German G43 Gewehr 43 K43 ac44 8mm Mauser Semi-Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3525
LSB#: 220213DA019
Make: Walther. In 1944 “ac” was the wartime code for Walther.
Model: Gewehr 43 (G43). Later designated as the Karabiner 43 (K43).
Serial Number: 3311K
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 with an “eagle / swastika”, an “eagle” inspection stamp, “G 43”, with the serial number and “ac / 44”. 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 (no letter suffix). The top of the handguard is stamped “G43 GERMAN”.
The noscap is stuck on the rifle; we did not try to force it off. We were unable to view the barrel markings below the wood.
The magazine is marked “K43”, “gcb” and with 2 “eagle / WaA692 Waffenamts.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post set atop a serrated ramped blase 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: This is a replacement stock. The nosecap and nosecap retaining spring are roughly manufactured non-German replacements. The nosecap may be glued in place. The noscap is stuck on the rifle, we did not try to force it off. This stock does not have a hole for a cleaning rod. There are no cutouts in the butt under the storage door.
The wood stock has a pistol grip, ventilated handguard, metal nosecap with sling bar, through bolt, sling well with pass through and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate extends beyond the edge of the butt at the top. The buttplate and nosecap show scratches, discoloration and light surface erosion. The wood shows scrapes & scratches. The bottom of the butt is missing surface wood at the buttplate. The grip shows tool marks. The top of the butt has been sanded. The LOP measures 13 3/8 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is gray and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore. It is more prominent in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, scratches and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The barrel shows a freckling of light surface erosion. The bottom metal shows surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. The small markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good to Very Good condition.
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 has a leather sling attached. The rifle comes with one ten round magazine. It shows scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. It is in Good to Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The German Gewehr 43 (G43) was later designated as the Karabiner 43 (K43). This German G43 was made in 1944 by Walther. It has been dropped into a replacement stock that uses a roughly produced non-German nose cap & retaining spring. It has distinctive markings along the receiver and can still do plenty of work at the range.
The G43 has a much improved gas system (borrowed from the Russians) and is much more reliable than its predecessor the G41. This rifle will add to any collection, especially a WWII collection. Good luck.