Smith & Wesson 43C .22 LR 1.875″ 8-Round

The Smith & Wesson 43C .22 LR 1.875″ 8-round is a lightweight AirLite J-frame revolver built for deep concealment and high-volume plinking. Its aluminum-alloy frame and cylinder keep the rig under 12 ounces, while the internal hammer gives you a snag-free draw from a pocket or waistband. This is the rimfire revolver that disappears on your hip and runs all day on a box of cheap .22 LR.

Manufacturer	Smith & Wesson
Model	43C
Material	Aluminum-alloy frame and cylinder (per manufacturer specs)
Compatibility	.22 LR ammunition
Finish	Matte black
Weight	11.4 oz (unloaded, per manufacturer specs)
Condition	New

Key Features

• Internal Hammer Design: WHY IT MATTERS — This snag-free profile lets you draw from a pocket holster or IWB rig without the hammer catching on clothing, making it a true deep-concealment piece.
• 8-Round Cylinder: WHY IT MATTERS — Double the capacity of most .22 snubbies, giving you more trigger time between reloads and a higher round count for defensive or training use.
• XS White-Dot Front Sight: WHY IT MATTERS — The high-visibility front post with a white dot aligns fast against the fixed U-notch rear, so you get on target quickly in low light or under stress.
• 1.875″ Barrel: WHY IT MATTERS — This short barrel keeps the overall length under 6.5 inches, making the 43C one of the most packable rimfire revolvers on the market.
• Matte Black Finish: WHY IT MATTERS — The non-reflective coating reduces glare and resists holster wear, keeping the revolver looking clean even after range sessions.

Who It’s For

This revolver is for the collector or shooter who wants a J-frame that weighs less than a full water bottle and runs on the cheapest ammo at the gun show. It’s for the guy who carries a .22 for backup in the woods, the plinker who wants to burn through bricks of .22 without fatigue, and the new shooter learning double-action trigger control on a lightweight platform.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Sub-12-ounce weight — disappears in a pocket holster or ankle rig all day.
• Pro: 8-round capacity gives you more firepower than the typical 5-shot .38 snubby.
• Pro: Internal hammer means zero snag on the draw.
• Con: The alloy frame and cylinder can heat up fast under rapid fire — plan for a shooting glove or slower strings.

Comparison vs. Competitors

Feature	Smith & Wesson 43C	Ruger LCR .22 LR	Taurus 942 .22 LR
Weight (unloaded)	11.4 oz	13.5 oz	17.6 oz
Capacity	8 rounds	8 rounds	8 rounds
Hammer	Internal (snag-free)	Internal (snag-free)	Exposed spur
Barrel Length	1.875″	1.875″	2″
MSRP	$767.04	$719.00	$389.00

FAQ

What is the barrel length on the Smith & Wesson 43C?

The barrel measures 1.875 inches, which keeps the overall length compact for deep concealment.

How many rounds does the 43C hold?

It holds 8 rounds of .22 LR in the cylinder — double what most J-frame .38s offer.

Is the Smith & Wesson 43C reliable with all .22 LR ammo?

Like most rimfire revolvers, it runs best with high-velocity or standard-velocity loads. Some bulk-pack ammo may cause light strikes, but it digests CCI Mini-Mags and Federal Automatch without issues.

Can I carry the 43C in a pocket holster?

Yes. The internal hammer and sub-12-ounce weight make it ideal for pocket carry with a dedicated holster.

Does the 43C have a safety?

No manual safety. It relies on a heavy double-action trigger pull as the primary safety mechanism.

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Last updated: April 2026

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