New G43

[Gene]

I just picked up my very first G43, an ac44 model. I'm REALLY new to G43's, so I'd be most honored if I can get some stats and things to look for on this rifle to determine just what I have. It appears to be all matching, but then again I have only found serial numbers on the receiver and bolt. It has the bakelite-looking-but-I-know-it's-wood handguard, no sling, and a replaced sight hood. The cleaning rod is present as is the dust cover, and the magazine is coded aye, WaA943, G43. No duffle cut, 95%+ bluing, and nice bore. Thanks!

[Willi Z.]

Gene, you will have to take the bolt apart to see if it is all matching. Might be tough if you have not tried before. I assume this one will have a bolt hold open catch, so it will be easier. The bolt carrier, bolt, firing pin, lugs, will all be numbered. Some numbers will be stamped, some will be etched. The stock should have a WaA359 on the side, and perhaps a serial number on the bottom.

[MartyC]

g43

Boy I'll tell you what, when you take that bolt apart you will be in G43 "hell". And then you might get internal parts that have no numbers!!! There was a reason the Germans left this function to the waffenmeister

Marty

[bodes]

I just picked up my very first G43, an ac44 model. I'm REALLY new to G43's, so I'd be most honored if I can get some stats and things to look for on this rifle to determine just what I have. It appears to be all matching, but then again I have only found serial numbers on the receiver and bolt. It has the bakelite-looking-but-I-know-it's-wood handguard, no sling, and a replaced sight hood. The cleaning rod is present as is the dust cover, and the magazine is coded aye, WaA943, G43. No duffle cut, 95%+ bluing, and nice bore. Thanks!

Gene, They did of course make a bakelite handguard....Made by Durofol....Willi's right, internal parts should be serial #'d matched....These parts are found by dissasembling the bolt to check....Not difficult once you've done it a few times, but should have somebody show you or have a manual which explains how....More than likely the serial # will appear on the toe of the buttstock (between buttplate and pistol grip).....The G43 clip is a bonus because they are a little harder to find than the K43 marked ones....Bodes

[Gene]

WHEW! Okay, took the bolt apart and it took a good 20 minutes to figure out how it all went back together! All numbers match. The lugs and "firing pin housing" (which is what I'll call it as the firing pin is actually two pieces, pinned in a housing) have the last 3 numbers of the 4 digit serial number. The bolt housing (which houses the firing pin housing and lugs) has all 4 numbers. The stock, upon closer inspection, is correctly serial numbered and it's Waffenamt is too blurred/worn to make out what it was. These are the only parts I noticed numbers on. Would it be a good idea to remove the trigger housing screws and remove the receiver from the rifle? If I do this will it tell me anything or reveal any manufacturing info? Thanks a lot guys--

Gene

[Willi Z.]

Good job Gene! When the administrator of this forum picked up a K43, it was in parts. He called me and offered me all types of beer to come over and put it all back together again.

Taking the receiver out of the stock will not really reveal much of interest. Do check the buttplate trap door though. It might have some spare parts and a manual.

[Gene]

Drats! Opened up the buttplate trapdoor, no manual, no parts, not even a lousy Knight's Cross squirreled away. Oh well, at least I got a bitchin' G43!

[Matt Weber]

I remember the first time I took a G/K43 bolt apart. I let the takedown lever go, and both the springs sent all the remaining bolt parts flying across the room. It took me a while just to find everything, much less, put it all back together!

Now, it takes me about 2 seconds to take apart a bolt assy.

Gene,
Please post some pics of you latest find! That G43 would look great sitting under the tree!

Matt

[Gene]

I'll post pics ASAP. I knew the bolt would be under a lot of pressure because of the spring, and I gripped it reeeeeeeeal tight before I pressed the bolt release catch. It just took me a while to re-figure out the geometry to put it all back. Now if I can just find an original sight hood!

[Gene]

Okay, some pics

[Gene]

Another

[Gene]

Right side

[Gene]

Magazine

[Gene]

Trigger housing and magazine, underside

[kiwicollector]

Nice looking rifle, congrats!