Winchester Model 43 .218 Bee Detachable Mag Bolt Action Rifle, MFD 1949-57 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,025
LSB#: 200129CP37
Make: Winchester
Model: 43
Serial Number: 52522A
Year of Manufacture: 1949-1957
Caliber: .218 Bee
Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-“, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-” and “MODEL 43-218 BEE-”. The right side of the receiver is marked “52522A”. The top of the barrel and the top of the chamber ring each have an ovalled “WP” proof. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “52522”.
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a dovetail in the rear of the barrel for a sight which is not present. The rear of the barrel is drilled and tapped with a scope base installed. The top of the receiver and the left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope or peep-sight mounts with one installed on the top behind the ejection port.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with capped pistol grip, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, scrapes and handling marks. There is a more notable mark in the right grip checkering panel and there is some finish loss around the edges of the checkering panels, most notable at the front of the left forend panel and the rear of the right grip panel. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the front sight and trigger guard. Much of the balance is in finish wear on the top of the barrel behind the front sight. The bottom metal has a few light marks. The bolt body shows light operational wear and the knob has minor handling wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-plus condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a single 3-round magazine marked “MODEL 43 / 218 BEE” on the right at the bottom and “B” on the follower. The magazine has scattered wear with intact feed lips and a strong spring. Overall, the magazine is in about Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The .218 Bee is a classic varmint cartridge that almost every man wants in their collection. It is known for its relatively velocities and ability to take down small game. The bore on this rifle is in great condition, so this rifle ought to be a tack driver. The Winchester 43 was introduced in 1949 chambered for three .32-20 family cartridges including .25-20 and .218 Bee as well as the .22 Hornet, a fast-handling bolt action rifle fed from a detachable box magazine. This example in .218 Bee is in Very Good condition with about 90% of its metal finish, light wear in the stock, a great bore and strong mechanics. Whether you’re looking for a new varmint rifle or to round out your Winchester collection, this is a nice old rifle for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!