Model 53 Cylinder

[Retired W4]

Over the weekend I picked up a model 53 with inserts and extra 22LR cylinder. I have read that the inserts have not been successfully reamed for 22 mag. My question is can the 22 LR cylinder be bored to 22 magnum specs? It looks as the ejector star and rim counter bore would be the hard (delicate) part.

It seems redundant to have LR inserts and the cylinder too. A three caliber gun (Jet, LR, Mag) would be great.

 

[monsai52]

With the current high value for the M-53 22LR cylinders, it would significantly lower the value of your 53 with extra cylinder if you bore it for 22 WMR. I'd leave it alone.

Best regards,

 

[Retired W4]

Thanks, and hello VM. I'll post pictures in the A.M. when I have good light

 

[Nesmith]

I picked up a Model 53-2 last year that came with a 22 cylinder that had been rechambered to 22 WRM. The revolver came without the Jet cylinder (or the rear sight assembly, for that matter). I purchased it through the internet with the hope that the cylinder was misidentified and was still in 22 LR. Sadly, it isn't.

The rechambering was done fairly well. The rim recesses were cut very well and reblued. No signs of misalignment on any of them. The charge holes themselves could have been done smoother, though. As is, they present some difficulty in ejecting the brass from hotter WRM rounds, but work fine with other WMR as well as WRF. I'm tempted to polish them lightly.

This Model 53-2 somewhat replaces a first-year M53 that I foolishly let get away from me a few years ago. It had a factory-fitted and serial-numbered 22 LR cylinder, inserts, and box.

 

[keithhagan]

With the current high value for the M-53 22LR cylinders, it would significantly lower the value of your 53 with extra cylinder if you bore it for 22 WMR. I'd leave it alone.

Best regards,

Not germane to what the OP asked.

 

[M29since14]

…It seems redundant to have LR inserts and the cylinder too. A three caliber gun (Jet, LR, Mag) would be great.

I have a solution for you. Just throw or give away your inserts. Then there won't be any redundancy. Please don't modify the .22 LR cylinder you have for that gun.

If you want to shoot .22 WRFM, buy your Jet a brother Model 48 revolver.

 

[Muley Gil]

Sounds like Retired W4 and Nesmith need to swap cylinders!

 

[Muley Gil]

Not germane to what the OP asked.

Sure, it is.

If it were me that was posting about turning a $300 S&W cylinder into a $50 one, I'd dang sure want to know about it!

 

[BC38]

Sure, it is.

If it were me that was posting about turning a $300 S&W cylinder into a $50 one, I'd dang sure want to know about it!

Just what I was thinking.
Except that I think your estimates are way low.
Jack them up to $500-$600 for the M53 22LR and $100-$150 for the M48 and I think you'll be more in the ballpark.
At least from what I've seen.

 

[Retired W4]

OK. I'm convinced I should not modify the cylinder. BTW, I picked up a 6" 48-4 with orig. box the same day, which should satisfy my 22 mag cravings. The last Expo show I got a 4" 48 which I believe I already posted. Things are picking up around here.

 

[austintexas]

Years ago I picked up a 6" M-53 with a .22 mag cylinder that was serial numbered to the revolver. I bought it at a pawn shop and as I was leaving the clerk asked if I wanted the extra cylinder and inserts, I had to hunt down a rear sight since it had a scope on it. Total out the door $450, they obviously didn't know what they had.
SWCA 892

 

[NSDTR]

I picked up a Model 53-2 last year that came with a 22 cylinder that had been rechambered to 22 WRM. The revolver came without the Jet cylinder (or the rear sight assembly, for that matter). I purchased it through the internet with the hope that the cylinder was misidentified and was still in 22 LR. Sadly, it isn't.

The rechambering was done fairly well. The rim recesses were cut very well and reblued. No signs of misalignment on any of them. The charge holes themselves could have been done smoother, though. As is, they present some difficulty in ejecting the brass from hotter WRM rounds, but work fine with other WMR as well as WRF. I'm tempted to polish them lightly.

This Model 53-2 somewhat replaces a first-year M53 that I foolishly let get away from me a few years ago. It had a factory-fitted and serial-numbered 22 LR cylinder, inserts, and box.

I have an Extra Jet I'd trade for that Mag one

 

[steelslaver]

Sure, it is.

If it were me that was posting about turning a $300 S&W cylinder into a $50 one, I'd dang sure want to know about it!

If you know where there is a $300 model 53 cylinder I will take it even if it has no blue left. I have not seen any for under $500