I have been looking for a Mod.43(Aluminum Frame)for several years and had what I believe is a pre.mod.43 fall into my lap.This gun is the only one I have ever seen with a aluminum frame and cylinder.Is the a common gun that I just have never seen or something special?Need a little history if someone has any knowledge about this gun.
Pre Mod.43
- Thread starter FAL
- Start date
The aluminum frame kit gun (Pre-43) was introduced in 1954, and the company went to model numbers in 1957. So there wasn't a lot of time for these lightweight kit guns to be produced before they began appearing with model numbers stamped on them. Figure that the standard kit gun was produced in greater numbers than the aluminum model, and you can see why the lighter version may be hard to find. To engage in a little wild speculation, it may be the case that no more than 2000-3000 of the non-model-marked guns were ever made.
But it sounds like you found at least one, so congratulations! How about some pics?
And welcome to the forum.
But it sounds like you found at least one, so congratulations! How about some pics?
And welcome to the forum.
Found my pre-43 in a pawn shop about nine months ago. They had it marked .22 pistol. Took it home for 275 out the door. The pawn shop was having a 20% off sale. I think it might be in about 95% condition.
I missed the point about frame AND cylinder being aluminum. The company retired the aluminum cylinders from larger caliber airweights because they weren't strong enough. I doubt that would be a problem on a .22, but you might bear that in mind if you are going to shoot it.
Early serial number? They are numbered with the other Kit Guns, and the lowest number is about 5000, according to standard sources.
Early serial number? They are numbered with the other Kit Guns, and the lowest number is about 5000, according to standard sources.
akviper
Member
The airweight kit guns had alloy cylinders. You might be thinking of the early airweight 38s that had alloy cylinders that didn't hold up firing the 38 special. They were quickly converted to steel cylinders.
The three Model 43s I've owned over the years all had alloy frames and cylinders. None of the three were reliable with any 22 ammo when firing double action. My unscientific theory is the lighter alloy cylinder provides less mass and resistance when the firing pin hits the rim of the cartridge. The heavier steel cylinder takes longer to absorb the firing pin energy. I worked the first one over changing springs, checking end shake and head space, etc. Nothing seemed to improve reliability. The two I kept are mostly safe queens and mostly fired single action. ymmv.
The three Model 43s I've owned over the years all had alloy frames and cylinders. None of the three were reliable with any 22 ammo when firing double action. My unscientific theory is the lighter alloy cylinder provides less mass and resistance when the firing pin hits the rim of the cartridge. The heavier steel cylinder takes longer to absorb the firing pin energy. I worked the first one over changing springs, checking end shake and head space, etc. Nothing seemed to improve reliability. The two I kept are mostly safe queens and mostly fired single action. ymmv.
All 22 lr chambered pre-43s and Model 43s have alloy cylinders. That's not to say one you've had or handled didn't have a steel cylinder installed after leaving the factory. Easy enough to do. The 3 1/2" barrel uses the smae length ejector rod as the 4" kit gun barrel. The incentive might be the unreliable ignition as was mentioned above by akviper.
Some 22 Mag airweights are purported to exist. I would imagine they'd have steel cylinders if they do exist.
Similar threads
- Locked
