New G43

[RobertE]

I have an "AC45" with Durofol handguard, and it is a 100% vet bring back. It has duffle cut stock and handguard got damaged while he shoved it in the duffle bag, so he tried to repair it.

It is the way it was found, so I conclude that the Walther G/k43s either were manufactured with the Durofol handguards or these were field replacements. The later I seriosly doubt, because my K43 is a late 1945 example, so I would doubt that the woooden handguard was damaged, replaced with Durofol, and returned to service that quickly!

Matt

Matt, I think it's a safe prelimenary conclusion that AC G/K43's used the Durofol handguard; I know mine is original to the rifle. It's missing one "ear", but has wear and such consistant with wartime use.

[RobertE]

Gene, it is easy to remove the handguard to check. Just loosen the sling and remove the band up front. If I recall, the bakelite will show age cracks, but the overall finish should be pretty smooth.

Jeff, these handguards have always been rare. I doubt the "collector enhancement" theory. Some collectors may have swapped them from rifle to rifle, but have yet to see one on the market that was original.

I too would not shoot a collectable rifle. I do shoot a K43. It is all matching but has a repro stock. I put an original zf4 scope on it, but on a repro Sarco mount. It is fun to shoot, and the experience of zeroing a zf4 scope was certainly a challenge. The zf4 keeps on sliding in it's mount too. I had to take the rubber eyepiece off, as the darn thing has some recoil, and would hit my shooting glasses.

Robert, would love to see a photo of where the scope mount rail should be. Some K43s, which didn't meet the specs, had them milled off at the factory.

Hi Willi,
I'll take a picture next time I break it out. The rail on this G43 has not been milled off, however, it was just never cut in. The stock is inletted for the scope, and the rail itself exists (full dimension), just no doevtail cut into the bottom. It looks early production, not late, but I'll check the serial numbers. Robert

[Gene]

Took the handguard off, which was a breeze. Here's a closeup of the "4 Durfol" marking

[J Melvin]

Beautiful rifle, Gene. The Durofol models are some of the most desirable. You did well with it.

[Gene]

Thanks Jack! Methinks I did pretty well getting this rifle

[R_Hessian]

Dual Lug

Gene,

Is this rifle a " Dual lug " example?

Regards,
Robert

[Gene]

Robert,

I'm still a newbie and learning about these, so what is a dual lug? The bolt has two lugs, and the Durofol handguard has two "lugs" at the back where it fits under the receiver lip. Is this what you mean?

Gene

[J Melvin]

A dual lug are the guides inside of the receiver. The dual lug model will have one on each side. Most are single lug.

[bodes]

Robert,

I'm still a newbie and learning about these, so what is a dual lug? The bolt has two lugs, and the Durofol handguard has two "lugs" at the back where it fits under the receiver lip. Is this what you mean?

Gene

Gene, I doubt seriously yours is a dual lug....These were found on later K43's....Some refer to them as an uprade (improvement) while others consider it a short cut in the machining of the receiver....The lug(s) is/are located on the sides of the receiver as you pull the bolt back...You look down at the follower (if clip installed) and at the side of the receiver(behind the breech) you notice a rectangular shaped protusion which helps guide the bolt into the breech....Some very late ones(K43's) had this characteristic.....These are now highly sought after by collectors...Bodes

[Gene]

It's a single lug

[Gene]

Another angle

[Willi Z.]

I think dual lugs only show up on '45 dated "ac" K43s. I think perhaps "d" blocks. Maybe I am wrong on this, been a while since I studied these little facts. I know I had two of them..both were "d" blocks.

[Gene]

Willi, Robert, Jeff, et al,

Can you guys provide me with the serial number and subsequent letter of the ac44 G43's with Durofol handguards you have or have seen? I posted my find on a G43 website and everyone is saying that a "textbook" as44 G43 should only have a wood handguard and that the prevailing opinion of G43 collectors is that a bakelite handguard is a postwar upgrade. I find this impossible to believe, knowing where this came from and from hearing about other ac44's out there. I can't believe it's a coincidence that GI's or their families wanted to upgrade the handguard on that Nazzy rifle grandpa brought back from the war.

Gene

[Jeff V]

Hi Gene,

I will post the serial # tomorrow after I take a look tonight.
jeff

[Gene]

Here are a few more pics of mine. First, a closeup of the serial number on the receiver: