Need advice -Model 43 Kit Gun

[ffbigdawg]

I haven't bought a Smith in quite some time, so I'm a bit rusty here. I came across a local guy selling a S&W model 43 kit gun. I've only seen a few pictures but I want to get some opinions before I go take a look at it. It's a user with finish wear, has 3.5 inch barrel, adjustable sights, diamond magnas and what looks to be T Grip. Not sure if it's a 3 or 4 screw. So far so good, but it is missing the firing pin bushing pin located just below the rear sight. In it's place is a roll pin. The owner states it fires just fine. I'm looking at this as a shooter more than a collector's piece, and after a little internet searching realize that my chances of finding the right pin are slim to none anyway. The asking price is $350 + transfer. So what say you? Good price for a little shooter assuming everything else checks out or is he asking too much for a junk gun?

 

[ffbigdawg]

Here's one of the pictures.

 

[ffbigdawg]

And the other side

 

[SAFireman]

I would be all over it for that price

 

[JP@AK]

Even with the replacement pin, it is very easily worth the money. Go for it. In this case you get the benefit of a nice grip adapter as well!

One clarification:
If it is a Model 43, it is definitely a three screw, as can be seen from your picture. By the time model numbers were applied, all the I frames were down to three screws.

 

[murphydog]

If it functions it is worth $350 and then some. A call to the factory may find you the part, although they may also insist on installing it. You would at least be sure the work was done correctly.

 

[ffbigdawg]

Thanks for the replies. Guess I'll set up a time to check this thing out. I really appreciate the advice.

 

[H Richard]

You better have bought that for that money!!!! Spell S-T-E-A-L. Take some Flitz or Mothers mag polish "gently" around that area of the "pin", it may make it less visible.

 

[Ed Fowler]

Congratulations those are among my favorite pistols. Every one I had had were very accurate and someone can probably make a firing pin for it.

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

Buy buy buy

Buy buy buy buy

 

[Muley Gil]

You can always replace that roll pin with a piece of numbered drill bit.