German Gewehr 43 G43 8mm Mauser Semi Automatic Rifle duv C&R
SOLD FOR: $2610
LSB#: 230505RB011
Make: Berliner-Lübecker Maschinenfabrik. (BLM) Lübeck, Germany
Model: G43 / Gewehr 43
Serial Number: 6500
Year of Manufacture: 1944, C&R.
Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Rifle fed by a Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: 21.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a raised banded ramp with a dovetailed blade under a protective hood. The rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 1-12, inclusive.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two piece wood with a nose cap secured by a spring with a fixed sling bar on the left side, a ventilated handguard, through bolt, semi-pistol grip, straight comb, and metal butt plate with storage compartment door. The wood shows light handling and storage marks. The stock is not original, the handguard is possibly original. There are scattered scratches and some wood compressions on the handguard. The handguard shows a darker finish. The butt plate and stock hardware have been cleaned and refinished. The butt plate is not original and shows light surface oxidation. The storage compartment door opens but no hole for cleaning rods are present. The original through bolts have been wood filled and new holes were cut. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 7/8“ from the front of the trigger to the back of the butt plate. The stocks rate in about Very Good overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Parkerized
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is defined. There is light erosion in the grooves at the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion and for the age, this bore rates a 7 out of 10.
Many military and C&R 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 1950’s.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish as refinished. The metal shows scratches, and some surface oxidation. The barrel has a few spots of surface oxidation. The receiver and bolt were rough cast by the Germans in 1944, these are correct looking in how they were cast. The bottom metal shows thinning on some of the leading edges and a mottling of patina. The screw heads are used, some are marred. The markings are mostly defined, some are faint. Some German collectible markings are present on numerous areas. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The magazine detaches, the safety engages and the hold open mechanism for the bolt is present and functions. The muzzle is threaded. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: One (1) 7.92x57mm 10 round G43/K43 WaA892 Waffenamt magazine is present with the rifle. It has been refinished, and shows some minor operational wear scratches and rub marks. The feed lips are intact and the spring is strong.
Our Assessment: The Gewehr 1943/G43 or Karabiner 1943/K43, depending on how far into 1944 you are; was a German semi-automatic rifle introduced for service with the Wehrmacht towards the end of WWII. The concept originated with the Gewehr Model 41, but that gun proved unreliable with only a small number ever produced by Walther and Mauser. Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union in June of 1941 a number of Soviet SVT-40 semi-automatic rifles were captured and the Soviet gun’s superior engineering was integrated into the Gewehr 41 and the resulting reworked rifle was the Model 1943. The gun entered production in 1943 and a number of companies manufactured the rifle with over 400,000 manufactured before WWII ended. In April of 1944 the Gewehr 43 was renamed the Karabiner 43 but the gun was identical in all respects except the markings. The Gewehr 43’s story did not end with the Third Reich, surplus rifles continued to service in the East German (Deutsche Demokratische Republik or DDR) security services into the 1950s. This particular specimen shows a original handguard, a replacement stock, butt plate with door that is not cut for cleaning rods and has had its magazine and metal refinished. Correct stocks can be found through an online search. The rifle is in good condition and is mechanically sound. The gas system appears to be complete. A “Orion” mark is present on the receiver. The rifle should prove a fun addition to any historical firearms collection or on the range. Good luck on your bid!
-Luke
