Hungarian Mannlicher 43m in the Wehrmacht?

[GaryC]

My neighbor has this rifle he bought in 1962. Its a 43M but I had some questions on it. I found no Nazi Eagle on the piece, but did find those little "wings" on the right side of the barrel with the letters under them like those I've seen on German Arms. Also across the barrel between the reciever and rear sight is a code "Si42P*" (cant remember last digit). It looks like code marks I've also seen on German items. Were these rifles contracted for the Wehrmacht? Also would the code be a unit code?
Thanks

[GaryC]

Anyone have any ideas?

[Matt Weber]

Are you sure it's a 43M, and not a G98/40? Check on the side of the receiver to see if it's marked, "G98/40".

The Germans did use this rifle, but thier version was called the G98/40, and was chambered for the standard 8X57mm round. If it is a 98/40, then is should have the German maker code for Femaru "jhv" on the top of the receiver followed by the date of manufacture, (either 40-44).
It will have German proof marks all over the rifle, and can be both: "eagle/WaA56", "eagle/WaA58", and stock should be, "eagle/WaA173".

I just posted some pics of my G98/40 up a couple of months ago. You can do a search for it, and see the photos of it, and compair to your neighbors' rifle.

Matt

[GaryC]

Hi Matt,
It has "43M" on the top of the reciever. Didnt see any other marks as far as model.

[GaryC]

Hi Matt,
The "wings" have letters or numbers under them and are really small, hard to see without a Magnifying glass. Could these be what your talking about? Like stated earlier, it has no Eagle with a head and wreath, just what looks like a pair of wings. and it is on other parts of the gun I think I'd have to go look at it again when I'm at his house.

[GaryC]

Heres whats on it

I have the rifle in hand now. After disassembly here is what I found.
On the barrel there are three wing stamps in a row, one visable the other two under the stock "wings with WaA623".

On the other side I found the Nazi Eagle w/ swastika under the stock. All sight parts are marked "wings and 214" with the base marked 9816.

I was wrong on the code, stamped across the barrel it is "3341Si"

The front sight has what appears to be two bells stamped on it.

After close examination, there are no serial numbers on the barrel or reciever, never was any...nor removed ones.

No German markings of any kind on the reciever just 43M on top front.

Serial number on bolt "A" over 43730 No German marks

Butt stock plate has large Serial number B-7402 no German marks The "band" no serial number either, but has a slot with a hole in it (possibaly for a grenade sight?) Also the sling mount is a ring type mounted on bottom.

Trigger Assembley 7402, no German marks

Floor plate 1685, no German marks

The stock was cut short and refinished by the owner, so no German marks.

Any ideas on this?
Thanks

[GaryC]

No Ideas?

An odd piece I know, but is there anyone with a clue to this?
A late war rush job, or a post war junker?

[GaryC]

Any ideas ??

Surley someone has a suggetion on this oddball rifle.......

[Matt Weber]

Sounds like you have a 43M rifle that is made up of MM parts, along with German proofed G98/40 parts. Definately a put-togehter rifle after the war.

Without any photos, I cannot say for sure, but based on what you are describing, that is the conclusion I've come up with.

Matt

[GaryC]

Thanks for the info

Thanks Matt, I'll pass this on to my neighbor. We really were not sure as I dont deal in German arms. Many had assumed it was late war and these were "rush Jobs" since no serial numbers on barrel/ reciever and assembled with what was on hand and sent to the front in Hungary against the Russians.
Again many thanks.