German K43 Karabiner 43 Nazi G43 8mm Mauser Semi Auto Rifle 1945 C&R
SOLD FOR: $4425
LSB#: 211201RY04
Make: Walther of Germany. In 1945 “ac” was the Nazi wartime code for Walther.
Model: Karabiner 43 (K43). Previously designated as the Gewehr 43 (G43).
Serial Number: 6899 b
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 / 359” inspection stamp, “K43”, “ac / 45” ( the “45” is under the wood), and with the serial number. The right side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The rear of the receiver is marked with a “diamond”. The left side of the barrel shank is marked with a faded Nazi “eagle / swastika”. The barrel (under the handguard) is marked with a German “eagle / 359” inspection stamp and “45”. The top of the gas piston is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The left side of the bolt carrier is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp and with the serial number (no letter suffix). The underside of the rear sight escalator is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The left side of the butt is marked with a faded “eagle” stamping. The left side of the magazine is marked with 2 Nazi “eagle / WaA892” Waffenamts, “gcb” and “K43”.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post set atop a ramped blase 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 two piece laminate stock has a pistol grip, ventilated handguard, 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 scrapes and surface erosion. The nosecap shows scrapes & discoloration from oxidation. The wood shows several scrapes & scratches. Many have damaged small portions of the surface wood. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle & grooves are grey and the rifling is deep. There is intermittent erosion in the grooves and near the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 45% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, and discoloration from oxidation. The barrel shows surface erosion. The surface erosion is more prominent under the wood. The receiver shows light thinning, discoloration from oxidation, and light surface erosion. The gas cylinder shows surface erosion. One of the bottom metal screws has been replaced. The remaining screw heads show heavy use & oxidation. Many of the markings are deep; a few are lightly struck 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.
This late war K43 was made without a bolt carrier hold open latch.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a ten round magazine that has been treated with cold blue. Scratches and surface erosion show through the cold blue finish. It shows scratches and discoloration from both oxidation and the cold blue finish. It is in about Good condition.
Our Assessment: The K43 was previously designated as the Gewehr 43 (G43). This German Karabiner 43 (K43) was made by Walther back in 1945. It is a late war K43 that was made without a bolt carrier hold open latch. The rifle has seen some use but still has good markings on the metal which have a story to tell. This wartime rifle is quite collectible and can put 8mm downrange as fast as you can pull the trigger. Good luck.