Make: Winchester

Model: 43 Deluxe

Serial Number: 51013A

Year of Manufacture: 1950-1952

Caliber: .218 Bee

Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the rear of the barrel; the notch is fine-adjustable for elevation. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none installed). The top of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for an optic mount (none present).

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has a few scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. The checkering is well defined. The LOP measures . The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore, there is infrequent stubborn copper fouling. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9+ out of 10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 97% of its metal finish. There is minor handling wear on the bolt knob. The action shows light operational wear. There is minor thinning at some edges. Otherwise, there are only light handling marks. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine-plus condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with a single 3-round magazine, marked "B" on the follower.

Our Assessment: The .218 Bee is a classic varmint cartridge that almost every man wants in their collection. It is known for its relatively high velocities and ability to take down small game. The bore on this rifle is in great condition, so this rifle ought to still make for a good shooter. The Winchester 43 was introduced in 1949 chambered for three .32-20 family cartridges including .25-20 and .218 Bee as well as the .22 Hornet, a fast-handling bolt action rifle fed from a detachable box magazine. This example is a Deluxe model with a checkered walnut stock. It has its original iron sights, but the receiver is also factory drilled and tapped to mount a receiver sight or optic. Whether you're looking for a new varmint rifle or to round out your Winchester collection, this is a nice old rifle for any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!