Two stand-out models in the world of lightweight, .22LR revolvers owing to their unique attributes and performance: the Smith & Wesson Model 43C and the Taurus 942. Both revolvers have seen some serious testing for their overall suitability for everything from training through to in some cases real potential self-defense use.
Historically, the “kit gun” was a staple for the outdoorsman, a lightweight firearm that might be carried easily for unplanned shooting adventures or minor camping chores. These guns were not intended in any great extent for self-defense or hunting but worked as highly versatile, universal tools for an outdoorsman. The Smith & Wesson Model 43C and Taurus 942 carry on that tradition with modern iterations of the classic kit gun.
The Smith & Wesson Model 43C is one of the lightest J-Frame revolvers on the market today, with a weight of just 11.5 ounces. It is an 8-shot .22LR and shares its general overall dimensions and feel with the .357 Magnum S&W 340 PD—minus the punishing recoil. This makes it a tremendous training tool for practicing with .22LR ammo, but without creating training scars from heavier recoil.
The large XS Sights White Dot front sight puts the Model 43C into full light, and that can only be deemed to be an asset. On the downside, and with an entirely different slant, its double-action trigger is one of the rougher, typical for lightweight revolvers that want much practice before users get accustomed to it. On the other hand, the lightweight concept and smooth functioning make the revolver ideal for lengthy sessions at the range.
The Taurus 942 takes the weight up just a tad more, to 17.80 ounces, but provides far better balance and a notably better trigger pull than the Model 43C. The double/single-action revolver has an external hammer for single-action fire. The 942 features an alloy frame, steel cylinder, and barrel. The combination of these components gives a balancing act of having a good, solid construction but with a light hand, and thus it’s a working solution for training and casual shooting.
The Taurus 942 was very reliable during testing, only having two failures to fire that were found to be ammunition- or round-related, and not a failure of the firearm itself. That is one of the real advantages of revolvers as kit guns: if there is a problem with a round, a simple pull of the trigger moves the shooter on to the next.
The Smith & Wesson Model 43C and Taurus 942 each have their strengths. One should go with the ultra-light Model 43C when one’s looking for a highly portable training tool, but go with the more versatile Taurus 942 if the concern lies with proper balance and a smoother trigger in rapid-fire scenarios.
The limitations that come with considering .22LR revolvers for self-defense have to be looked into. In favor of these revolvers is reduced recoil and, therefore, ease in handling, though they are nowhere as effective in terms of stopping power as larger calibers. However, in the hands of a skilled shooter, these revolvers can still be very effective in a defensive situation.
Summary: The Smith & Wesson Model 43C and the Taurus 942 differ to a high extent and perform well in their respective ways. The Model 43C is going to be an excellent and lightweight training tool, whereas the Taurus 942 is going to be the perfect balanced and reliable choice for both training and casual shooting. In these two ways, this remains a child of the kit gun, modernizing all through, offering features and performance to today’s shooter.