
Winchester Model 43 24″ .218 Bee Detachable Mag Bolt Action Rifle, 1949 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,075.00
LSB#: LSB250623CH006
Make: Winchester
Model: 43
Serial Number: 7891
Year of Manufacture: Ca. 1949
Caliber: .218 Bee
Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base forged to the front of the barrel. The rear sight has been removed with a blank installed in its dovetail. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped for a receiver sight (none present). The top of the barrel has been drilled and tapped with two sight blocks and rings holding a Lyman Super Targetspot 15x scope with crosshair reticle. The right of the scope body has been hand-scribed with “Special Services / Marine Corps Clothing Depot / Phila 4.6, PA.”, we are not certain of the significance of this marking, but it was likely the scope was at one point owned by a Marine stationed in Philadelphia. The scope has scattered wear in the body with fairly clear glass, though it could use a good cleaning.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a few more notable dings in the bottom edge of the grip and some sling-wear around the swivels. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original, the bolt is serial-matching.
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is infrequent minor erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates about 8 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. There is light wear along each side of the barrel toward the muzzle-end. The right side of the barrel has a line of spots of erosion forward of the scope. There are a few other minior marks. The action shows operational wear and there is handling wear on the bolt knob. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a single unmarked 3-round magazine and the installed scope described above.
Our Assessment: The .218 Bee is a classic varmint cartridge that almost every man wants in their collection. It is known for its relatively high velocities and ability to take down small game. The bore on this rifle is in good condition, so it ought to still make for a good shooter. The Winchester 43 was introduced in 1949 chambered for three .32-20 family cartridges including .25-20 and .218 Bee as well as the .22 Hornet, a fast-handling bolt action rifle fed from a detachable box magazine. This example in .218 Bee is in Very Good condition with about 85% of its metal finish, light wear in the stock, and strong mechanics. It has been equipped with a vintage Lyman Super Targetspot 15x scope which has etchings indicating it belonged to a Marine stationed in Philadelphia at one time. Whether you’re looking for a new varmint rifle or to round out your Winchester collection, this is a nice old rifle for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
