I just got a model 53 including the matching box and inserts. My questions are, why the barrel and box are stamped, "22 magnum", how long were these guns produced, did they come in different barrel lengths and is there still ammo for it?
model 53 question
- Thread starter fourb20
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bamabiker
Member
It's the 22 Centerfire Magnum that started in 1961 and was discontinued in 1974.
4", 6" and 8 &3/8" barrels with the 6" being the most common.
Ammo, if still available is limited and expensive. To shoot the Jet you need to reload.
4", 6" and 8 &3/8" barrels with the 6" being the most common.
Ammo, if still available is limited and expensive. To shoot the Jet you need to reload.
plattincreek
Member
You really are going to have to reload if you want to shoot your new Jet. Hornady occasionally makes the original .222 bullet that was made for the Jet but they are really hard to find. I managed to get a few through Graf and sons reloading and also stocked up on brass. Some of the .223 diameter bullets designed for the older .22 Hornet cartridge work just fine in the Jet. Matter of fact, my Jet prefers them. Jet is easy to reload... nothing tricky about it. All of the stories you've heard about cylinders locking up from back pressure are true. There have been times when nothing but a rubber hammer would work to open the cylinder. Take something with you to punch out the empties cause the ejector usually won't. Other than those frustrations, its a fun gun.
MrG5122
Member
Congrats on acquiring one of the most entertaining S&W's they ever made. As said earlier you need to reload to afford to shoot a 53. I found dies, brass, and bullets for less than a box of factory ammo. Dies don't come up very often but if you find a set in a gun shop they're usually pretty cheap. I picked up brass here on the "Misc. for sale" forum. I load the 40 and 45gr Sierra .223's. FUNFUNFUN!!!
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MrG5122
Member
The hardest thing for me is talking myself out of putting a scope on it. Then I go out and blow up grapefruits at 100yds.
MrG5122
Member
I take Qtips and a bottle of alcohol(rubbing alcohol) to the range with mine. Swab the chambers every couple of cylinders full. No worries.
SuperMan
Member
OP
My gun came with one cylinder but I see some with two, am I missing one. The cylinder I have is for .22 jet and I have the inserts for .22 longs.
Some came with two cylinders and the rest just had one.
I might be able to help. You need the number off the bottom of the butt including the letter K. Any other numbers are meaningless.
I don't like to guess at ship dates, but, I'll take a stab. 1974. I have seen dates in the shipping books where three consecutive numbers shipped 3 years apart. Only a factory letter will get you an honest date.
Well, the story is: when Smith and Wesson announced they would discontinue the model 53, the buyer went to his dealer looking for one and none could be found. The dealer located a S&W salesman who had one in his possession. The puzzling thing to me is that it is a no dash gun. Not on the crane or on the box.
I would suggest you get a factory letter. In your note tell Roy that we spoke.
J. R. WEEMS
Member
As to the lock up problem, just keep everything DRY-- Chambers etc. It should be ok. 
I have taken it in on consignment and have thought about just buying it myself so I could do as you have suggested. This is an 8 3/8 with both cylinders, inserts, cleaning kit, aluminum handled screw driver and original box.
Sounds like a great piece. I have 3 8 3/8" Model 53's. I carried a 6" on duty. My Chief told me too never do it again. I took him to our range. You should have seen the smile on his face. He bought one for himself. Let me know if you decide to sell it.
It is definitely going up for sale. I'm just trying to do all the groundwork first. I may have to buy it outright in order to have time to do it justice. Thanks for the replies and I hope I didn't hijack the thread
OP
Since I started this I will ask another question; the age of my 53 4K53xx, anyone know?
