I just put a Model 43 with a 3 1/2 inch barrel on lay-a-way at a local gun shop. I figured I could find a ton of posts on here about the 43. Surprisingly, there wasn't much information about the 43. There are lots of posts on the 34, another fine little 22 cal., but not the 43. Does anyone know approximate production numbers for the 43? I would surmise that S&W sold many more of the 34 than the lightweight 43 just because of the number of those guns that I see on Gunbroker and at local gun shows and shops. Is the 43 similar in any way to the more modern model 317? And last, who "feels the love" for the Model 43 and why????

I had a nice M43 years ago. it was a good shooter. Unfortunately, it was sold to pay bills.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Hard to say how many 43s were made, they share the same serial # range with the Models 34 and 35. My estimate would be 15% of J frame .22 production.

Introduced in 1955 as the “.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight” its serial numbers began at 5000 and was built on the J frame from the start.

Yes very much like the later Model 317. They both have alum alloy frames and cyls. The parts on the 43 that are blued carbon steel are stainless on the 317.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

The 43 is a cool little gun, but I found it VERY hard to shoot with the same precision that I expected with the 34. For me, it’s tin can accurate at 15 yards, maybe 20, if I have plenty of time. We used to practice with the kit guns on a life-size rabbit target. I could do quite a bit better than that with the 34, even better with my 51, and still better with the 651. (I’ve always been under the impression that my 651 is exceptionally accurate.) Someone here has installed a black patridge blade on their 651. That would have made it about perfect, for my uses.

But getting back to the 43, I was always just a little leery of the aluminum cylinder, so I never used it as much as I would have liked. I still have mine but haven’t fired it in years. I would trample over a pile of 317s to get to one 43. Much nicer looking revolver.

I guess from the limited number of replies it kind of verifies what I suspected, there probably aren't that many of the Model 43s out there. I haven't picked my 43 yet but I am looking forward to shooting it. I appreciate the replies and any other input is appreciated!

I love my pre-43. SN 62xx shipped in 1955. 3 1/2" SB. My dad got S&W to add RRWO sights to it.
Have not shot it much, but I think a sweet little gun.

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David Reynolds

I am extremely happy with my 43. I have had several 34's and pre-34's, and they were very nice except a 2" that I couldn't shoot well and a pre-34 that is beautiful, but won't extract anything but CCI, ancient match ammo, and Longs.

The 43, on the other hand, extracts everything, and with CCI Blazer will just barely stay in the ten ring of an NRA TF/RF target, using two hands. Meanwhile, it hardly weighs anything. That's with factory diamond Magna grips and a Tyler.

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Formerly Model520Fan

I think they are cute. Haven't shot it.

A better picture.

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Great revolver, OP. Congrats!

Shooting a light weight 22 will make you a better shooter, and steel guns will feel really steady in the hand after an alloy revolver.

I think I may have to start looking for a 43 since my 317 isn’t much of a looker.

I like the Model 43 but do not own one, yet. There has been some discussion on here about the aluminum cylinder. It seems, however, that in Charlotte, NC all of the Models 43 have a solid gold or platinum cylinders. That would explain the asking prices. All joking aside, I will jump on the first reasonable "shooter" 43 here. I see a few "new in box." Cannot imagine having such a fun little gun without using it. How about some pics of that new Model 43?

It is still on lay-a-way so I don't have any photos right now. It has some holster wear so it is just a shooter, nothing super pretty. Hopefully I can figure out how to post some photos after I pick it up.

I was only half joking about the "cute" thing in post #8. I have kind of wished S&W had made an air weight version of the Model 51, but no.

Looking forward to seeing it when it gets there Sub sailor.

Had this one yrs. ago but found it too light to shoot well. Much prefer my model 34

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Coincidentally, I taught my new girlfriend to shoot this past weekend with a 43. I had dragged along a Ruger MKII bull barrel and she found it too heavy. The tendency to hard DA trigger pulls on .22 revolvers was off putting for her. Thumb cocking and single action led to some outstanding groups at the 5 yard line. She was anxious to try a 642 with CT laser grips I carry in low threat areas. One shot, center of the 10 ring. That was it, the recoil and hard plastic grips made it a one shot deal. I told her it's always good to go out on a high note.

In the past 10 years I've only seen one model 43 for sale, it was well worn or would have bought it.
Do have two model 317's, both are pre IL,. one is a snub and has fixed sites (oddly not very common in J frame 22's),
The other is a 3" with target sites.

I have one pre model 43. I sold off my other 43's. The price for model 43's is much less than any other kit gun.

My front sight blade has a matte finish that is very hard to see for a good sight picture. I put red paint on the front sight and get excellent groups with older T-22 I picked up at a gun show. I also took a J frame target stock and took a lot of wood off it for a better stock than the factory magna stock.

I only carry it in Sept and Oct during grouse season when hiking to high mountain lakes. 95% of shots are less than 15 yards. It's shot to hit ratio borders on 99% - what's not to like about the model 43.

I had two, but I'm down to one now. I like the M43 because it is lightweight. Makes it a good gun for teaching new shooters. They get to feel a little recoil, even shooting 22LR, which is a good thing. Having basically zero recoil shooting 22LR in an all steel gun keeps them from knowing what to expect when they move up to a bigger caliber.

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Send lawyers, guns & money...

I picked this one up a couple of weeks ago and, so far, it's doing very well. I winced at paying $499 for it but found none cheaper. I guess that's the new normal.

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As I stated earlier, the model 43 revolvers are the lowest priced S&W .22 revolvers to be found. You paid an excellent price, they normally go for about $600.00 +/-. No other S&W .22 revolver goes for less than $650.00.