M43 C, date of manufacture vs quality control.

[wetdog1911]

I'm in the market for a 43c and two that I'm looking at (both new), one was purchased in 2015 and the other is 2018 production.

With the QC sometimes being sketchy, what would be my best bet? Older production, or the latest off the line?

The newest production pistol is actually listed for a lower price than the slightly older one which really raised my curiosity.

Any year(s) to look at? Any to avoid?

Thanks for the information.

Wet

[D Brown]

I have a 43C that shipped March 15, 2018. I couldn't be happier with the quality.

[D Brown]

My Model 43C.

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[wetdog1911]

YOW!

Thanks for the pics! I REALLY like that cardboard box, rather than the huge plastic one that the 442 came in. Gets lost in there and would fit a short bbl N frame with ease. Is it just luck of the draw AFA plastic or cardboard boxes?

The only thing I would like to do is replace those factory rubber grips with some factory Magna round butt wood stocks. Those seem to work better in a pocket carry and recoil won't be an issue. I have a Mika pocket holster for a mid 70's M49 with the Magna stocks, so it's a close enough comparison.

Would really like to get the low down on those boxes though.

Wet

[ken158]

QC is a gun by gun decision. Manufacturing techniques now are CNC tolerance with individual employee assembly for a final product. It has become obvious that pride in workmanship differ greatly from one employee to another. Most gun assembly people are not gun guys... and therefore build to what is an accepted level of a finished product. Guys on this forum are much more particular and expect a perfect product but we are a minority. Finish, barrel clocking, trigger pull, timing, etc. you must know what to look for and walk away from a gun that does not meet your expectations. Any gun in current production can be found in short order so don’t get all fuzzy about buying something you know you will be sending back for repair. Same goes for older guns. We see numerous posts about “rescue” guns like OMG, I found a S&W and feel forced to buy it although I doing really want it. Guys, they made millions of these things, so why would you buy something you have no need for and probably at an inflated price at that? Shop smart and buy smart.

[wetdog1911]

Well, I jumped.

Called the dealer and he confirmed late 2018/early 2019 production & blue cardboard box. Just about the lowest BIN on GB with free shipping to boot! That made me a bit wary at first since no one else offered it, but the A+++ dealer rating calmed me down.

Now for the FFL in town and the bank for a check. More than likely Mon AM rather than Fri afternoon with lines at the bank.

I'll update.

Wet

[D Brown]

Originally Posted by wetdog1911

Well, I jumped.

Called the dealer and he confirmed late 2018/early 2019 production & blue cardboard box. Just about the lowest BIN on GB with free shipping to boot! That made me a bit wary at first since no one else offered it, but the A+++ dealer rating calmed me down.

Now for the FFL in town and the bank for a check. More than likely Mon AM rather than Fri afternoon with lines at the bank.

I'll update.

Wet

Do yourself a favor and get a Wolff 32355 Spring Pak. It contains an 8, 8.5 and 9# Main Springs. the factory Main Spring on the 43C is likely 12 pounds.

I put in the 9# Main Spring and a 13# Rebound Spring in My 43C and it has a nice smooth action and fires every time with every type of .22 I've tried in it.

Before the naysayers start in. I want to know. Have you tried this yourself, or did you just read somewhere that it won't work? If it won't work, why does Wolff make the Spring Pak's specifically for Rimfire J-Frames?

Enough said.

Best of luck.

[two-bit cowboy]

Quality Control doesn't have a timeline.

Some made a decade ago are flawless. Some made today are. Some aren't. You can't predict it.

When it arrives at your lgs, if it doesn't meet your standards don't accept it. Pretty simple.

I hope your new acquisition meets with your approval. Enjoy.

[wetdog1911]

Originally Posted by D Brown

Do yourself a favor and get a Wolff 32355 Spring Pak. It contains an 8, 8.5 and 9# Main Springs. the factory Main Spring on the 43C is likely 12 pounds.

I put in the 9# Main Spring and a 13# Rebound Spring in My 43C and it has a nice smooth action and fires every time with every type of .22 I've tried in it.

Before the naysayers start in. I want to know. Have you tried this yourself, or did you just read somewhere that it won't work? If it won't work, why does Wolff make the Spring Pak's specifically for Rimfire J-Frames?

Enough said.

Best of luck.

Forgot that 32355 spring pack when I ordered springs from Wolff, but did order after digging up the thread, so it's on the way.

Now, I just need to find a stone or slip so I can remove the finish from inside the slot for the rebound slide. Any suggestions? Have several Japanese water stones for my knives, but these are way too big.

Finally got the S&W magna tip set from Brownells that was on backorder and a hex set for the rubber grips on the 43C.

Took those off and put on a set of new Magna J frame wood grips. Really gives the M43C a neat retro look and who needs big rubber grips on a .22 anyway?

I know the rule, but I'm still learning the new camera and need a hosting site and all that. They will be coming ... eventually. LOL

Rob