I recently picked up a Pre-M43 Airweight Kit Gun with the 3-1/2" barrel. Does anyone know what type and model of belt holster might fit this gun, perhaps a Bucheimer number or the make and model of another type?
I have also read that sometimes these guns will not fire when used in DA mode. The reasoning is the aluminum cylinder absorbs too much force to allow the pin to ignite the cartridge. Anyone heard of this problem?

thanks, Rob

537 is the George Lawrence size code for the model 43 with a 3 1/2" barrel.
A 1955-6 Bucheimer catalog doesn't list a size number for a 3 1/2" kit gun-just the 2" & 4". A mid 1950's Brauer Brothers catalog doesn't list the 3 1/2" barrel kit gun either.I know I have at least one Heiser maker marked for a 3 1/2" kit gun & have seen others-Heisers are sometimes etched or inked by the maker with size information,but not always.Heiser model numbers don't indicate what gun the holster was made for,neither do S.D. Myres model numbers.Some Myres holsters are etched with size info as well,but fewer than Heisers.
Regards,
turnerriver
SWCA # 1426

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turnerriver

No, but I am sure that it is false, and was probably made up by some salesmen in a gun store who was trying to sell a 34 or a Ruger Bearcat or a Jennings or something to someone who wanted a 43, only the store didn't have one.

I own a 43 and never had any problem with DA. However, in all models, the hammer travel in DA is a TEENY bit less than in SA, so if someone has been screwing around with perfectly good factory springs, and CREATES a problem, it would show up first in DA, if he proceeded gradually and tested both ways.

Did your source explain why the aluminum cylinder absorbs force in DA but not SA?

Bianchi has made several holsters for a 4" J frame. One is a Threepersons style with a safety strap. They also made a thumbbreak. I have one of those from my M34 days. And no, it's not for sale.

J frame .22s are prone to misfires in DA. Mine had problems and so did several others that belonged to people I know.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Turnerriver, thanks for the great info, I believe I'll have to start collecting old holster catalogs, does anyone make reprints?

Model 520, here's where I read about the aluminum cylinders...nothing definite, but certainly a theory...

Shooting with Hobie

Muley Gil's experience bears this out, perhaps will start another thread.

I've owned a couple of them over the years and had one 34 that was prone to misfires in double action. It was a 2 inch barrel and was also a pain in the *** to eject spent shells, so I sold it to a lawyer. Revenge is sometimes sweet!

Cheers;
Lefty