S&W Kit-Gun Birthday Present

[oregon45]

Turning 32 in 10 days (I don't feel a day over 28!) so I figure this counts as my birthday present to myself.

Just picked it up this morning: a well-used but not abused Smith and Wesson Lightweight Kit Gun, 22lr. This is a pre-Model 43 Kit Gun, with walnut diamond magna grips numbered to the gun and no model number stamped on the inside frame. Despite the apparent wear in the anodizing on the cylinder, the lockup and timing are tight and dead-on. Trigger pull is, like most small-frame rimfires, a bit stiff in DA and typical S&W smooth in single action.

I've got a pre-lock S&W 317 3" that will be a perfect companion to this old timer. Now if I can just find a few bricks of 22lr...

[t5malibuwagon]

What a nice gun. I have a 17-6 that is most enjoyable. Hard to beat an afternoon with a good smith 22, a brick, and some cans.

[oregon45]

Yup, the 17's are pretty nice too. Here's an old pre-17 5-screw K22 I used to own:




And a 617 no-dash I've got hanging around:



Hard to beat a rimfire range-day (ignore that pesky 624 44spl, 44's always seem to sneak in whenever the camera comes out) from left: S&W 617, S&W 317 no dash 3",Ruger SP101 4.2" 22lr.



You can never have too many rimfires

[cable]

i have one of those model 43s and it has become my favorite kit gun type 22; mine will outshoot several others that i have had, including the 317 that i had, and for me has a better balance and paintability.. your gun appears like new. that was a great find !!

[RABULL]

I have one of those S & W Pre-Model 43 .22 LR Kit Guns also. It was made in 1955 (it looks just like yours) and is one of my favorite .22 handguns....