My New Model 53

[miltmilton]

Just pickup a beautiful Mod 53 (no dash) today at the local gun/knife show. I couldn't find any Jet ammo so had to settle on using 22 LR with the inserts at the range. The gun grouped well, however, the experience prompted a few questions:

1. I ran out of elevation adjustment. I noticed that the elevation adjustment is held by spring tension of the rear sight strap. When I got the gun, the elevation screw was all the way down. When I turn the screw I still have lots of threads left but notice plenty of loose movement up and down between the screw and the strap. Could this result in the strap being sprung (bent) and therefore not giving me enough adjustment to move the point of impact up about 3 inches at 25 yards?

2. I realize that each gun would be different, but, generally speaking, what should the difference be between the point of impact of the Jet ammo and 22 LR at 25 yards?

3. If I should be so lucky to find a 22 LR auxiliary cylinder for the gun, what are some of the things I should be aware of? I realize it'll have to be fitted to the gun, but are there any differences between the various engineering changes?

4. And one general question. I've noticed the reluctance of sharing complete serial numbers of guns on the forums. How come?

Any help from you guys (and gals) sure would be appreciated.

milt

 

[jrm53]

I have a 53 3 screw with a scope and I measured the rear sight dims. for a forum member and as I recall the sight tang has a curved shape you might remove yours and check it but i think the curve is to load the sight with an upward push to keep any slack out of it. On the ser#'s I am a little goosey about the complete number being shown but thats just me. Jeff

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I have never owned a M53 but I would not think there
would be much difference in the POI at 25 yards. The
reason I think people don't use all their serial number
is it's none of the governments business who owns what
gun. Don

 

[perrazi]

factory jet ammo is almost twice as fast as std vel. 22lr. will make a big difference. goood luck on finding a 22cylinder. you and about 1000 other guys want one or more also. they have to be for a 53 as the window for the cylinder is larger. using a 17 or 18 cylinder would not be long enough. not many bare 22lr cylinders out there and now they bring 400-500 if the person knows what he has. i believe all the 22lr cylinders are the same. btw,if you are going to shoot one of these,plan on loading and use .222 or.223 diameter bullets only. congrats on the new toy, they are addicting

 

[mike d.]

model 53 cylinder exchange

I have recently acquired a model 53 with both cylinders and would like to know before I tinker how to properly exchange the cylinders. can anyone out there explain it to me before I mess something up? S & W is sending me a copy of the owners manual but I haven't received it yet. Thanks for any info you can share. Also, does anyone have any loading suggestions using modern powders available now?

 

[nutsforsmiths]

I have a Model 48 with two cylinders. The way to change them is remove the yoke screw, that is the screw located on the right side of the frame above the trigger guard were the S&W address resides. After the screw is removed, swing out the cylinder and slide the yoke and cylinder out toward the barrel. After the they have been removed, the yoke easily comes off the cylinder. Slide the other cylinder on the same yoke and reverse the process. It is a quick and simple job.

Also, I reload for my Model 53 using 11 grains of IMR 4227 and the Hornady .222 40 grain Jet bullet. I have found that this load works perfectly on new brass, but is too hot on once shot brass. The once shot brass has a problem coming out of the cylinder. When using once shot brass, I drop the charge down to 9 grains and have no trouble with ejecting the spent cases.