Model 53 Package

[Fredo Batali]

Back in June I picked up this Model 53 "package". Six inserts, extra cylinder, tools, paperwork, and invoices from Smith & Wesson for additional work. It included the the original hammer and trigger as well. I haven't shot it yet but will soon (five day self isolation prior to surgery, coming up). I live on 20 acres with my dog and my nearest neighbor is half a mile away. Throw me in that briar patch! Here are a few pics.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[series guy]

That's a beauty. Wonder what happened to the 8 3/8" barrel.

 

[murphydog]

Cool gun and accessories. Is the extra cylinder .22 LR or MRF?

If you touch off any .22 Jets your neighbor will probably still hear them! Good luck with your surgery.

 

[Fredo Batali]

I picked up the package from my friends gun shop in Kelso, WA. He told me the extra cylinder is 22 MRF. I haven't confirmed that yet.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Cool gun and accessories. Is the extra cylinder .22 LR or MRF?

Murphydog
I've never seen a lettered extra cylinder come from the factory in 22 MRF. If you have seen one, I'd like to see it. I'm not saying it never happened. I do know of a Model 53 that had 4 extra cylinders, but they were done by an employee in his spare time.
Fredo
That is a great package. You'll love the Model 53. I have 11 right now.
I have included a few pictures.

 

[jcelect]

Barrel burner!

May I suggest you DO NOT shoot factory ammo in your great mod 53! Factory ammo will erode the barrel at the breech!

This is erosion beginning after a few rounds

This is erosion after many rounds

jcelect

 

[Fredo Batali]

Well, that's not good news, considering the package came with three and a half boxes of Remington factory ammo (not shown in the photos). I guess I'll have to add another caliber to my reloading cabinet.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[Club Gun Fan]

I have shot over 5,000 rounds of factory ammo in one of my Model 53's without any proplems.

 

[Fredo Batali]

Welllll then, I rekon I'll just let er rip and see for myself. Although reloading the caliber would be a new challenge. Always up for one of those rascals

De Oppresso Liber

 

[murphydog]

Don, I have never even handled a model 53, let alone seeing one with an extra cylinder!

 

[22hipower]

Welllll then, I rekon I'll just let er rip and see for myself. Although reloading the caliber would be a new challenge. Always up for one of those rascals

De Oppresso Liber

Loading is not much of a challenge although finding bullets sometimes can be an issue. Sierra .223 45 and 40 grain bullets work well if you can find them (Midway has them sometimes). Much fun to shoot, lots of noise and blast and zero recoil. . .and accurate. Enjoy it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[jcelect]

Well, that's not good news, considering the package came with three and a half boxes of Remington factory ammo (not shown in the photos). I guess I'll have to add another caliber to my reloading cabinet.

De Oppresso Liber

Sell the factory ammo, $75.00+/box! That's a lot of reloading components!
The mod 53 is noted for locking up the cylinder when the rounds back out of the chamber and stick against the recoil shield using factory ammo unless you clean the chamber after every cycle of 6 rounds and the brass is clean! I reload and stay below max loads in the books and have none of the problems. Just as much fun and the spectators don't notice the difference!
jcelect

 

[glenncal1]

OK enquiring minds want to know what the extra cylinder is chambered for. It would be cool if it was MRF.

 

[Fredo Batali]

Unfortunately, I'm at my house in Vancouver and won't be back home until tomorrow. I'll check then and report back.

De Oppresso Liber

 

[diecidecimi]

Factory extra cylinder is .22 lr chambered. If this one is different, it has been butchered by someone.

 

[CH4]

I picked up the package from my friends gun shop in Kelso, WA. He told me the extra cylinder is 22 MRF. I haven't confirmed that yet.

De Oppresso Liber

Nice find!

Which shop?
I am new to Kelso and regularly visit Gator’s Guns, Sportsman’s Warehouse, the pawn shops and On Target.

 

[rkittine]

A beauty for sure. I have had no problem getting OEM (Reeds Ammo) .222 Jet Projectiles. I was able to get a pretty good stock of original Hornady .222 Jet Projectiles too from various members here. Also bought quiet a bit of new factory ammo (PPU) from TargetSportsUSA. And new PPU Brass too.

If it is a .22 WRM Cylinder (I thought the cylinder was also a different length unless a .22 LR Cylinder was reamed out) then it is made for a slightly bigger diameter projectile.

Mine is an 8 3/8" but I might like to add a 6" to the mix. I did find a Target Trigger to install, but have yet to find a Target Hammer appropriate to this model.

Bob

 

[greenmachine]

I have a target hammer to install on my six inch 53 but can't seem to find a target trigger.

 

[Pine_Worker]

I have a target hammer to install on my six inch 53 but can't seem to find a target trigger.

You might call Jack First Gun Parts. They gave a lot of parts that do not show on their web page. I have been successful with them.

 

[rubiranch]

Very nice and it looks nicer than the one I had.