WWII German G43 Gewehr 43 Karabiner 43 K43 8mm Mauser Semi-Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $3625
LSB#: 230329PH023
Make: Walther. In 1944 “ac” was the German wartime code for Walther.
Model: Gewehr 43 (G43). Later designated as the Karabiner 43 (K43).
Serial Number: 5347
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 3/4 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. The right side of the receiver has integral rail for an optic.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The forearm of the stock has been pieced together. The two piece laminate stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap with sling bar, hole for the included cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well with pass through and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The buttplate shows surface erosion. The nosecap shows scrapes & discoloration from oxidation. The bottom of the butt shows a crack at the buttplate. It does not flex. The handguard is ventilated. The wood shows several scrapes and scratches as well as several small spots of discoloration. The LOP measures 13 1/2 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark. The rifling is well defined; shallow at the muzzle. There is erosion throughout the bore. It is heavier at the muzzle and in the grooves.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 5 out of 10.
Many military and C&R eligible weapons have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the fact that corrosive primers were commonly used in ammunition worldwide. For example, the U.S. used corrosive ammunition throughout WWII. The U.S. military did not begin to phase out corrosive-primed ammunition until the 1950s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and areas of discoloration from oxidation. The barrel shows thinning, prominent discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The screw heads show heavy use. Many of the markings are well defined; a few are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about 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 comes with one ten round magazine. It shows several scrapes and scratches that have removed areas of the paint finish. It appears to function correctly.
The rifle has a leather K98 sling attached.
Our Assessment: The Gewehr 43 (G43) was a semi-automatic rifle used by the German Wehrmacht during World War II. It was developed to replace the bolt-action Karabiner 98k, which was the standard infantry rifle at the time.
The G43 was designed by a team led by Mauser engineer Ludwig Vorgrimler, and was based on the earlier Gewehr 41 (G41) rifle. It featured a gas-operated system allowing for semi-automatic fire. The rifle was chambered for the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge and had a 10-round detachable box magazine.
The G43 was first introduced in 1943, but production was limited due to the demands of the war and difficulties in manufacturing. Despite this, the G43 saw widespread use in the latter stages of the war, particularly on the Eastern Front. It was prized by German soldiers for its accuracy and reliability, and was also used by some elite units such as the Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers).
Today, the G43 is a sought-after collector’s item.
This German Gewehr 43 (G43) was made by Walther back in 1944. It has seen some use but looks pretty good for a WWII era rifle. It has lots of significant markings on the metal & wood that add to its history. 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).
…Now go shoot something!
