German K43 Karabiner 43 G43 ac44 8mm Mauser Semi-Automatic Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3439
LSB#: 220213DA018
Make: Walther. In 1945 “ac” was the wartime code for Walther.
Model: Karabiner 43 (K43). Previously designated as the Gewehr 43 (G43).
Serial Number: 8660B
Year of Manufacture: 1945
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, “K43”, with the serial number and “ac / 45”. 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 right side of the butt stock is marked with a faded “eagle”.
The magazine is marked “62 75” (in electric pencil), “G43”, “aye” and with an “eagle / WaB43 Waffenamt”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 3/4 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post set atop a serrated 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 laminate 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 shows discoloration and light surface erosion. The wood shows scattered scrapes & scratches. The butt shows several cracks. Most are surface cracks, but a couple can be seen inside of the storage compartment in the butt. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Black
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The grooves are dark and the rifling is deep. There is erosion and some light intermittent pitting in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 87% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scrapes and scratches that have removed areas of the black paint finish. The exposed metal shows discoloration from oxidation.The screw heads show heavy use. The markings are well defined. The small markings are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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 has a leather sling attached. It is missing the end buckle.
The rifle comes with a refinished 10 round magazine. It shows scrapes, scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The bottom has surface erosion showing through the new finish. It is in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: The German Karabiner 43 (K43) was previously designated as the Gewehr 43 (G43). This late model German K43 was made in 1945 by Walther. It was made without a bolt carrier hold open latch inorder to make it cheaper and faster to produce.
The rifle has been refinished so it looks pretty good for its age. This German K43 will add to any collection, especially a WWII collection. Good luck.