S&W Model 53 Question

5mmgunguy

Does anyone know what size frame the Model 53 was on? I am guessing it was a N but it could be a K.

perry shooter

99% sure it was K frame if memory serves me [8)] all N frame started with the # 2 back in those days.

charliemeyer007

K frame and its my wheel gun of choice

Dumpster Baby

It's a K frame, the same as the Model 19 Combat Magnum but NOT the same exact frame as the Model 15 Combat Masterpiece. I "converted" a Model 15 to a 53 about 35 years ago, and the barrel's extractor shroud is a bit wider than the mating surface on the Model 15 frame. The same surface on the Model 19 frame is a bit wider. The frame dimensions are very close but there's a little more metal on the front of the Combat Magnum frame.

givette

My 53-2 is a K frame. Oddball cylinders, though. The 22Jet/22LR cylinders for the M53 started out as model 19 cylinder blanks. K22 masterpiece, and other strictly 22LR 6 shot guns have different (shorter) cylinders than the model 53 cyl. The 22Jet is a little scarce, but if you have the optional 22LR cylinder for the M53, you have a rare item. Best, Joe

EDIT: lefty, I wondered about that[barrel marking]also. Someone told me (unconfirmed) that the Jet is known as 22CFM. And doesn't the 22Mag (22WMR) have a different bore dia. than 22LR? Perhaps they used 22WMR barrels during assembly to accomodate the 22CFM. And they were already marked "22 Magnum". The plot thickens. Joe

Laredo Lefty

I have a Smith model 53 .22 Jet. Mine is in the original box with inserts and both cylinders.

An interesting note. On the right side of the model 53 barrels it is stamped 22 magnum. The gun does NOT shoot .22 mag ammo. It will shoot .22LR in one cylinder and the Jet cylinder will shoot .22 Rem Jet or .22LR with the inserts in place.

charliemeyer007

The Jet was before the 22 rim fire mag. Rem Center Fire Mag was too wordy so Jet for its alledged speed. Think Radio Flyer on a wagon. I have seen 22 RF mag cylinder for 53's.

peabo

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This is the box for a 4 screw, I believe made in the first year of production. I had a later production one,IIRC the box was marked .22 Remington Jet Magnum. Maybe the wording on the box was changed after the 22 WRF magnum came out. I believe both barrels were marked '22 Magnum'. The cylinder is a little bit longer than on the model 17 or the model 48.


Thanks---Peabo

5mmgunguy

Guys I think you are jumping to a conclusion that isn't here. The box and barrel may say 22 Magnum...but I don't think S&W was talking about the 22 Wincester Rimfire Magnum...I think they where talking about the 22 Jet...I think at one time it was also called the 22 Magnum....they put the name magnum on everything back then...it was a great sales gimmick.

peabo

quote:Originally posted by 5mmgunguy
Guys I think you are jumping to a conclusion that isn't here. The box and barrel may say 22 Magnum...but I don't think S&W was talking about the 22 Wincester Rimfire Magnum...I think they where talking about the 22 Jet...I think at one time it was also called the 22 Magnum....they put the name magnum on everything back then...it was a great sales gimmick.


That is why I posted the picture of the box !
It says '22 Magnum' but it is also marked 'Model 53', which is the 22 Remington Jet. So yes, at the beginning of production it was called a 22 Magnum.


Thanks---Peabo

5mmgunguy

Sorry we must have posted at about the same time...when I started my answer your post wasn't there.

peabo

No problem -- it is a confusing situation.
I have seen people listing them as firing the 22 rem jet and with the inserts firing the 22 win mag., which we all know the inserts are for 22 long rifle.


Thanks---Peabo