Make: Walther
Model: Gewehr 43 (G.43)
Serial Number: 6760j
Year of Manufacture: 1944
Caliber: 8mm Mauser
Action Type: Semi Automatic, Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 21.7" (550mm)
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to a hooded, serrated, ramped base pinned to the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch tangent sight graduated from 100-1200 meters in a base pinned to the receiver. The right side of the receiver has integral rail for an optic. A Voigtlander und Sohn ZF4 scope is included with serial-matching Walther mount. The scope has scattered light surface oxidation in the body and the glass needs a good cleaning.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are laminate wood with a handguard, steel nosecap with sling loop, semi-pistol grip, sling pass-through behind the grip, straight comb and steel buttplate with sprung trapdoor over a storage compartment (nothing in the compartment). The stocks have scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches with the most notable marks in the belly. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate is in the white with scattered light surface oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Phosphate
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with sharp rifling. There is light erosion and stubborn fouling scattered through the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There is thinning on the exposed portions of the barrel. The receiver's phosphate finish shows some variation in color, darkest toward the front. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Included are the scope and mount described above, a total of three 10-round K43 magazines, K43 manual, light colored leather magazine pouch, scope shade, and original wood scope case. Two of the magazines are Olympia-Werke, the third is Yale und Towne.
Our Assessment: The Gewehr 43 (G43) was a semi-automatic rifle used by the German Wehrmacht during World War II. It was developed to replace the bolt-action Karabiner 98k, which was the standard infantry rifle at the time. The G43 was designed by a team led by Mauser engineer Ludwig Vorgrimler, and was based on the earlier Gewehr 41 (G41) rifle. It featured a gas-operated system allowing for semi-automatic fire. The rifle was chambered for the 7.92x57mm Mauser cartridge and had a 10-round detachable box magazine. The G43 was first introduced in 1943, but production was limited due to the demands of the war and difficulties in manufacturing. Despite this, the G43 saw widespread use in the latter stages of the war, particularly on the Eastern Front, and was later re-designated the K43. It was prized by German soldiers for its accuracy and reliability, and was also used by some elite units such as the Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers).
Today, the G43 is a sought-after collector's item. This German Gewehr 43 (G43) was made by Walther back in 1944. It has seen some use but looks pretty good for a WWII era rifle. It has lots of significant markings on the metal & wood that add to its history. Perhaps best for the collector are the included accessories. A genuine ZF4 scope with serial-matching Walther mount, wood scope case, K43 manual, magazine pouch and a total of three magazines make for a comprehensive package that will display well in any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
