Not afraid to shoot this one

[LtDave]

Found this relatively rare '74 vintage S&W Model 43 languishing on GunBroker. For some reason, I liked the well worn look. It was a little gunked up inside when it arrived, so I detail stripped it and cleaned it out. It locks up tight and has a decent action. Very obviously carried a lot and not shot much. These have aluminum cylinders and are very light. Can't wait to shoot it, been too hot here for a range day. The shorter 3.5" barrel on these just looks better to me than the 4" barrels on the Model 34's.

[LockedBreech]

Gotta love an honest shooter. I actually love the first ding a new car gets. It means you can stop worrying about it and drive.

[DallasBronco]

I'm not familiar with that model, is the cylinder completely aluminum, or is sleeved? Is throat erosion an issue with an aluminum cylinder?

[LtDave]

Yes, cylinder is completely aluminum, no sleeves. I can't see anything on the cylinder of this gun indicative of erosion. This is my first S&W with an aluminum cylinder.

[LtDave]

Took it out and shot it.

Extractor rod likes to back out upon firing a cylinder full, so a little Lock-tite is indicated. Shoots pretty good, just tried 10 yards to start. There's some more adjustment left in the rear sight, but I think I'll shorten the front a little instead.