S&W Model 53: What to pay?

[GunNut]

Stopped by a local dealer today, noticed that he has a Smith & Wesson Model 53 for sale.

He has it marked as "22 magnum", is that correct?

It is blued w/wear on the cylinder and barrel near the front sight.

Being on a revolver kick, I wondered if this would be a good addition to the family.

So, what can you guys tell me about this gun?

What should I offer, if it is something I should buy?

Thanks,
Steve

 

[Gordon]

Yes it's real and a nice 90+% one is $600 up. 8 3/8" barrels are the premium ones. 4" ones are a joke but I would still buy one cheap. I'd start with 4 $100's waved in face, sounds like a 80% one.

 

[BluesBear]

Gunnut, is that the one for sale in Edmonds?


S&W called it the .22 Centerfire Magnum.
Remington called it the .22 Jet or .22 Remington "Jet" Magnum

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I've seen those S&W model 53's LNIB, with all the bell's
and whistles bring some ungodly amount's. Gun show
prices on that particular firearm in pristine condition
can and sometimes do run in the $750-900 price range.
Would I pay it? NO Who would? Mostly collector's ONLY

FWIW, I'd rather have a S&W model 48 in .22 magnum.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[farscott]

While the gun has some collector's value, please be aware that you must reload or have some really deep pockets to shoot the .22 Remington Jet AKA .22 Magnum. Remington has not loaded ammo for quite some time, and the only source for loaded ammo is Ye Olde Western Scrounger. The brass, other components, and dies are readily available if one reloads.

It is important to keep the chambers clean and dry when shooting the .22 Remington Jet; otherwise, case setback can jam a fired case against the standing breech. I degrease the chambers before I shoot my example.

An original M53 should come with chamber inserts that allow the use of .22 LR, an auxillary cylinder chambered in .22 LR, or both. The M53 has a hammer with two firing pins that are selected by a switch on the hammer; this setup looks a bit like the T/C Contender hammer with the exception that the hammer switch rotates vertically on the M53 versus horizontally on the Contender.

Value is extremely variable, but I picked up a nickel M53 for about $275 last year. I have also seen them for more than $1000.

 

[BigG]

My ole bud Ala Dan and I agree that the Model 48 .22 Rimfire Magnum is a wonderful piece for somebody who wants a little more steam than a 22LR. I miss mine!