WWII German G43 8mm Mauser Walther ac Code Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1944
SOLD FOR: $7,925.00
LSB#: WY250430XX006
Make: Walther (ac factory code)
Model: Gewehr 43
Serial Number: 854f
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 854 f ac 44”. The bolt is serial matched to the receiver. There are several “359” Waffenamt throughout. There is a Reichsadler on the receiver. There is no visible import mark (We have not removed the scope for complete verification as it is very tight.) The magazine is marked, “aye” (Olympia Bueromaschinenwerke AG, Erfurt) and “K43” with a Waffenamt. The reproduction scope is marked, “Gw ZF4 ddx” with a triangle. The base is marked, “fest / lose” with a Waffenamt.
Barrel Length: 21.75” Threaded
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. The right side of the receiver has an integral rail with a Repro ZF4 K43 Scope that is in Excellent condition.
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 no cracks. 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: 1x 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 7.5/10.
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 40% of its metal finish. There is heavy thinning, patina, scratches, and light surface rust throughout. The blued parts retain much of their finish. The dust cover is a repro. 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: One 10rd magazine, leather sling.
Our Assessment: The Gewehr 43 (G43) represents one of N@zi Germany’s most ambitious attempts to field a reliable semi-automatic infantry rifle during World War II. Designed to replace the bolt-action Kar98k, the G43 employed a flapper-locked, short-stroke piston design adapted from captured Soviet SVT-40 rifles. Manufactured by several firms, this example bears the “ac 44” code, indicating it was produced in 1944 by Walther, one of the primary manufacturers. The rifle’s integral scope rail, detachable 10-round magazine, and semi-automatic firepower made it a technological leap forward for German infantry, particularly elite units such as snipers and designated marksmen. This example is in good condition for its age and wartime production standards, retaining about 40% of its original finish with honest wear and scattered patina throughout. The bore remains shootable, with defined rifling and typical wartime erosion, common among rifles that fired corrosive ammunition. The stock is a two-piece laminated set in very good condition with minor chipping and no cracks. The rifle is fitted with a reproduction ZF4 scope and mount, which pairs nicely with the original receiver rail and adds considerable display and functional value. The magazine, marked “aye” for Olympia Bueromaschinenwerke AG, is correct for the platform.
For collectors of WWII German arms, this G43 offers a compelling mix of originality, historical value, and shootability. Its matching bolt, correct ac 44 markings, and period magazine, paired with a reproduction optic, make it an excellent representative of the late-war German infantry semi-auto program. These rifles were produced in limited numbers compared to their Allied counterparts, making surviving examples increasingly scarce. Whether destined for a WWII collection or a historical range session, this G43 is a fascinating and desirable piece of wartime engineering. -R.E.
