German K43 G43 Karabiner 43 8mm Mauser WWII Semi Automatic Rifle Late War Nazi Walther AC 44, MFD 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,870
LSB#: 200229JH10
Make: Walther of Germany. In 1944 “ac” was the Nazi code for Walther.
Model: Karabiner 43. Initially named the Gewehr 43 (abbreviated G43, K43, Gew 43, Kar 43).
Serial Number: 3761
Year of Manufacture: 1944. Based on the lack of cosmetic milling to the receiver and the lack of a bolt hold-open latch, this rifle was produced in the last 3 months of 1944. See page 112 of Darrin Weaver’s book, Hitler’s Garands – German Self loading Rifles of World War II.
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The left side of the barrel shank (under the handguard) is marked with a small Nazi “eagle / swastika” and with a small “eagle” inspection stamp. The left side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / swastika”, an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp, “K 43”, “ac / 44”, with the serial number “3761”, and with a partial stamp at the wood line. The right side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The left side of the top cover is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp and with the serial number. The rear of the receiver is marked “M”. The top cover is stamped with what resembles a backward “46” next to the charging handle. The left side of the butt is marked with an “eagle / swastika / 359” stamping. The bottom of the post WWII magazine is marked “MADE IN DENMARK”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post atop a ramped base. The rear sight is a “V” notched sliding escalator marked from “1-12”. The right side of the receiver has integral rail for an optic.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece laminate stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap with sling bar, hole for the missing cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well with pass through, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The butt has small spare bolt parts stored inside; see photos. The buttplate shows scrapes, oxidation & excess wood finish. The handguard is ventilated. It shows a long glued & repaired crack down the center. The rear of the crack flexes slightly when pressure is applied. The front of the forearm is pieced together. It is missing a piece of wood under its nosecap retaining spring. The nosecap is secure but does not slide back far enough to lock onto the retaining spring. The stock shows various scrapes & compression marks. Areas of the finish have been dulled by scuffs. The sides of the stock show spots of mildew. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish, as refinished. Some of the new blue finish on the receiver and top cover has been lost. The original blue finish below it shows some discoloration from oxidation. The receiver, top cover, and barrel show scrapes & small scratches. The front sight shows oxidation and is scratched on both sides. The bottom metal shows small scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. The markings are mostly deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition, as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with one ten round magazine. From our research we believe it is a post war magazine made on Nazi factory equipment (claus.espeholt.dk/g43_mags.html). It shows scrapes, small scratches, and areas of thinning. It is in about Very Good Plus condition. The butt has small spare bolt parts stored inside; see photos. They are in about Fine condition.
Our Assessment: This Nazi marked K43 was made in 1944 by Walther. It was built without a hold open latch on the top cover. This was done to simplify production while the Nazis were getting their butts kicked near the end of WWII. It has Nazi markings and a good bore. It even comes with some spare bolt parts. It will add nicely to a WWII collection.
The K43 has a much improved gas system (borrowed from the Russians) and is much more reliable than its predecessor the G41. For some video history on the K43 (and G41 if you search) see the Forgotten Weapons You Tube channel at: youtube.com/watch?v=zUjPeAgvf3U.