WWII German G43 8mm Mauser 22” Walther ac Code Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1944
SOLD FOR: $3,925.00
LSB#: LSB250604CM017
Make: Walther (ac factory code)
Model: Gewehr 43
Serial Number: 188m
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi-auto flapper locked system, detachable 10 round magazine
Markings: The left side of the receiver is marked, “G43 188 m ac 44”. The bolt is marked “8830”. There are several “359” Waffenamt throughout. There is a Reichsadler on the receiver. There is no visible import mark. The magazine is marked, “gcb” and “K43” with a Waffenamt.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded blade post set on a ramped base. The rear sight is a buckhorn style u-notch blade on a sliding escalator marked from 1-12.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is a two piece laminate wood set with a forend cap/sling bar & cleaning rod, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, sling well, straight comb, and steel buttplate w/ a gate. There are light handling marks throughout with some small chips. There are cracks throughout (belly of the stock, a few around the steel buttplate, the top handguard, and on the pistol grip). Some spotty uses of wood putty have been used. The LOP measures 13.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Three 10 round magazine in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, Parkerized
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is defined. There is moderate erosion and throughout the bore with heavy stubborn fouling. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is heavy thinning, patina, scratches, and light surface rust throughout. The blued parts retain some of their finish. The action is moderately worn. The screw heads show moderate use. The markings are somewhat clear, though some of the smaller ones are worn around the edges. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Three 10rd magazine and magazine pouches.
Our Assessment: The Gewehr 43 (G43) was angry Germany’s answer to the semi-automatic service rifles fielded by other major powers during WWII, such as the M1 Garand and SVT-40. Adopted in 1943 and built by several factories—including Walther under the “ac” code—this rifle employed a flapper-locked, short-stroke gas piston system that delivered reliable semi-automatic fire with the powerful 8mm Mauser cartridge. The “ac 44” receiver marking on this example indicates production at Walther’s Zella-Mehlis plant in 1944, a time when German industry was under intense pressure and wartime expedients were increasingly common. Its matching “K43” magazine with Waffenamt is a desirable and correct accessory for collectors.
This example retains about 40% of its original finish with thinning, patina, and light surface rust present, consistent with a rifle that saw service and long-term storage. The laminated stock shows scattered cracks (belly, pistol grip, around the buttplate, and the top handguard) along with some filler repairs, but remains intact and functional. The bore is semi-bright with defined rifling and moderate erosion, rating about 7/10, and the mechanics function properly. There is no visible import mark, which adds appeal for collectors. Given its correct wartime production codes, surviving original finish, and included period magazine, this G43 is a historically significant WWII semi-automatic rifle that would make a centerpiece in a German military collection while still offering shootable potential with proper care and maintenance. Please look at our photos and good luck on your bid. -N.P.
