Smith & Wesson Model 53 “Jet” – .22 Remington Jet Magnum

Smith & Wesson Model 53 “Jet” – .22 Remington Jet Magnum with Ammo

6" Barrel | K-Frame Target Revolver | Blue Finish
Serial Number: K450939

Overview

Recently acquired from an excellent collection, this Smith & Wesson Model 53 “Jet” is a classic K-frame target revolver chambered in .22 Remington Jet Magnum, one of Smith & Wesson’s most technically distinctive centerfire revolver cartridges of the 20th century.

Introduced in 1961, the Model 53 was developed in cooperation with Remington to deliver extremely high velocity from a revolver platform using the bottleneck .22 Remington Jet cartridge. Built on the square-butt K-frame target configuration, the revolver combined centerfire performance with optional rimfire versatility through auxiliary chamber inserts for .22 Long Rifle use.

Serial number K450939 places this revolver within early production of the Model 53 series, manufactured during the first portion of the model’s production run (1961–1974).

This example features the desirable 6" barrel configuration, adjustable target sights, wide target trigger, and checkered walnut target stocks with Smith & Wesson medallions.

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Model 53 Background and Development

The Model 53 traces its origin to experimental high-velocity .22 centerfire revolver work performed in the mid-1950s by Harvey Kay and Charles (“Chuck”) Chudleigh, later refined by Jim Harvey of Lakeville Arms Company and eventually commercialized by Remington and Smith & Wesson.

The cartridge was intended to provide rifle-like trajectory from a revolver platform. While innovative and fast, the design required extremely clean chambers to prevent case setback during firing, which limited widespread adoption. As a result, the Model 53 remains one of the most interesting and collectible post-war Smith & Wesson target revolvers.

Total production was approximately 14,956 revolvers between 1961 and 1974.

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Configuration Details

This revolver reflects standard Model 53 target configuration features:

• square-butt K-frame target revolver
• six-shot fluted cylinder chambered for .22 Remington Jet
• 6" pinned barrel
• blued carbon steel finish
• adjustable micrometer rear sight
• Serrated ramp front sight
• wide serrated target trigger
• checkered double diamond walnut target stocks with S&W medallions
• dual firing pin selector system (centerfire / rimfire)

Model 53 revolvers were designed to fire:

• .22 Remington Jet Magnum (centerfire)
• .22 Long Rifle (with auxiliary chamber inserts- NOT INCLUDED)

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Collector Notes

The Model 53 occupies a unique position among Smith & Wesson revolvers as:

• the only K-frame chambered for a bottleneck centerfire .22 cartridge
• one of the few revolvers designed with a selectable rimfire/centerfire firing system
• part of Smith & Wesson’s early-1960s experimental high-velocity handgun development period

Examples retaining original configuration and target features remain especially desirable among K-frame collectors and cartridge historians.

Serial number K450939 falls within early production of the model’s manufacturing period.

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Features

• Smith & Wesson Model 53 “Jet”
• chambered in .22 Remington Jet Magnum
• early production example
• 6" pinned barrel
• adjustable rear target sight
• ramp front sight
• wide target trigger
• square-butt K-frame
• checkered walnut target stocks with S&W medallions
• dual firing-pin selector system for rimfire/centerfire operation
• recently acquired from an excellent collection

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 53
Caliber:.22 Remington Jet Magnum
Action: Double / Single Action
Capacity: 6
Barrel Length: 6"
Frame: K-Frame, square butt
Finish: Blued
Sights: Adjustable rear / Ramp front
Stocks: Checkered walnut target stocks with medallions
Production Period: 1961–1974
Serial Number: K450939

Overall great condition with minimal signs of handling. Includes one box of ammo as pictured.

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An FFL is required for shipping upon purchase of this item. Please send a copy of your FFL with the product name in the subject line to: info@tylergunworks.com