I made a short 1 minute video to show and describe a few things about the model 43c example I have. I am wondering if anyone else has seen missing trademark on the left side frame of 43c, J frames or any s&w revolver really.

Video link:
Missing S&W Trademark on Smith & Wesson J FRAME model 43c - YouTube

as shown in the video, this J frame model 43c appears to be missing its S&W trademark logo on the left side of the frame.

It is not for sale, now or ever, so I am not worried about if its worth more or less because I am never going to sell it.

I have watched every video on the 43c and every other example has a S&W logo on the left side of the frame. I am curious if anyone has one like this, or if you have seen other J frames or 43c's that have a missing logo on that spot.

Note, this is how it came from the factory, I purchased it new, from a S&W authorized FFL dealer. Other then regular use, I have not done anything to the finish. I don't possess the tools or skill to be able to remove a logo and reapply finish same as factory.

For any wondering it is not for sale because I love it. After 20+ range trips, and over 1,000 rounds thru it, I am very happy with it.

my account name is 43cApologist. This is inspired by NAA Apologist youtube, which demonstrates the often underestimated NAA micro revolvers can still be effective. Some day I may post some video or targets to do the same with the 43c. for now, just wanted to show off, this what I consider to be potentially rare example of a J frame missing its trade mark logo on left side of frame, but also, the cylinder release latch is silver, like a stainless steel finish, compared to most 43c which have black nitride finish that matches the frame of the revolver.

Maybe an odd or rare duck, or maybe they stopped putting the trademark on 43c's after a certain run.. but having watched every video. read every review on first 15 pages of google results, and seen hundreds listed on gunbroker, this is the only example I have seen that new from the factory arrived with silver cylinder release, and missing S&W trademark.

let me know what you think, and if you'd like to see some demonstrations of how capable the 43c performance is.

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I would be very interested to know the story behind that as well. Hopefully someone knows why your 43c does not have the Smith & Wesson insignia on the frame as most come with that. Either way, pretty cool �� and rare piece ��

Does the gun have a large logo on the sideplate? Or is there no logo on the gun at all? It is one or the other, (usually) not on both sides. Either way, if there is no logo it is just an oversight which is not uncommon at all. It has no effect on desirability or value.

No Large logo at all either side of the gun on the frame or side plate, only on the grips. Video shows both sides

The newer aluminum J's - well, at least my aluminum J's, have the logo on both sides - and looks to be maybe laser-etched. The logo on the right on both of my recent models (637, 642) is oddly crowded up to the top of the sideplate. Prolly someone took a long coffee break the day it was marked!

I kind of figured it was something like this. Makes mine, a little more mine so to speak. Cool that its not just all mass machined, there is still human touch and need to remember (or in this case forget) to do all the steps. I AM A big s&w fan and the gun works great so I am just glad it wasn't a more important step missed or bigger issue like a off center barrel or sights, or function issues etc.

@ 43cApologist

You can always contact S&W Customer Service and inquire about the missing S&W trademark logo as well as the cylinder release color, albeit it might satisfy your curiosity to get an official word from S&W. I am guessing that you bought the 43c as new, and not as a "like new" in used condition. If you look at the box it came with you can do a little research by making note of the product number and see if it coincides with the catalog listing under product number. There might be a good reason why Smith produced it in its current configuration.

PS Welcome to the forum!

@ 43cApologist

You can always contact S&W Customer Service and inquire about the missing S&W trademark logo as well as the cylinder release color, albeit it might satisfy your curiosity to get an official word from S&W. I am guessing that you bought the 43c as new, and not as a "like new" in used condition. If you look at the box it came with you can do a little research by making note of the product number and see if it coincides with the catalog listing under product number. There might be a good reason why Smith produced it in its current configuration.

PS Welcome to the forum!

Btw... Did you pay the MSRP for your 43C ... "$759.00" if not, is it ok to ask how much you paid for it?

I too own the model 43c. It has the S&W trademark logo. I did pay the MSRP for my 43c. No regrets though, as they are high in demand and somewhat scarce in my vicinity.

@Alk8944

Does the gun have a large logo on the side plate? Or is there no logo on the gun at all? It is one or the other, (usually) not on both sides. Either way, if there is no logo it is just an oversight which is not uncommon at all. It has no effect on desirability or value.

The best answer so far; however, I hope the OP contacts S&W about his unusual 43c configuration. It would be nice to get an official word or explanation from S&W.

Good suggestion, I'll reach out to s&w customer service monday, see if they have any further info.

I don't mind saying, I paid about that, a little more after taxes being in California . I don't regret it at all that being said. I was a bit worried, maybe I made the wrong choice hearing some good things about ruger LCR in 22 LR. I have now tried both at the range extensively, and side by side, for my preference the 43c is a much better gun, in every way. Smaller, lighter, better sights, better trigger, and better fit & finish. Considering there is only a $150-$200 difference in price, the 43c makes up for the difference and then some with performance for me.

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Here is a suggestion regarding your 43c inquiry... it might be to your advantage by contacting S&W via email only, that way if there is an official word about your 43c it's documented vs word of mouth. Also, make sure you give them all the necessary information such as your 43c serial number and product number / pertinent info from the labeled box. Lastly, it wouldn't hurt to ask them if they could send you an all-black cylinder release since your revolver didn't come with one. ;-)

I am interested to hear what S&W will tell you about it. I will say this, the 43C is the most advanced J Frame out there. If I ever got another J frame for myself or my daughters it would be a 43C! You have a very cutting edge gun that is unique without the logo. I actually like the all-black frame with no logo, reminds me of Batman! You are the night 🌑

Interesting.
I have a 3 7/8" 610-2 that does not have the factory logo on either side, but could never find any info, or another like it. Figured a part just missed a step on the production line

I took your advice and emailed them, we will see what they say. I'll keep you all posted when I hear back

I heard back two times, first one I sent all info but couldn't include photos on my general inquiry on s&w website. Unsurprisingly they asked for photos, I included the 2 attached to this post.

After they got my photos their reply is:

"Hello,

Thank you for contacting Smith & Wesson, I am very sorry to hear what has happened.

I suggest sending the firearm for repair.

For a pre-paid, pre-insured return FedEx shipping label and return instructions, please supply us with the following information so we can process your Pre-Authorized Service Notification: " then asked for my info to send prepaid shipping label.

This is unfortunately where this one will end. I am not going to send it off to fix a minor cosmetic thing such as this. It functions very well, I was hoping to maybe get a little more clarity but as others suggested its likely just a missed step in the process, no great mystery to solve. Thanks for the info shared along the way and following along and offering advice to have best chance to get answers.

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Good idea to keep it as is. I like the clean look.

So just an oversight, as expected. I wouldn't send it back either but what an embarrassment for S&W. It might be easy to miss a clocked barrel on QA, but how in the world could anyone inspect that revolver on it's way out the door and miss such a glaring oversight??

Living proof that there is no final inspection at S&W.

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