Custom Winchester Model 43 .218 Improved Bee Bolt Rifle, MFD 1949-1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1702
LSB#: 210619DD10
Make: Winchester
Model: Custom Model 43
Serial Number: 45415A
Year of Manufacture: 1949-1957
Caliber: .218 Improved Bee
Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “218 IMP BEE”. The right side of the receiver is marked “45415A”.
Barrel Length: 20”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes at the rear of the barrel for a rear sight (none present). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with two-piece bases and rings holding a Burris 4x scope with duplex reticle. The scope has minor handling wear with a factory sticker still on the eyepiece, the glass is fairly clear, in about Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered select walnut with capped pistol grip, straight comb and checkered steel buttplate. The stock has a few scattered light nicks and scratches. The checkering is sharp. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ 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 Fine condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is light gray. The rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is light erosion scattered through the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its current metal finish. Most of the balance is in light finish wear on the top-rear of the barrel. There are a few other scattered light marks. There is scattered light erosion under the finish, most on the receiver and bottom metal. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition as refinished and customized.
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.
Our Assessment: The Winchester 43 is a classic varmint rifle that almost every man wants in their collection. 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 has been customized with the barrel chambered for .218 Improved Bee and a beautiful stock. The rifle is in Very Good condition as refinished with about 95% of its new metal finish, minor wear in the stock, a fair 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!