I'm not very familiar with S&W semi-autos but have recently started looking at them and came across the LE trade-in 4043s that are out there. These seem to be a pretty good deal at around $300. I understand they're stainless slides on aluminum (full size) frames and are DAO. However, I have a few questions:

1. Are the barrels also stainless?

2. Am I correct in assuming the backstraps can be swapped out? That is to say, if a pistol comes with a straight backstrap/grip, can it be swapped for a curved one?

3. Are there any known issues with these particular guns? Weak areas that demand frequent inspection or anything like that? Any must-do mods?

4. Assuming factory mags work best, are there 12-round (factory or other quality maker) mags available?

Anything else I should know before getting into one of these? Thanks for any help.

I think the 4043 trade-ins are an excellent value if you can get one for around $300. They are stainless steel barrels and should come with standard 11 round magazines. S&W ten round "Brady Bill" magazines should also be available. Aftermarket, high cap mags are something you will need to look into. The Xenoy grip can be switched out for a 59XX series grip, which would have the curved backstrap. The 4043 should be just as reliable as any other 3rd Gen auto, which in my opinion, is at the top of the list. Other than the grip, and a good cleaning, I would shoot it before you make any other mods. Most people are suprised at the trigger. The DAO guns have a very smooth, short pull, double action. Every pull of the trigger is the same and it is not a long, hard pull like the first double action shot on a DA/SA gun. Overall, the 4043 would make an excellent home defense pistol, as well as, a fun gun to take to the range.

Thanks, Swabby, that's exactly what I wanted to know.

If you buy a 4043 let us know how it works out, condition, function, etc.
Are you looking at one from summitgunbroker.com?

Yes, from Summit. I've dealt with Mark before and it was a good experience. I noticed last night he has 4043s in stock.

Will do on an update if I get one.

I've been looking at those too. He has extra mags too at a good price. I like to have at least 5 mags for my pistols so extras can add up fast.
I've bought from Mark before as well, a Glock 17. Quick and easy.

I got my 4043 from Mark several years ago. It is an excellent pistol and my daily carry. Get them while they're at these low prices.

I purchased my 4043 from Mark last month. It had some holster wear on the grip tang and the right side grip but other than that, it was in great shape. I would rate the gun 85% to 90%.

The fit was very good as well. Accuracy wise it performed nicely on the range. The trigger took some getting used to as it was a little heavier than my Glock 22. It is probably around an 8 lb pull. But it was smooth and had a short pull.

Reliability was solid and the night sights still worked.

-db-, did you ever get a 4043?

No, not yet. Mark's been away and I've been busy. If I get one, it'll be a few weeks before I do. I'm just trying to do some research ahead of time.

Careful... last time I did that Mark sold out of the one I was "researching".