WWII German SS Gewehr 43 Gustloff Werke II G43 K43 Semi Auto Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $4,575
LSB#: 240402RG001
Make: In 1944 “bcd” was the German code for Gustloff Werke Weimar. Production of the G43 was never started at the Weimar site. It was moved to SS-run Buchenwald Concentration Camp, “Gustloff Werke II”.
Model: Gewehr 43 (G43). Later designated as the Karabiner 43 (K43).
Serial Number: 8294
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 3/4 Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post set atop a serrated ramped blase and under a removable protective hood. The rear sight is a V notched sliding escalator. The right side of the receiver has integral rail for an optic.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are 2 piece smooth laminate with a pistol grip, metal nose cap with sling bar, hole for the included cleaning rod, ventilated handguard, through bolt, sling well with pass through and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The wood shows scattered scratches and compression marks. The front of the handguard is missing some edge wood. The LOP measures 13 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate shows light wear and oxidation. The stock markings have been restamped. The stock rates in about Very Good Plus to Fine overall condition as refurbished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The muzzle has been threaded on the interior and exterior. The threads will allow a blank muzzle adaptor to be installed. The grooves are gray and the rifling is deep. There is erosion in the bore, mostly in the grooves.
In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates 7 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 70% of its metal finish. The metal shows scrapes, small scratches, thinning on the leading edges, and discoloration from oxidation. The bolt carrier shows surface erosion. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads show heavy use. Many of the markings are well defined; a few are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good Plus condition.
Mechanics: The action Does function correctly. This firearm has not been tested, these are used items. While we have performed a mechanical function check and noted any discrepancies we cannot guarantee the suitability of this firearm.
The gas piston shows cleaned surface erosion. We do not know if this affects the gas system functions.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with a 10-round magazine that shows several scrapes, scratches, and surface erosion. It appears to function correctly.
The rifle has a leather sling attached.
Our Assessment: This is a Rare Gewehr 43 (G43) semi automatic rifle made by Gustloff Werke Weimar 1944. The G43 had its designation changed to Karabiner 43 (K43) in mid 1944; the rifles markings were also changed.
There were only a few factories that made the G43. Gustloff Werke was the second firm to produce the G43 but did not manage to do so until 1944 as production was moved to SS-run Buchenwald Concentration Camp, “Gustloff Werke II”. Prisoners were used to produce the G43 at Buchenwald. The Gustloff factory at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp was destroyed by the RAF on August 24, 1944 ending their production of G43 rifles. For these reasons a Gustloff marked G43 is a Rare weapon to find. It will add nicely to your collection.
For more on the production of the G43 at the Buchenwald Concentration Camp “Gustloff Werke II” see pages 100 to 111 of Darrin Weavers book, H…’s Garands German Self-Loading Rifles of World War II. The book also details sabotage at Buchenwald by prisoners producing the G43.
…Now go shoot something!
