Smith & Wesson S&W 53-2 .22 Remington Jet Magnum 6″ Centerfire Double Action Revolver – Box & More
SOLD FOR: $1,625
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 53-2, the .22 Remington “Jet” Centerfire Magnum Revolver
Serial Number: 4K48529
Year of Manufacture: 1974, last year of production
Caliber: .22 Remington “Jet” Magnum (will also fire .22 Short, .22 Long and .22 Long Rifle with included inserts)
Action Type: Single and Double Action Revolver with Swing-Out Cylinder
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “Smith & Wesson”. The right sideplate has the large “S&W” logo. The right side of barrel is marked “22 MAGNUM”. The right side of the frame is marked with the four line Marcas Registradas address. The yoke cut is marked “4K48529” and “MOD.53-2”. The yoke is marked “98513” and over stamped “G14”. The bottom of the grip frame repeats the serial “4K48529”. The left side of the grip frame is marked with the number “98513”, large letter “B14”,”E7”,”E4” and “E1”. On the right side of the grip frame is the letter “W” in a circle, the letter “H” inside a triangle and the number “5”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is the blued ramped 1/8” Baughman Quick Draw serrated blade on a blued ramp base. There is an S&W micrometer click adjustable rear sight. The top of the barrel is serrated to reduce glare.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Oversize walnut target stocks with S&W medallions. The checkering is sharp and we can find no scratches. The grips rate in about Excellent overall condition.
Type of Finish: High Polish Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright, smooth and the rifling sharp and deep. There is no erosion in the barrel or forcing cone. This firearm has light marks from firing and a light imprint on the recoil shield and firing pin bushing. The bore rates Excellent.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its metal finish. There are light scratches on the right side frame above the trigger. They are light scuff markings overall from handling. The screw heads are sharp, clean and undamaged. The markings are clean and sharp. Overall, this handgun rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: This handgun has the .400” semi-target checkered hammer and the serrated .265” combat trigger. The double action is smooth and definite, and the single action break is light with no discernible creep. The frame mounted trigger stop is in place. The cylinder lockup is tight with minimum play. The action functions correctly. The barrel is pinned. We did not test fire this revolver.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes in a blue factory cardboard box. The box has the silver factory print on the top. One end of the top lid is marked in silver “Smith & Wesson .22 Magnum Blue Finish Model 53 6-inch Barrel”. The other end of the box has the white factory shipping label which repeats “53-2, B, 6, T, 4K48529”. This label is torn and damaged for 1”. The entire box is in Fine condition. Inside the box is corrosion resistant paper, a reinforcing layer of cardboard and a blue color cardboard cutout which holds the revolver along with (6) .22 Long Rifle steel inserts. A safety instruction pamphlet, a list of factory service centers, an advertisement for S&W law enforcement supplies, holsters and a list of factory warranty stations are provided. In a sealed plastic bag is a factory bore mop, chamber mop, bronze brush, and cleaning rod. The accessories all appear unused, and the accessories and paperwork are in Excellent condition.
Our Assessment: This is a double-action revolver built on the square butt “K” medium frame with four screws. Blue finish, 6” barrel, 6 shot fluted and recessed cylinder 1.67” in length. Oversize walnut target grips with S&W medallions. It has a shrouded extractor rod. This Jet has the factory supplied nickel plated steel inserts to fire .22 rimfire ammunition. These inserts have a cutout along the rim to allow a fingernail or knife edge to remove the spent .22 rimfire case. However, in the author’s experience, it was easy to push the spent cases out with the included cleaning rod. This Jet is manufactured with a “switch” on the hammer nose to select one of the dual frame mounted firing pins for either centerfire or rimfire. These guns were produced from 1961-1974. These guns have tremendous value for any serious Smith & Wesson collector. The S&W Model 53 introduced the .22 Remington Jet cartridge and is only one of two guns ever produced in the .22 Remington Jet caliber (The other being the Thompson Contender single shot.) These guns have great appeal to varmint hunters and for field use. The author used a Model 53 in the early 1970s in northwestern Arkansas, being light enough to carry in a holster while on horseback. The Jet had the reach and power for tasks. The .22 Jet cartridge “set-back” problems have been well documented but overrated. Keeping the chambers clean with an occasional spray of “Gunscrubber” or naptha made the gun as reliable as most revolvers. The cartridge was a delight to reload, and .357 Magnum brass can be utilized. This particular gun is in fantastic Excellent condition. It is very difficult to find such a collector’s grade firearm. It can only increase in value.
