Smith & Wesson Model 53 No-Dash .22 Rem. Jet, 6 in., 1961, Blued K-Frame Revolver with Bushnell Phantom 1.3x15 Scope
This Smith & Wesson Model 53 no-dash is a 1961 K-frame revolver chambered in .22 Remington Jet with a 6-inch pinned barrel and serrated rib. It stands out for its period, non-invasive scope setup using a pinched-sight clamp mount that preserves the undrilled topstrap, and for the factory barrel marking "22 MAGNUM" denoting the Jet cartridge. With approximately 15,000 Model 53s produced before discontinuation, this example combines desirable features with a thoughtful scope installation.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Overall Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: The revolver shows minor handling blemishes and slight finish wear at the front of the barrel. The bore is clean and in good shape.
What’s Included
- Optic: Bushnell pistol scope with crosshair reticle (installed)
- Optic Mount: Pinched-sight clamp mount; non-drill/tap installation (installed)
The Model 53 was purpose-built for the .22 Remington Jet, and this example retains the factory barrel legend "22 MAGNUM," which correctly refers to the Jet cartridge rather than .22 WMR. It features the Model 53 design’s hammer-selectable system for centerfire/rimfire use, a hallmark of this platform.
A Bushnell Phantom 1.3x15 pistol scope is installed using a pinched sight mount at the rear-sight base. This non-drill/tap, period installation preserves the topstrap, keeps the revolver’s frame undrilled, and provides a clear crosshair sight picture while maintaining the gun’s original integrity.
Key features include a six-shot fluted cylinder, an unshrouded ejector rod with a knurled tip, and color case-hardened hammer and trigger. The revolver operates in double-action/single-action, with a ramped, serrated front sight and an S&W micrometer-click adjustable rear sight for precise iron-sight alignment.
Construction is blued carbon steel with a pinned barrel and a longitudinally serrated rib. The square-butt frame wears checkered walnut Magna stocks with a diamond around the screw and gold S&W medallions, complementing the revolver’s classic 1960s configuration.