WWII Berlin-Lubecker Maschinenfabrik G43 G-43 K43 K-43 Semi-Auto Rifle, C&R
Sold For: $2,580
LSB#: 201018CA28
Make: Berlin-Lubecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM), Germany
Model: Gewehr 43 or Karabiner 43 (abbreviated G43, K43, Gew 43, Kar 43)
Serial Number: 4156h
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked with a German inspection stamp “eagle / 214”, with the serial number “4156h”, eagle clutching swastika and “G.43 duv 44”. The sliding bolt carrier is marked “4156h” on the left and “eagle / 214” on the top. The rear of the stationary top cover is stamped with a small Nazi waffenamt “eagle / WaAA44”. The top of the bolt is marked with an inspection stamp. The top of the barrel is marked with “C J” and three inspection marks, these barrel marks are under the handguard. The left of the magazine is marked “acw”, eagle over “WaAA98” twice and “K43”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 22 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a bladed post set atop a raised base and under a removable protective hood. The rear sight is a “U” notched sliding escalator marked from “1 – 12”. There is an integral rail on the right of the receiver for a scope mount (none present).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth hardwood with ventilated handguard, pistol grip, straight comb, sling swivel in the belly, sling bar on the left of the nosecap and no buttplate (mounting screws are present, but no plate). The stocks have several scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches, most notable is a deep ding on the right of the forend about 3″ behind the nosecap’s spring-tab. There are a couple of small losses at the toe. There are no cracks. The LOP measures 12 3/4″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the wood. Overall, the stock is in about Good-plus condition as missing its buttplate and not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. There is infrequent light erosion scattered in the bore, most toward the muzzle-end.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its current metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The exposed portion of the barrel has a few light scratches and handling marks. The receiver and bolt show the rough finish of late-war production. There is infrequent minor surface oxidation. The receiver, bolt and bottom metal have some light nicks, scratches and scuffs. The action shows operational wear. The markings range from clear to poorly struck or worn. The screw heads are tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this rifle is in about Good condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The safety lever is missing. Otherwise, the action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a single magazine (currently installed) that shows some scrapes & scratches as well as minor surface oxidation. The follower is still under strong spring tension. Overall the magazine is in Good-Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This G43 was made by Berlin-Lubecker Maschinenfabrik in 1944, as the ultimate outcome of WWII was becoming clear to everyone. The rough surfaces of the receiver and bolt carrier are typical of late-war German production when every effort was being made to reduce manufacturing time and costs. This example’s markings are generally clear and we could not find an import mark, so it may have even come home from the war with a GI. The stock has been replaced and will need a new buttplate, but it should still make for a nice shooter. The G43 has a much-improved gas system (borrowed from the Russians) and is much more reliable than its predecessor the G41. This is a rifle that will add to any collection, especially a WWII collection. Good luck.
CA Legal or CA Private Party Transferable (THIS SECTION DOES NOT APPLY TO OUT-OF-STATE RESIDENTS): This C&R rifle can be transferred in California. All C&R firearms must be transferred through your local dealer OR at our Simi Valley location; we cannot ship directly to a C&R holder in California. Out of state residents can disregard this section – your local laws apply.
