Question on a Smith 53 22 jet

[Alaskapopo]

I am getting the opportunity to buy a 53 Smith for $80. The problem is its heavily rust pitted. The finish looks like crap now. I am not sure how bad the bore is. I was thinking of having the gun refinished and having it re-chambered for 357 mag. Is this a cost effective idea. The gun is so cheap due to the damage but during dry firing the action still feels good and it looks salvagable. Thanks for your input. I would not mind trying it as a .22 jet if the bore is ok. Also can they bore out the existing barrel and cylinder or do I need to buy new ones. Thanks guys.
Pat

 

[Jim Watson]

If the bore and chambers are good and you want to have it refinished in a dull bead blast blue or Parkerizing to minimize the visibility of rust damage, I think it would be a fun way to learn the ins and outs of the Jet.

But by the time you replace or rechamber the cylinder, replace or rebore the barrel, and then refinish, you will have more than the price of a sound second hand .357 in a rusty parts gun.

 

[.41Dave]

I agree with Jim. As a shooter 53 it would be great, but it would not be cost effective to make it into a .357.

 

[Alaskapopo]

Thanks guys. I will see if ti can be restored to a 22 jet. I will have to pick up some dies.
pat

 

[BlindJustice]

You might contact via email Bowen Firearms - Hamilton S. Bowen
if you supplied some attached photos have an idea of possibilities He
could - on the K-Frame recommends conversion to .32-20 - with a
new barrel and appropos. cylinder, you'd have a sweet shooter
a unique S & W and a Bowen S & W revolver. THe frame hmm,
cleaned up and maybe case hardened ???

or let me buy it and take a shot at the above

.

 

[Hutch]

In that condition/price, I assume the .22lr chamber inserts have long since been lost. If not, it would be an even more impressive deal.

 

[gezzer]

For 80 bucks buy it if the bore and chambers are ok. You will not be restoring it to a 22 jet it already is. You would be having it refinised.

Try cleaning the rust of with 2/0 or 4/0 steel wool and wd-40 you may be surprised how it will look. For 80 bucks it's a shooter the finish need not be perfect.

 

[Alaskapopo]

Thanks again guys. Its an evidence gun the department sold to an FFL. The FFL gave officers first dips on the guns. It seemed like a waist to let it go.
Pat

 

[Alaskapopo]

Here is the deal guys. We are selling our evidence guns to a FFL and he has given officers first dips at a lower price. I looked at the 22 jet again today and the bore looks ok actually and so do the chambers. I do want to refinish it though. This was taken from a case back in 1974. I was born in 1973. I am pretty happy about the condition on this gun. Where can I get 22 chamber inserts.
pat