So, I bought a K43.. Opinions?

[Jarrettgs]

I recently bought a K43. AC45 5xxxb block 1945 receiver, bolt, firing pin housing, locking lugs, all match. The carrier appears to have been forced matched though you can see the 557 faintly under the heavier 557 and sideways 6? There also are some other letters present. It's scope rail has been milled off. The stock is a reproduction, albeit fitted to the rifle. Also the metal was refinished by the previous owner, but in my opinion it doesn't bother me, because I got it for 1900. I plan on using this rifle as a reenacting rifle. How'd I do?

Images:

Rifle: http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/ja...7.jpg.html?o=4

1: http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/ja...8.jpg.html?o=0

2: http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/ja...9.jpg.html?o=3

3: http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/ja...7.jpg.html?o=5

4: http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/ja...9.jpg.html?o=1

5: http://s1369.photobucket.com/user/ja...a.jpg.html?o=2

[Wilhelm]

I think you paid too much for it. Lots of issues there.

[bodes]

Since the stock isn't original and the metal refinished, that pretty much negates any of the matching portions of the rifle.....As for price, I agree you paid a hefty sum.....But if you like it and are happy, that's really all that matters....Too bad yours didn't come with a barrel nut....That way you could have easily blank adapted.....Bodes

[pitfighter]

Great reenacting rifle - price not excellent, but - not many around in the excellent price range anymore. I don't think you should lose a minutes sleep.

As it's not matching and the action is going to be beat up by blanks, just tap the barrel for the BFA, and have a blast

I highly recommend Atlantic Wall Blanks - they have done great by me and have found me whacky obsolete caliber blanks more than one time.

[Willi Z.]

It is not easy to find a K43 that you can play with. I had a G43 that the vet duffle cut, was highly sanded, and had his name engraved with his SSN in several places. I had it blank adapted and used it reenacting until I found a legit MP40 tube gun when they were affordable.

[Jarrettgs]

Thanks for the responses guys. I appreciate them. However I'm curious as to how I paid "A hefty sum" for rifles that will usually go from anywhere between 3-5 thousand on sites like gunbroker, armslist etc in the conditions you mention. (All matching, original finish on the metal, original stock)? I didn't buy it for collecting purposes, I bought it to take it out and shoot with it. I think it's pretty good for that. A big problem I see in reenacting is people seem to want to take out rifles where the metal/stock hasn't been refinished. As great as rifles like that are, they aren't really correct. Everyone seems to hold the idea that rifles that have aged for 60+years will look exactly as they did in 1944-45. Which really isn't the case.

[the_stig]

Basically the guys are saying the rifle has been molested in all the important areas collectors judge a firearm by: original stock, matching numbers, and the original finish. The more problem areas, the more the prices goes down.

Honestly with the right pictures, I think your G43 would get bid up around $1500 on gunbroker, so I don't think you overpaid THAT much. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. It's not a bad looking rifle. You can enjoy it without having to worry about damaging a matched collectors piece.

A big problem I see in reenacting is people seem to want to take out rifles where the metal/stock hasn't been refinished. As great as rifles like that are, they aren't really correct. Everyone seems to hold the idea that rifles that have aged for 60+years will look exactly as they did in 1944-45. Which really isn't the case.

And FYI - rifles that have not had their stock/metal refinished are indeed "correct". Collectors want *original*. A 1965 Porsche 911 with a repaint and 3.2 hotrod motor isn't nearly as desireable as a 1965 Porsche 911 that is as it left the factory. Some guns develop patina as they age, others do not, but plenty of rifles around that are in as-issued condition.

[Jarrettgs]

And FYI - rifles that have not had their stock/metal refinished are indeed "correct". Collectors want *original*. A 1965 Porsche 911 with a repaint and 3.2 hotrod motor isn't nearly as desireable as a 1965 Porsche 911 that is as it left the factory. Some guns develop patina as they age, others do not, but plenty of rifles around that are in as-issued condition.

I understand they are /correct/. However, for reenacting not so much. Weapons age, and so do their finishes. In almost every case I see G43s in reenacting that are very aged, and the stocks are very beat up, and admittedly they would look like that yes, after 60-70 years.

[320]

From a continental Europe point of view, if the rifle shoots well, $1900 (€1600) is a bit expensive, but this is rather due to the fact that the stock is not original.

With an original stock, it would have been a good price.

A textbook shooting G43 in Europe easily reaches $3000

As already mentioned, if you are happy with your G43, and if you enjoy it at the shooting range, that's OK.

Regards,
320

[29THPZG]

I'm not so sure you over - paid. I have not seen shooter grade K43's much under $2K as of late. Even if the price paid was too much today, in the next 5 years if may well seem a bargain. G/K 43 prices don't go down! Put in a shooters kit, enjoy, take care of it and you will certainly have your investment returned at a minimum.

[armenjs802]

I'm not so sure you over - paid. I have not seen shooter grade K43's much under $2K as of late. Even if the price paid was too much today, in the next 5 years if may well seem a bargain. G/K 43 prices don't go down! Put in a shooters kit, enjoy, take care of it and you will certainly have your investment returned at a minimum.

Agree +1

What is too much?? +/- 100-- I don't think you paid too much. I have seen Apfeltor shooter installed kit 1800-2075, and that is with repro stock. A decent WW2 reenactor looking g43 what it is. Now in Europe and Canada may be cheaper, not here in US.
Heck, I will not take my 3500 am G43s to snow mud and dirt. Do as you wish, your rifle.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=473272036
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=469038494