S&W M43 Questions

[Hobie]

I just bought the first M43 to come into my possession. It doesn't have the red front sight insert I've seen and was made, according to the SCSW, between 1973 and 197<span class="ev_code_BLUE">4</span>. When did the red sight insert first appear? I don't have my SCSW here, was there a 43-1? How rare are the 2" versions? Is there anything particularly interesting to look for with this model?

I've added the photo (not very good) of this gun.

Thanks for the info. Any other info would also be appreciated.

 

[Hobie]

I just bought the first M43 to come into my possession. It doesn't have the red front sight insert I've seen and was made, according to the SCSW, between 1973 and 197<span class="ev_code_BLUE">4</span>. When did the red sight insert first appear? I don't have my SCSW here, was there a 43-1? How rare are the 2" versions? Is there anything particularly interesting to look for with this model?

I've added the photo (not very good) of this gun.

Thanks for the info. Any other info would also be appreciated.

 

[akviper]

None of the three Model 43s I have owned had red ramp front sights. For all but a few blued models (Model 29 for example) the red ramp sight was not standard but considered a special feature. S&W would equip most any revolver with any of the several types of front sights they offered back when the 43 was made. Many Model 19s, and others came occasionally with red ramps. Most of the adjustable sighted stainless guns had red ramps. I've never seen a factory original Model 63 without the red ramp front sight.

According to the S&WSC the 43 was discontinued in 1974. The two inch variation is considered very rare and I have never seen one. Other variations include nickel and round butt versions according to S&WSC.

None of the Model 43s I owned would fire 100% of the time on double action. My theory is that the light alloy cylinder has too much "give" and absorbs too much of the hammer energy to reliably set off the rim fire cartridge.

Good luck with yours. They are still a neat little collectors kit gun.

 

[Joni_Lynn]

I saw a pretty nice looking 43 in a gun shop today. Used but not abused. Any idea of a ball park value on these?

 

[Jerry in SC]

I've only seen a few 43's for sale locally, most of them have been in the $450-500 range and they weren't in very good shape. I picked up a nice '71 vintage last year and couldn't be more pleased. It is a great shooter, never had a misfire.

I don't recall them being very popular in the early 70's. Sure wish I had picked up a few of the nickel versions, along with a couple of nickel 51's

 

[Joni_Lynn]

$450 huh? Maybe I'll adopt the one I looked at. It was $350 and while not quite like NIB was pretty nice.

 

[Guest]

Originally posted by Joni_Lynn:
I saw a pretty nice looking 43 in a gun shop today. Used but not abused. Any idea of a ball park value on these?

I picked up a 3-1/2 inch, pre 43 for $350.00 just a few weeks ago. MAK

 

[EQGuy]

I purchased a model 43 in 1974 or 75. The cylinder would bind after firing 3 or 4 shots. I kept it several years and finally sold it on consingment at a local shop. I do not miss it. I recently purchased a model 34 4" and am very happy with it.

 

[Jerry in SC]

Hobie, that is a great looking 43. As previously posted the 2" versions are very rare, the only two I've seen were illustrated in the 3rd SCSW (a nickel SB and a blue RB). Evidently the RB is not common, all the ones I've seen for sale were SB's.

 

[BookerT]

I picked up a model 43 in the box about a month ago for $345.00. Looks like it was shot very little. I will post a picture when I figure out how. Has anyone else had problems with firing this model? With all the snow we had this year just have not the chance to shoot this one:-(

 

[SuperMan]

I also had a M43 that would misfire when shooting DA. The cure is either a slightly longer firing pin or as the friend I sold the gun to did, remove the pin and remove some of the metal on the pin side of the firing pin so when struck it will extend further beyond the breechface.

Bob

 

[Wickahoney]

I've owned one for years.

The one thing that can be said is if you carry and shoot it a lot, it'll get holster wear and a turn ring like nothing you've ever owned before, unless you have other Airweights.

I actually carry a 34 a lot more often. The difference in weight isn't all that much and it wears a lot better.

Fun to have to round out your 34, 43 and 51 set

RWT

RWT

 

[model17]

My 43 doesn't get as much of a work out as my 34, but is still a fine shooter! (standard vel. ammo only!)

 

[geoff40]

By being in the right place at the right time, total luck, I picked up what turned out to be a 1958 flat latch Model 43 in nickel for $375 a couple of years ago. SCSW isn't clear on value of nickel finish 43s, other than to state they are scarce and have a premium. Its a great shooter, as fine and accurate as any 34 or 63 I ever shot. I especially like it as a CB cap revolver.

 

[toroflow1]

I had a 43, actually a pre-43...just couldn't shoot it nearly as well as the all steel 34s...that dang 43 is just TOO light IMHO! That, and it had that nasty edge-wear on the frame that aluminum framed blued S&Ws get that make them look like crap, so I sold it off.

 

[Jerry in SC]

One of David Newcomb's sheepskin lined holsters prevents the typical "airweight" holster wear, except the turn ring on the alloy cylinder. Highly recommended...