{"product_id":"smith-wesson-model-43-airweight-j-frame-thumb-piece-nut-22lr-179-43-q","title":"Smith \u0026 Wesson Model 43 Airweight J Frame Thumb Piece \u0026 Nut .22 LR, Part# 179-43-Q","description":"\u003ch2\u003eSmith \u0026amp; Wesson Model 43 Airweight Thumb Piece \u0026amp; Nut – Part# 179-43-Q\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a genuine factory Smith \u0026amp; Wesson thumb piece and nut for the J Frame Model 43 (.22\/.32 Kit Gun Airweight) revolver chambered in .22 Long Rifle. A used part in serviceable condition — a cost-effective solution for replacing a worn, damaged, or missing cylinder release latch on your Model 43 Airweight.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe thumb piece (also called the cylinder release latch) is the lever on the left side of the frame that you push forward to unlock and swing the cylinder out for loading and unloading. The nut secures the thumb piece to the frame. A worn, bent, or broken thumb piece prevents the cylinder from opening reliably — a critical function for any revolver.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003ePart Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 179-43-Q\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thumb Piece \u0026amp; Nut (Cylinder Release Latch)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e Used, factory original\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFrame:\u003c\/strong\u003e J Frame (Airweight — alloy frame)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCaliber:\u003c\/strong\u003e .22 Long Rifle (rimfire)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIncludes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Thumb piece + securing nut\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFunction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Releases cylinder latch to allow cylinder to swing out for loading\/unloading\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eModel Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eModel\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCaliber\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrame\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCompatible\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 43 Airweight (.22\/.32 Kit Gun)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.22 LR (rimfire)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Alloy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e✅ Yes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 43C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.22 LR (rimfire)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Alloy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e⚠️ Verify fitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 317 (Kit Gun)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.22 LR (rimfire)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Alloy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e⚠️ Verify fitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 34 (.22\/.32 Kit Gun)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.22 LR (rimfire)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Steel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e⚠️ Verify fitment — different frame material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 63\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.22 LR (rimfire)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Stainless\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e⚠️ Verify fitment — different frame material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 37 \/ 38\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.38 Special\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Alloy\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e⚠️ Verify fitment — centerfire, same frame type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel 36 \/ 60\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e.38 Special \/ .357 Mag\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJ Frame Steel\/SS\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e⚠️ Verify fitment — different frame material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eK \/ L \/ N Frame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVarious\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarger frames\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e❌ Different frame size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eNote: The Model 43 Airweight uses an alloy (aluminum) frame — thumb pieces may not interchange with steel or stainless J Frame revolvers. Always confirm your exact model and frame material before ordering. Model numbers are stamped on the frame behind the yoke when the cylinder is swung out. Pre-1957 revolvers may not have a model number — contact us with your serial number for assistance.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eInstallation\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eThumb piece and nut replacement requires side plate removal and careful disassembly of the cylinder latch assembly. Take care not to over-torque the nut against the alloy frame. We recommend installation by a qualified gunsmith to ensure correct fit and reliable cylinder release function.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestions about fitment? Call or email us — we're happy to help.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Smith \u0026 Wesson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40804890378298,"sku":"179-43-Q","price":22.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1423\/2020\/files\/DSC06620.jpg?v=1741631918","url":"https:\/\/usagunsandgear.com\/products\/smith-wesson-model-43-airweight-j-frame-thumb-piece-nut-22lr-179-43-q","provider":"USA Guns And Gear","version":"1.0","type":"link"}