Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: 53-2, .22 Centerfire Magnum "The Jet"

Serial Number: K447778

Year of Manufacture: 1961, 1st Year Production

Caliber: .22 Remington Jet

Action Type: Single/Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder, Recessed Chambers, and Center/Rimfire Selectable Hammer

Barrel Length: 8 3/8”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge blade integral to a raised serrated ramp base pinned to the barrel rib. The rear sight is a flat top, square-notch leaf in a micrometer-click base that is adjustable for windage and elevation.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered wood Target stocks with extractor "football" cut and S&W medallions. The grips have some light nicks and scratches, mostly on the bottom face. The right panel has a more notable ding at the bottom edge toward the front. The bottom of the right panel has "C.H.C." hand-carved (fairly shallow). The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly-bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, there is some stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There are some light nicks and scratches, most on the sides of the barrel toward the muzzle-end. The grip areas show light handling wear. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A Eubanks Pioneer Leather flap-holster is included.

Our Assessment: The Smith & Wesson Model 53, “The Jet”, is a really interesting offering from Smith & Wesson, one of only two guns ever produced in the .22 Remington Jet caliber. The model was also sold with chamber inserts allowing for the use of .22 Long Rifle for less expensive plinking (not included with this revolver). The revolver is manufactured with a “switch” on the hammer nose to select one of the dual frame-mounted firing pins for either centerfire (.22 Jet) or rimfire. These guns were produced from 1961-1974 and have tremendous value for any serious Smith & Wesson collector. This example is a first year production 53 made in 1961 with an 8 3/8" barrel and target stocks. The revolver is in Very Good condition, showing signs of responsible use with a good bore and strong mechanics. For the Smith collector, this could make a great addition but it would also be a fun revolver for velocity junkies who want a .22 Remington Jet handgun. Please see our photos and good luck!