WWII Walther ac-44 Gewehr 43 G43 8mm Mauser Semi-Automatic Rifle, 1944 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2625
LSB#: 210515MW20
Make: Walther, “ac” was the Nazi wartime code for Walther.
Model: Gewehr 43 (G43)
Serial Number: 6754g
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)
Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine
Markings: There is no import mark. The left side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / swastika”, “eagle / 359”, “eagle / WaA154”, “G43”, “ac-44” and with the serial number “6754g”. The right side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The right of the bolt carrier, under the charging handle, is marked “eagle / 359” and “6754”. The left-rear of the bolt is marked “eagle / swastika”, “eagle / 359”, “6754g”. The left of the firing pin assembly is hand-scribed “754”. Each of the locking lugs is hand-scribed “754”. The underside of the rear sight escalator is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The magazine is marked on the left with “aye”, “eagle / WaA843” and “G43”, the floorplate is stamped “6168”. There are three non-matching numbers hand-etched on the magazine.
Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall bladed post dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped banded base pinned to the front of the barrel. 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 (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece laminate wood stock has a semi-pistol grip, 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 some erosion. The nosecap shows scrapes wear with a crack at the opening for its retaining clip. The handguard is ventilated. The handguard has a long crack along the top and some sort of metal shim installed at the front for the nosecap. The wood shows scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are a couple of more notable dings which have damaged portions of the surface wood. There is a crack at the right side of the through-bolt and another at the front of the magazine well. There is some sort of silver-colored residue on the through-bolt, more on the left than the right. The LOP measures 13 1/4 inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Good-Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blued??
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The lands are bright, the grooves are semi bright and the rifling is deep. There is some scattered light erosion in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 80% of its current metal finish. There is some scattered light erosion under the finish. The bolt carrier has an uneven surface, typical of unfinished casting/forgings. The carrier also shows areas which are worn or polished bright. There is grinding at the top-rear of the bolt housing and there is some grinding on other internal parts. There is some scattered light finish wear, nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action has operational wear. The screw heads show use with serviceable slots. Many of the markings are deep; a few are faded. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition (see Mechanics).
Mechanics: The action does not function correctly. The trigger does not always reset properly. The grind marks on the internal parts should also be inspected by a qualified gunsmith prior to firing to ensure that they do not need replacement or repair. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories:
– One 10-round magazine.
– Leather sling.
Our Assessment: This G43 was made by Walther in 1944. It has nice markings on the metal, though some have become faded when the gun was refinished. The receiver and bolt assembly have matching serialized parts, but the rifle will need to see a gunsmith prior to firing as the action is not currently functioning correctly. The G43 has a much-improved gas system (borrowed from the Russians) and is much more reliable than its predecessor the G41. This is a rifle that will add to any collection, especially a WWII collection. Please see our photos and good luck!