G-43 (bcd #8553) - Gunshow Observation

[Bob Hritz]

When cameras are not permitted, I have asked the dealer to accompany me outside so I could take photos.

If I was that dealer, I would have had you thrown out of the show. I have met many people in my career as a law enforment officer who went through life believing the rules did not apply to them.

Shame on you.

Bob Hritz

[Alan Smith]

Bob,

Thanks for the nice comments - I really appreciate your insight.

If you re-read my post, the seller gave me permission.

Take care, and please continue to help enlighten all of us with your positive remarks.

Alan

[Bob Hritz]

Alan,

No personal attack intended.

Please understand that I am not intending to cause trouble or attack you. The camera rules are there for a purpose. However, no harm done.

I am surprised that there would be any interest in a buggered or altered G-43, other than as parts to complete another damaged arm. The prices for these altered/buggered arms are very much out of reasonable range. At best you end up with shooters. I guess there is always the dealers belief that if one sold for that price, albeit in perfect shape, then all of them must have that value.

Does anyone know why the notch would be cut into a stock?

Bob Hritz

[Alan Smith]

Bob,

I appreciate your clarification re: the photos. In this situation the seller has been a fixture at the promoter's shows for years, buying 4 or 5 tables each show. I figured that if the seller was ok with me photographing his wares inside (he was clearly too busy with his tables to be able to leave and go out back with me), then "no harm-no foul". I also advised the seller that I wanted the photos so that I could review the gun more in-depth at home, including sharing the photos with others. The seller was fine with all of this. Yes, I understand that cameras have been an issue at shows, especially with the media.

Yes - I'm still puzzled at exactly what "Bubba" thought he was accomplishing with the stock. In holding the gun, all I can figure is that the cut was to put the shooter's thumb in as part of some sort of awkward and improper pose in holding the gun. Otherwise, I have no idea . . .

"bCd" Code: Is the really large and out-of-proportion letter "C" as found in the maker's code normal for this SN range of bcd-production G-43's?

KZ-Buchenwald: Does this particular G-43 fall within the accepted production from the "Gustloff-Werke II" at Buchenwald concentration camp?

[Bob Hritz]

Hello Alan,

I was under the impression that the Buchenwald bcd G-43s had the asterisk stamp, as does this rifle.

Bob Hritz

[Bob in OH]

I believe all bcd G.43s were Buchenwalde mfg...

IIRC, laborers at Buchenwalde only made ~40K rifles before the RAF ended their efforts with some accurately placed bombs. The production site (outside the main portion of the camp) was totally destroyed.

[Alan Smith]

Bob(s): Thanks for the follow up information re: the Buchenwald connection. It sure seems that this would have been a desirable rifle had it not been messed with.

Alan

[Bob Hritz]

It would have been a wonderful early 1944 production without the slot on the scope rail. The best is will ever be is a rifle with a mismatched stock (if replaced) and replaced trigger guard (to fix the buggering of the screw, screw hole, and pin).

I agree that some nit-wit decided to make a plinker and ruined a very nice and desireable rifle.

Bob Hritz

[DennyB]

Not to hijack the thread but why are cameras not allowed in gun shows?

[Bob Hritz]

Not to hijack the thread but why are cameras not allowed in gun shows?

To protect the buyers and sellers from those who dislike firearms, it is often necessary to ban cameras. the news reporters love to show gun sales and decry the violence committed by firearms. It is the same reason so many members use alias names; to protect themselves from being labeled as 'gun nuts' or 'neo-nazis'.

Bob Hritz

[Dennis S]

I think the prices for buggered guns sometimes reflects the perceived lack of unbuggered guns for sale.

[jmilesII]

Nothing wrong with the markings on the receiver or bolt carrier of that rifle....Ive seen the bCd on several gustloff rifles....