I've been looking at kit guns and on line seems to be the only place to find them . I know there were other model so I went to my Standard Catalog of S&W and looked at the variety they made and saw the m-43 , was made from 1954 to 1974 .It has aluminum frame and cylinder and .22 LR. , but can it hold up to shooting sessions ? You know a couple of hundred plinking rounds or should it be carried , locked up and shot slightly . Gunbroker prices aren't to far off the 63's and 34's so it's got me a wondering and now I'm in need of advise from the experienced and knowledgeable . None I have seen are safe queens , all are worn, so what do you think ?

I had a Model 43 long ago. Flat latch and I will always remember the serial number...25900 (no prefix) Very accurate and great to carry. Only complaint I had was the very light weight made me worry I would lose it on the trail and not miss it until I got home! Advice: Get a good secure holster!
Good luck,
Jim

I don't think I've ever heard or read of any durability concerns with model 43s. In addition to the aluminum alloy frame they also have an alloy cylinder, and some are known to have sticky extraction but that is about it for complaints, except they are pricey. Good luck in your search.

__________________
Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

I had one for a while and carried it walking the farm, shot a few groundhogs and it was very accurate when I did my part. Too lightweight though and traded it for a model 34. The finish will get thin and shiny on the edges in and out of a leather holster was another reason I dumped mine - but as usual, wish I had it back!

this was mine yrs ago. it was from the 70's. never did shoot it much, as I preferred the weight of my 4 in. model 34

I ran across a 43 @ LGS last week. Nice, but not quite a peach. The chambers appeared to be sleeved. Is this standard?

FYI the model 43 barrel is 3 1/2 in long!

If you plan on using/carrying a 43 you will get edge and muzzle wear quickly from a holster. They are cool guns but a 34 or 63 is more practical for use and have fun blasting some 22's.

This is what I bought when I sold my model 43. It has a target trigger & hammer and an action job.........very smooth . IMHO these type grips are the only wood type that work for me and give the gun a whole new look and feel!

My 1973 Model 43 has recessed chambers. They are not sleeved. Nice little .22 that carries very well. As mentioned, it is very light but shoots well.