Model 43?

mordecai · Mar 11, 2016

Hand Ejector
No Model# on the yoke.
Serial No. 63XX
.22 Long Rifle Ctg
6" Steel Barrel
Hand Ejector Post-War Adjustable Rear Sights
No Strain Screw
3-Screws

Flat Cylinder Release
Aluminum Frame and Cylinder

It's the 6" Steel barrel that's throwing me... It has a barrel like a Model 35, but certainly sounds more like a Model 43 with an odd barrel length.

sip62 · Mar 11, 2016

An Airweight Kit Gun was introduced in November 1954 with pilot production beginning at serial number 5000. However, actual mass production and Distribution did not begin until January 1958 with Serial numbers starting at 32,244. This was first known as the Model of 1955, and later officially as the Model 43 22/32 Kit Gun Airweight.

Since it was based on the J-frame rather than the I-frame from the beginning, there was never a 43-1 variation. Although there are perhaps 3 existing Model 43 examples with 2” barrels, it appears that the 43 production was officially only offered in the 3.5” barrel length. The Model 43 was discontinued in 1974.
http://www.ogca.com/Legendary Kit Gun.pdf

The gun on this picture can't be a Model 43.
BTW: Please look behind the yoke if there is a Model Number.

Here is my M43 from 1966/67 (I bought this gun this week)

Muley Gil · Mar 11, 2016

Welcome to the Forum.

I believe you are half correct. The 1955 .22/32 Kitgun Airweight was introduced in 1954 at serial number 5000, according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson, 3rd Edition. It became the Model 43 in 1957. It had the aluminum frame, square butt and a 3 1/2" barrel.

You have a pre M43 that has been fitted with a 6" Model of 1953 .22/32 barrel.

mordecai · Mar 11, 2016

I'm inclined to agree. It certainly looks like a "pre M43 (airweight) that has been fitted with a 6" Model of 1953 .22/32 barrel." The serial number seems to put it in the pre-production range of 1954-1957 when they were likely piecing things together with existing stock (such as a 6" barrel from a Model of 1953)?

I'm a bit new to this, so is this common or uncommon to see for this model?

ImprovedModel56Fan · Mar 11, 2016

Is there a number on the barrel flat?

murphydog · Mar 11, 2016

It falls into the pre-model stamped era, not "pre-production" era. I agree it is most likely a 6" .22/32 Target barrel on it. A factory letter would let you know for certain; it was made at a time when a special factory order for a different barrel was possible.

mordecai · Mar 11, 2016

Nothing on the barrel flat.

Model 43?

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