Smith & Wesson Model 43 Airweight J Frame Thumb Piece & Nut .22 LR, Part# 179-43-Q
$22.99
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Smith & Wesson Model 43 Airweight J Frame Thumb Piece & Nut .22 LR, Part# 179-43-Q
$22.99
Smith & Wesson Model 43 Airweight Thumb Piece & Nut – Part# 179-43-Q
This is a genuine factory Smith & 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.
The 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.
Part Details
- Part Number: 179-43-Q
- Part Name: Thumb Piece & Nut (Cylinder Release Latch)
- Condition: Used, factory original
- Frame: J Frame (Airweight — alloy frame)
- Caliber: .22 Long Rifle (rimfire)
- Includes: Thumb piece + securing nut
- Function: Releases cylinder latch to allow cylinder to swing out for loading/unloading
Model Compatibility
| Model | Caliber | Frame | Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model 43 Airweight (.22/.32 Kit Gun) | .22 LR (rimfire) | J Frame Alloy | ✅ Yes |
| Model 43C | .22 LR (rimfire) | J Frame Alloy | ⚠️ Verify fitment |
| Model 317 (Kit Gun) | .22 LR (rimfire) | J Frame Alloy | ⚠️ Verify fitment |
| Model 34 (.22/.32 Kit Gun) | .22 LR (rimfire) | J Frame Steel | ⚠️ Verify fitment — different frame material |
| Model 63 | .22 LR (rimfire) | J Frame Stainless | ⚠️ Verify fitment — different frame material |
| Model 37 / 38 | .38 Special | J Frame Alloy | ⚠️ Verify fitment — centerfire, same frame type |
| Model 36 / 60 | .38 Special / .357 Mag | J Frame Steel/SS | ⚠️ Verify fitment — different frame material |
| K / L / N Frame | Various | Larger frames | ❌ Different frame size |
Note: 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.
Installation
Thumb 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.
Questions about fitment? Call or email us — we're happy to help.