Smith & Wesson Model 43 .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight .22 LR, 3.5 Inch, J-Frame, Blued, 6-Shot (1974–1975)
This Smith & Wesson Model 43 is the Airweight variant of the .22/32 Kit Gun line, built on the J-frame and produced in the mid-1970s. It features a pinned 3.5 inch carbon steel barrel, a six-shot fluted cylinder, and an aluminum-alloy frame with blued finish. Adjustable sights, a serrated topstrap and barrel rib, and an M-prefix serial range mark it as a late J-frame rimfire. It comes with the original factory box bearing the matching serialized end label and factory literature.
Condition
Overall Condition: Very good condition, showing only light, superficial signs of prior handling or use.
Bore Condition: Excellent - Clean, mirror finish, no signs of wear.
Bore Rifling: Excellent Rifling - Sharp lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in great shape, with some light scratches and small finish blemishes present.
What's Included
- Smith & Wesson factory blue cardboard box with serialized end label matching the revolver
- Smith & Wesson Model 43 – .22/32 Kit Gun Airweight factory literature/parts list
The Model 43 pairs a high-polish blued carbon steel barrel and cylinder with a blued aluminum-alloy frame to keep weight down while retaining classic S&W aesthetics. The six-shot fluted cylinder, exposed unshrouded ejector rod with front locking lug, and pinned barrel reflect period-correct construction details.
Sighting is precise and user-adjustable, with a ramped, serrated front sight and an adjustable square-notch rear. The topstrap and barrel rib are serrated to reduce glare and aid sight picture in varied lighting.
Controls and handling features include a double-action/single-action mechanism, a smooth, narrow, case-colored trigger, and a case-hardened hammer with a checkered spur. Checkered walnut Magna stocks with S&W medallions on a square-butt frame provide a traditional grip profile.
Produced in the United States during 1974–1975 and discontinued by the mid-1970s, this Airweight Kit Gun sits in the M-prefix serial range associated with late J-frame rimfire production. Standard S&W rollmarks are present, including the S&W circular trademark on the left sideplate.