53 by Luis Valdes the FL director of Gun Owners of America, who goes by Miami_JBT on the board:

Revolver Rant: A Real .22 Magnum '-' Smith & Wesson’s Model 53 in .22 Jet '-' Shooting News Weekly

 

[Model29-26.5]

It took a long time but I put together the three barrel lengths, all boxed with inserts and 22 cylinders. As I recall I paid about $800 on a face to face deal for the 4” but that was a few years back.

This is it. Right here!
I’ll get there.
Fabulous collection

 

[austintexas]

22 jet

I bought my first Jet in '75, I heard they were going to discontinue them, had to pay a premium for it. Paid $200 in 1975 dollars. I was an E-5 making $600 a month. Over the years I've paid more, got all barrel lengths and picked up missing boxes on this forum. Last one I bought was at the last symposium in Tulsa, 6" for $800, didn't need it but the price was right. If I remember there was a new in the box one but it was pricey and someone else had all three barrel lenghts with boxes but they were nickeled. Almost anything you want can be found at the SWCA symposium. I've bought several grail guns at those meetings.
SWCA 892