M53 Question

[CH4]

I stumbled upon a “minty” 6” M53 with inserts, factory grips, but no box or extra cylinder. LGS is holding firm at $1199. I would appreciate any info about the M53 and if it’s worth having. I know it’s a benefit to reload.

Thanks...

 

[M29since14]

IMO, the Jet is a tinkerer’s gun. If you like to experiment with stuff like that, it’ll be right up your alley. If you’re just a shooter and not so much into the tinkering thing, look for something else.

The real problem with the gun is that it’s made for small targets but it’s not sufficiently accurate or powerful enough to use much beyond 25-yards.

It’s a beautiful revolver. I’ve always enjoyed just looking at mine. From a utility point of view, well, just say I’m a tinkerer, as far as the 53 goes.

 

[CH4]

Thanks! Is $1199 a decent price for a near perfect example with inserts?

 

[Jersey Doug]

Well,,, the good news is PPU makes ammo for the gun. Best to know many (or should I say most) used M-53's have some degree of cone damage from the intensity of the round. At the entry of the barrel, will be beveled not flat across, noticeable even in photos, good question to ask seller.

I've compared the PPU against Remington's ammo had since the 70's and found PPU's have substantially less power, hence less apt to burn out that cone area.

Mine came with the extra .22 LR cylinder and is super accurate in that configuration, not near as well with in Jet though. The casing can get stuck in the camber, I bring along a simple hand tool I made,, when won't eject all six at once do them one at a time with the tool, simple.

First photos the M-53.. Have basically the full S&W line, my M-48 and M-53 .22 mags use the least.

 

[CH4]

Thanks

The gun looks to have been fired very little. Faint turn line, forcing cone and muzzle look new.

 

[M29since14]

Thanks! Is $1199 a decent price for a near perfect example with inserts?

That seems a bit high to me. If I could negotiate away a few hundred of that I’d be a lot happier if I were buying. With box it would be a bit more tolerable. With box and extra cylinder maybe a couple hundred more. In any case, they aren’t making more of them and it’s a scarce item. If you want one, it might take you a while to find one as nice for much less.

BTW, is this an early or later 53? That’s way more than I’d want to pay for a later gun.

 

[Willeys]

With out the box and extra cylinder, the price is a bit too high. However if you like odd rounds that you can reload and experiment with, it may be worth it. Prices of those guns are only going up.

 

[steelslaver]

If you get it, I have lots of new brass. Had several hundred then bought 2000 new from a member. Not going to ever use it all up.

 

[ken158]

As noted, the 53 is not a load and shoot gun. The factory inserts are expensive if you can find them and the extra cylinder that came with many 53's is a big bonus. You would need the box to make it a real collector's item. I would pass... and save my $$$ for something with less drama.

 

[austintexas]

I have a 4 inch m-53 I bought when I found out the were gonna discontinue them. Mine is very accurate with factory and reloads, i shot it way farther than 25 yards. I wipe the ammo before loading and mop the cylinder charge holes every few reloads. There are aftermarket .22 inserts out there that are reasonably priced. If you want a M-53 get it, they are not made anymore and they will increase in value. The old saying is you don't pay too much just too soon. Wear very good hearing protection.
SWCA 892

 

[Dave.357]

I also shoot a jet groundhog at 50 yd.
no problem off hand 75 or more with a rest
The price seems a little hi for no box
or papers but 3years from now it
will sound cheep

 

[dave1918a2]

I have been loading for and shooting My Jet since 1975. The only thing I do is wipe the ammo with carb cleaner and wipe the cylinders also. I have a 4 screw 6 inch and it shoots just fine. I hunt grouse with it during deer season. Right now if the gun is a 4 screw it is worth that price. The inserts are being made and sold by Numerich Arms, (Gun Parts) for $19.95 each.
Factory ammo is coming down a bit with the stuff being sold by PPU. If You can find a spare cylinder for 22LR expect to pay $400+. There was a box on fleabay with 4 inserts and the paperwork that sold for I think $675. Mine likes the Remington viper HV in the inserts, shoots about 1.5 inches @ 25 yds.