WWII German G43 8mm Mauser Walther ac Code Semi-Auto Rifle C&R 1944
SOLD FOR: $4,125.00
LSB#: WY241122AS044
Make: Walther (ac factory code)
Model: Gewehr 43
Serial Number: 5573 i
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 5573 i ac 44”. The bolt and stock are 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 “G43” with a Waffenamt. The reproduction scope is marked, “ZF K 43 / dow” with a triangle. The base is marked, “fest” with a Waffenamt.
Barrel Length: 21.75”
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 integral rail with a Repro ZF K 43 Scope that is in Excellent condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, metal nose cap with sling bar, hole for the repro cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well with pass through, and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. There are light handling marks throughout. There are no cracks, but there are some very small chips. The LOP measures 13.6” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. The stock has been refurbished.
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 moderate pitting marks throughout the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7/10.
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 10% of its metal finish. There is heavy thinning, patina, scratches, and light surface rust throughout. The action is moderately worn. The bottom metal is missing a screw. The cleaning rod and scope appear to be reproductions. The dust cover is not installed. 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, two clips, scope, dust cover.
Our Assessment: Early into the Second World War Germany observed that semi-automatic rifles were going to be essential for the future of infantry combat. A set of requirements for a new rifle were dispersed to various German firearms manufacturers, with Walther and Mauser submitting prototypes. Both designs were produced, but because of the requirements set by the German military, they were unreliable and only made in relatively small numbers. After the invasion of the Soviet Union, Germany came into possession of SVT-40 rifles, which utilized a gas-operated short-stroke piston action. This more reliable action was paired with useful design aspects of the Walther designed G41 to create the G43 (later renamed the K43). This new rifle had a similar action to the SVT-40 and a detachable 10 round box magazine. The receivers also had an integrated rail on the right side for the ZF4 scope. Over 400,000 K43s were made by the end of the war. This is a late war example made by Walther in 1944, which explains the rough workmanship on some of the parts like the bolt carrier. The bore is bright with strong rifling. This rifle comes with a repro scope. This is certainly a functional and shootable example of a G43 that would fit into any German or Second World War collection. -R.E.
