Need honest opinions on the 43C

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Rat Rod Mac

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Wife can't pull the slide back on a semi, but likes and shoots a revolver very well. Doesn't like the recoil on a center fire. Shoots the .22 long rifle real good, and wants one that's light weight. Wants to use it with her CCW license. I have and she has shot my 17 and 19, but wants a light weight .22 long rifle revolver, period. I am looking at the 43C. Does any one have any thing good or bad to say about it besides they are hard to find right now. Any other maker out there make some thing that would fill the bill for her? Any and all opinions are more than welcomed. Would like to make a move before Christmas. Thanks again. RRM
P. S. and by the way, I know that the .22 long rifle is going to be looked down upon by some of you for a carry round, but that is what she wants and if needed it's better than throwing stones. Thanks again.
 
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I picked up one awhile back and I really like it. I havn't got a lot of rounds thru it yet (2-300) but, outside of the stiff trigger pull I have no complaints.
Recoil is very mild as one would expect.
 
If she has trouble pulling the slide back on a semi she may have some issues with the heavy trigger on the 43c. She can always cock the hammer and fire in single action but that might not be the best scenario in a self defense situation. They are fine guns but I wouldn't pay more than $500 max out the door for a new one. If you have a range that rents guns in your area you might have her try one out first but in the end if that's what she wants that's what she wants.
 
I have had my 43C for about 3 years. Trigger pull is a bit heavy but 100% reliable with any ammo put thru it. I am very happy with mine. If you want a little more oomph the 351C is 22 mag. I enjoy that one too.
 
Hi,

I bought a 43c on a whim. I paid more than I thought I ever would for a .22, but it is a fine little revolver, accurate (for what it is) and reliable.

So far only about 150 rounds through it, due to both harder to find ammo and spending more time on more capable SD handguns.

If you wife can handle the DA pull, she might like it, but you are limits in a SD role, but it beats harsh language :cool:.

Good luck in your choices.
 
43C

Hello all
If she could just try one out you she may be unhappy as the trigger pull is horrible. Somewhere around 16 pounds and some have had luck with lighter springs but I did not. (Even after S&W put new cylinder and firing pin)
Very light for carry. Sold mine and got a charter arms pathfinder from the 1980s. Much better trigger and half the price and weight is 20 ounces on the 3 inch barrel model.
I tried to like the smith but I could not even like it a little.
but I love my model 10☺
YMMV
Regards
Mike
 
I would try the 351c 22mag. Rent one at the range to have first hand experience with the stiff trigger pull, aprox 10 lbs.
The trigger can be lightened but if too much there is the possibility of fail to fire.
 
Love mine. Polished the trigger face, threw in a 12lb trigger return spring and have been skipping pop cans with it for awhile. I would shoot it more often if I had more ammo. It frequently goes with me when I am camping as a backup / fun plinker.
 
my bad

I had the 351C 22 magnum. Trigger pull measured 16 pounds.
I didn't have the 43C it may have a lighter pull.
Mike
 
Just pulled my 43c from the safe. Maybe I got lucky but the trigger pull is smooth and doesn't feel anything like 16 lbs. Sorry no gauge to verify but OP I'd suggest trying one before giving up hope. YMMV
 
Trigger pull is brutal. Over 15 lbs for sure. Not a good gun for someone who is not a seasoned shooter and has a lot of expereince with a revolver.

Get her a model 60 3" and load 38 specials in it. The weight of the steel frame will make the recoil very tame. No +P. Just standard velocity 38 hollow points. This is a much better all around gun. Perfect for defense and target shooting.

Forget the 351C. 22mag has zero advantage over 22lr out of a 2" barrel. All you get is a huge muzzle blast and a very loud report. You will not believe how loud a 22mag is out of a 2" barrel. It is unreal.
 
Last edited:
b_san said:
If she has trouble pulling the slide back on a semi she may have some issues with the heavy trigger on the 43c. She can always cock the hammer and fire in single action but that might not be the best scenario in a self defense situation. They are fine guns but I wouldn't pay more than $500 max out the door for a new one. If you have a range that rents guns in your area you might have her try one out first but in the end if that's what she wants that's what she wants.
Click to expand...



Cocking the hammer on a 43c? Is this model a Centennial design?
 
Response to S&W 43c .22 L/R

I thought that the trigger pull was rated at 14 LBS., none the less I purchased one on GB for $555 and that has been and still is the lowest price I have seen for NIB. Not paying more than $500 is not an option. When you mention that they are hard to find you must be referring to your local options because they are all over GB as high as $675 (with no bids). If you can tolerate paying the associated cost I would check a few of the sites, bookmark the lowest and wait till it finds you. Try Sportsman's Supply on GB as they have the best availability for new Smiths, low $15 shipping and no CC surcharge.
I would agree with the above member that suggested the M60-14 Pro Series 3" .38 SPL., They are light and sleek and yes the additional cost in my opinion is worth it. The .38 version is not as readily available as the .357 but I found one for $600 and I can promise you that if your wife could fire both it wouldn't take her long to decide on the M60. Good Luck
 
I had a 351PD which would be similar to the 43C except it's a .22WMR and DA/SA. It's still mostly aluminum. I fell in love with it in the store due to its super light weight and it just seemed cool but I never could quite warm to it. The finish wore easily and it just felt cheap after a while. But I have become partial to steel guns. It did shoot very well.

I'm not sure what your wife considers light weight but I would not overlook a 63-5. That's what I bought to replace my 351PD and I love it. It's all stainless steel and will certainly be heavier than a 43C but it's not unreasonable. And it has much better sights with a fiber optic front and adjustable rear. I just think it's an all-around great gun and it's on my short list of "last to be sold" due to its potential versatility. Eight rounds of .22LR in a small, easy to maintain stainless steel package with good sights is pretty sweet. Of course, your needs/wants may vary greatly from mine. But the 63-5 is pricey and not all that easy to find sometimes. In fact, I only see one on Gunbroker right now.

351PD

_DSC2405EditLayers1024Pixel_zpsf597340c.jpg


Model 63
I preferred the 63-5 (top) to the No Dash (bottom) and sold the No Dash.
If S&W would re-release the 651 in the same configuration as the 63-5 (though it might hold only seven rounds) I would be all over it.

_DSC0093EditLayers1024Pixel8_zps90a824d1.jpg
 
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raylan007 said:
I thought that the trigger pull was rated at 14 LBS., none the less I purchased one on GB for $555 and that has been and still is the lowest price I have seen for NIB. Not paying more than $500 is not an option.
Click to expand...

Recent GB auctions for the 43c all NIB and all from the same retailer.

Item Title Quantity Bids Price Time Left

445175609 Smith & Wesson 43C 22 LR 1.875in New In Box 103043 1 11 $461.00 Auction has Ended

442280059 Smith & Wesson 43C 22 LR 1.875in New In Box 103043 1 21 $470.01 Auction has Ended

452727442 Smith & Wesson 43C 22 LR 1.875in New In Box 103043 1 20 $480.00 Auction has Ended

442280868 Smith & Wesson 43C 22 LR 1.875in New In Box 103043 1 18 $486.00 Auction has Ended

452727443 Smith & Wesson 43C 22 LR 1.875in New In Box 103043 1 22 $491.00 Auction has Ended

453845170 Smith & Wesson 43C 22 LR 1.875in New In Box 103043 1 26 $494.40 Auction has Ended


Note that the same vendor has one that ends in 3 hours that's currently at $441, I doubt that one will reach $500 either.
 
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