Smith and Wesson Model 53 in WMR? Is that true?

Daniel

Daniel

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An older gentleman I know would like to sell a S&W Model 53 in 22 mag (so he says). In looking on the web to suggest a price for him, I found confusing information about the model 53, regarding it originally being chambered in 22-'jet' then the company changing the labeling to '22 magnum'.

His rounds in his ammo case are clearly 22 wmr, but I have to look at the cylinder more closely or the outside shape of the inserts he's using for the cylinder. He says it's a .22 mag, with inserts for .22 long rifle.

The pistol is in 95% condition with a 6" barrel. Any experience with the pistol? What have you seen for prices?

As a side note, he has a few pistols/ rifles for sale. How do you guys go about checking prices, other than going to the gun-shop? I tried looking in the EE, but couldn't find his firearms.

Off to the gun-shop to see what they suggest for price range.

Thanks
Dan
 
S&W Model 53s were chambered for .22 Jet and the barrel stamping read ".22 MAGNUM", as the .22 Jet is also known as the .22 Centrefire Magnum. The cylinder inserts would have to be for the .22 Jet and will have a pronounced bottleneck; a .22WMR chamber wouldn't be big enough to make an insert that could take .22LR. What he likely has is a .22 Magnum, but not the one that most of think of (.22 WMR) when we hear those words.

I don't think any .22 WMR cylinders were made by S&W for the Model 53. A revolver made in .22 WMR would be a Model 48.
 
Thanks for the input guys. Similar to other information I received. I'm pretty sure it's a .22 Jet, with all the inserts. I am also interested in what 'fair market value' would be.

thanks
Dan
 
The .22 Remington Jet M-53 was one of S&W dismal commercial failures the biggest reason being that when firing the bottleneck cased Jet, it was very prone to cartridge case set back in the cylinder or rather out of the cylinder and jamming the cases up against the breechface. This in turn resulted in the cylinder locking up after about 20 rounds or so or depending on how dirty it was. As well the .22 l.r. rimfire aluminum inserts were themselves a pain when dirty and gave less than stellar performance. I had one back in 1976 and quickly traded it off. Todays pricing puts them in a strange category for desireability in that they are more of a curio piece than anything else and generally run about $500.00- $600.00. Why that much I don't know because they are far from reliable, the rimfire inserts are almost impossible to find and brass is also pricey. A year after I parted with mine the same dealer still 3 more he could not sell until he dropped his price to $150.00 from $335.00 I believe.
 
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