German G43 K43 Gewehr 43 Nazi 8mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $4075
LSB#: 210926KY04
Make: Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM). In 1944 “duv” was the Nazi code for Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik.
Model: Gewehr 43 (G43). Later designated as the Karabiner 43 (K43).
Serial Number: 5570
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no visible import mark. The left side of the receiver is marked “eagle / 214”, with the serial number, with a Nazi “eagle / swastika”, “G.43” and “duv 44.”. The left side of the bolt carrier and bottom of the buttstock are each marked with the serial number. The top of the bolt head and top of the bolt carrier (next to the charging handle) are each marked with “eagle / 214” stamps. The top of the bolt head is also marked with an “eagle / swastika” stamp. The top rear of the bolt cover is marked with the serial number in electric pencil. The gas tube is marked with the last 2 digits of the serial number in electric pencil. The barrel shank is marked “BU”, with a “shield”, with an “eagle / swastika”, and 2 “eagle / swastika / 214” stamps under the handguard. The right side of the butt is marked with an “eagle / swastika / WaA214” Waffenamt and an “eagle / swastika / 214” stamp; these marks are faded. The bottom of the butt is marked with a faded “eagle / swastika /…” stamp; we can’t read the numbers, they are most likely “214”. The magazine is marked “gcb”, with 2 “eagle / WaA892” Waffenamts, and “G43/K43”. There are a few other small marks on the rifle.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post set atop a ramped base and under a removable protective hood. 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 included cleaning rod, ventilated handguard, through bolt, sling well with pass through, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows scrapes, scratches and oxidation. The nosecap has been refinished. The wood shows scrapes, scratches and compression marks. Most of the marks are light. The LOP measures 13 ¼ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are bright and the grooves are light grey. The rifling is deep. There is fouling and intermittent light erosion in the grooves. The fouling should clean up some.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 92% of its metal finish. Both sides of the receiver show a distinct line of thinning and discoloration where the new finish did not take to the metal. The thinning and discoloration extend into the interior of the receiver and wrap around the receiver. In other WWII rifles we would expect this was due a reweld. We do not believe this is a rewelded receiver. The gain of the forging pores on the metal is consistent and intact. It appears as if a chemical was spilled on this area and not fully cleaned off the metal. See photos. The barrel & bottom metal show scrapes, small scratches, and some light discoloration. The screw heads show use. Most of the markings are 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 a refinished 10 round magazine. It shows several small scrapes & thin scratches. Overall it is in about Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: This German Gewehr 43 (G43) was made by Berlin-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik (BLM) back in 1944. The metal and wood have been refinished. It looks great for a WWII era rifle and it still has lots of significant markings on the metal & wood. This is a collectible rifle that can put 8mm downrange as fast as you can pull the trigger. The rifle’s designation was later changed to Karabiner 43 (K43). Good luck.