Model 53

[Jetman22]

I have a couple of questions.
I have a model 53 ser # k442xxx in 22 R.E.M. Jet Mag. 6" barrel.
I bought 2 used barrels. A 4" and an 8 3/8"
Barrel.

How hard is it to change barrels myself?

Will there be a problem with the barrels
fitting the frame? Needs gunsmith?

On the 8 3/8 barrel it is missing the small catch that is spring loaded in the barrel. It
Is supposed to have a spring and a small tapered pin that catches on the stem that goes to the yoke. Maybe called ejection rod.
Where can I get one?
Any info is helpful. Thanks


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[iPac]

If you don't have the appropriate frame wrench, frame blocks, and barrel vise blocks then you should just send it to Frank Glenn.

If you did have those, and a vise, you could swap barrels, but you would still need the skill and other tools to properly fit them. So it isn't something you would want to do frequently trying out all the barrel sizes. It would be a one and done thing for me.

Unless someone really wants to learn and make a hobby of it, the cost benefit of sending it off is too much. I recommend Frank because his prices and turn around time are simply amazing for a master pistolsmith. He correct the canted barrel and timing issues on my 629-2E and it only cost me about $180 grand total and only took a week until it was back in my hands.

Since then, I have had the desire to acquire barrel tools, but have held off so far. If I would have known that desire from the start, I would have took that $180 and invested in the barrel tools, but for something I don't plan on doing again it doesn't make sense to tool up.

 

[Targets Guy]

Good to know. Thanks.

 

[Jetman22]

What year was this gun manufactured ?

Where can I get the the spring loaded catch for the yoke stem ?


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[steelslaver]

The little spring, pin and latch pin is easy to come by. Any of them should fit, although I am not sure about the ones from the full underlug barrels. Numerich has them and possibly Midway or by a cheap junk barrel of Ebay that has those parts on it.

To change out barrels you need a frame wrench with inserts to fit a K frame or you could tweak the frame. I clamp the barrel in hard wood blocks. The replacement barrel needs to "time" or tighten up properly with the sights at 12:00 straight up. If not the rear shoulder ust be cut back properly for this to happen. Then the part of the barrel that fits in the frame opening has to be trimmed to give you the proper gap between it and cylinder. Then the forcing cone need to be adjusted to be correct for any trimming of the barrel extension. Like said it is kind of a one and done deal, because every time you tighten up another barrel the treads on barrel and frame wear and stretch a little bit. If you tried to do it repeatedly the barrel would start over clocking past 12 o'clock. I would stick with the 6" barrel or go to the 8 3/8". The 4" barrel would be a waste on a Jet IMHO. I have a 6" and am happy with it as to the longer barrels are to much trouble to carry around unless you just pack it to the range in a box or something.

 

[Engine49guy]

Your Model 53 is from around 1961,
You can try Brownells, Numrich etc for the parts your looking for or you can remove them from the barrel you are not using and put them in the other.

I would not recommend removing a barrel as you can crack or bend the frame if you make a mistake and then the gun is just a collection of parts for sale.

Once installed the barrel cylinder gap needs to be checked and adjusted especially important on Magnum calibers r very bad things can happen.

I just checked the Frank Glenn gunsmith site and its down, dont know if he either is having web problems or ?
S&W may do the swap but they are iffy on working on older S&W's as they do not have the old parts in stock and will not want to return a handgun that isnt in firing condition for liability reasons.
Someone recently stated that S&W prefers to cut the old barrel to reduce the chance of frame damage so you lose the original in the process.

Another option is to sell the gun and barrels and buy one in the length you prefer but 53's are not very common especially in 4" anymore.

I would start by calling S&W and see what they say and quote.