Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this double-action/single-action revolver for a penny-start auction; this is the Smith & Wesson Model 43 (.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight).
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Smith & Wesson
Model: Model 43 (.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight)
Serial: M78861
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1974-1975
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
Finish: High-Gloss Factory Blued Barrel & Anodized Aluminum Frame
Barrel Length: 3 1/2" Tapered Steel Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Ramp Front Sight w/ Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Checkered Wood Target Stocks w/ Inset Gold S&W Monogram Medallions
Action: Double-Action / Single-Action (DA/SA) w/ 6-Shot Recessed Aluminum Cylinder and Case Hardened Hammer & Trigger
Markings: Left barrel stamped "SMITH & WESSON"; right barrel stamped ".22 LONG RIFLE CTG."; right sideplate stamped w/ large S&W Airweight Trade Mark logo; right frame stamped w/ four-line S&W registration address; frame heel stamped w/ serial "M78861"; frame cutout stamped "MOD. 43"; box end label stamped w/ matching serial "M78861".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Introduced in 1954 on Smith & Wesson's small J-frame architecture, the Model 43 (.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight) was built as an ultra-lightweight, packable rimfire revolver for outdoorsmen, trappers, and trail hikers. Weighing in at a mere 14 ounces thanks to its lightweight alloy frame and cylinder construction, the Model 43 delivered full target-grade sight capabilities in a sidearm that virtually disappeared on a belt or in a tackle box. Discontinued in 1974 after a relatively short production run compared to its steel-frame Model 34 counterpart, original factory Model 43 Airweights hold prime collector interest today due to their scarcity and specialized design. This specific example bears serial number M78861 with matching box label specifications, dating its manufacture to circa 1974–1975 during the final period of production. Featuring a 3 1/2-inch tapered barrel, high-gloss blued barrel finish, anodized aluminum frame, fully recessed .22 LR cylinder chambers, pinned barrel construction, micrometer-adjustable rear sight, and factory checkered wood target stocks with gold S&W medallions, this piece represents an exceptionally well-preserved outfit. The factory finish displays rich gloss with minimal high-edge wear and crisp markings throughout. Mechanically, cylinder timing and lockup are tight, the trigger break in single action is crisp, and the 3 1/2-inch bore exhibits bright, sharp rifling. Complete with its original factory serial-matching blue box, instruction manual, and guarantee paper, this Smith & Wesson Model 43 Airweight Kit Gun offers a complete, highly collectible package for vintage S&W rimfire purists.
Contents:
Model: Model 43 (.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight)
Serial: M78861
Date of Manufacture: Circa 1974-1975
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (.22 LR)
Finish: High-Gloss Factory Blued Barrel & Anodized Aluminum Frame
Barrel Length: 3 1/2" Tapered Steel Barrel
Optics/Sights: Fixed Ramp Front Sight w/ Micrometer Click Adjustable Rear Sight
Stock/Grips: Checkered Wood Target Stocks w/ Inset Gold S&W Monogram Medallions
Action: Double-Action / Single-Action (DA/SA) w/ 6-Shot Recessed Aluminum Cylinder and Case Hardened Hammer & Trigger
Markings: Left barrel stamped "SMITH & WESSON"; right barrel stamped ".22 LONG RIFLE CTG."; right sideplate stamped w/ large S&W Airweight Trade Mark logo; right frame stamped w/ four-line S&W registration address; frame heel stamped w/ serial "M78861"; frame cutout stamped "MOD. 43"; box end label stamped w/ matching serial "M78861".
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
Introduced in 1954 on Smith & Wesson's small J-frame architecture, the Model 43 (.22/32 Kit Gun Airweight) was built as an ultra-lightweight, packable rimfire revolver for outdoorsmen, trappers, and trail hikers. Weighing in at a mere 14 ounces thanks to its lightweight alloy frame and cylinder construction, the Model 43 delivered full target-grade sight capabilities in a sidearm that virtually disappeared on a belt or in a tackle box. Discontinued in 1974 after a relatively short production run compared to its steel-frame Model 34 counterpart, original factory Model 43 Airweights hold prime collector interest today due to their scarcity and specialized design. This specific example bears serial number M78861 with matching box label specifications, dating its manufacture to circa 1974–1975 during the final period of production. Featuring a 3 1/2-inch tapered barrel, high-gloss blued barrel finish, anodized aluminum frame, fully recessed .22 LR cylinder chambers, pinned barrel construction, micrometer-adjustable rear sight, and factory checkered wood target stocks with gold S&W medallions, this piece represents an exceptionally well-preserved outfit. The factory finish displays rich gloss with minimal high-edge wear and crisp markings throughout. Mechanically, cylinder timing and lockup are tight, the trigger break in single action is crisp, and the 3 1/2-inch bore exhibits bright, sharp rifling. Complete with its original factory serial-matching blue box, instruction manual, and guarantee paper, this Smith & Wesson Model 43 Airweight Kit Gun offers a complete, highly collectible package for vintage S&W rimfire purists.
Contents:
This example will ship with the original Factory Serial-Matching Box and all other contents pictured above.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3-day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
Bryant Ridge also reserves the right to cancel any sales that may occur while gunbroker.com is experiencing technical issues that affects the entire site or a complete site outage, within an hour of the auction ending.
We have an amazing inventory of classic and collector firearms that we are adding to Gunbroker daily. Stay up to date on all of our latest auction by adding us to your favorite sellers list.
About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection. 
Additional Information
GunbrokerLink: |
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1203993036 |
BidPrice: |
0.01 |
AuctionEndDate: |
2026-09-27 21:00:00 |
CurrentBid: |
480 |
