Walther Karabiner 43 (K43 / G43) Nazi Germany, Non-Import, Blue 21 ¾” Military Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1944 C&R

Sold For: $2,265.00

LSB#: 170211JH18

Make: Walther (“ac” is the Nazi code for Walther)

Model: Karabiner 43. Initially named the Gewehr 43 (abbreviated G43, K43, Gew 43, Kar 43).

Serial Number: 3761G

Year of Manufacture: 1944

Caliber: 8mm Mauser (7.92x57mm)

Action Type: Semi Auto, Detachable Magazine

Markings: There is no visible import mark. The left side of the barrel shank (under the handguard) is marked with a Nazi “eagle / swastika”. The left side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / swastika”, an “eagle / 359” Inspection stamp, “K 43”, “ac / 44”, and “3761 g”. Some of these marks are below the wood line; see photos. The right side of the receiver is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp. The left side of the top cover is marked with an “eagle / 359” inspection stamp and with the serial number (no “g” suffix). The rear of the receiver is marked “M”. The top cover is stamped with what appears to be a backward “46” next to the charging handle. The left side of the butt is marked with an “eagle / swastika / 359” stamping. The bottom of the post WWII magazine is marked “MADE IN DENMARK”.

Barrel Length: Approximately 21 ¾ Inches

Sights / Optics: The front sight is an inverted “V” post set on a serrated ramped blade. The rear sight is a “V” notched sliding elevator marked from “1-12”. The right side of the receiver has integral rail for an optic.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The two piece laminate stock has a pistol grip, metal nosecap with sling loop, hole for the missing cleaning rod, through bolt, sling well with pass through and a metal buttplate with hinged door for storage. The butt has small spare bolt parts stored inside; see photos. The buttplate shows scrapes, oxidation & excess wood finish. The handguard is ventilated. It shows a long glued & repaired crack down the center. The front of the forearm is pieced together. It is also missing its nosecap retaining spring. The stock shows various scrapes & compression marks. Areas of the finish have been dulled by scuffs. The sides of the stock show spots of mildew. The LOP measures 13 ½ inches from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good to Fine overall condition as refurbished.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Refinished

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright. The rifling is deep. There is a freckling of light frosting at the muzzle.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95+% of its metal finish, as refinished. A small amount of frosting shows through the new finish. The barrel shows scrapes & small scratches. The front sight shows oxidation and is scratched on both sides. The bottom metal shows small scratches and discoloration from oxidation. The screw heads show use. The markings are mostly deep. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good to Fine condition, as refinished.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: The rifle comes with one ten round magazine. From our research we believe it is a post war magazine made on Nazi factory equipment (see http://claus.espeholt.dk/g43_mags.html). It shows scrapes & small scratches. We removed tape residue off the side (it may be on the mag in the photos). It is in about Very Good to Fine condition. The butt has small spare bolt parts stored inside; see photos. They are in about Fine condition.

Our Assessment: This Nazi marked K43 was made in 1944 by Walther. It was built without a hold open latch on the top cover. This was done to simplify production while the Nazis were getting their butts kicked near the end of WWII. It has Nazi markings and a strong bore. It even comes with some spare bolt parts.
The K43 has a much improved gas system (borrowed from the Russians) and is much more reliable than its predecessor the G41. This is a rare rifle that will add to any collection, especially a WWII collection. For some video history on the K43 (and G41 if you search) see the Forgotten Weapons You Tube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUjPeAgvf3U.
Some basics from Wikipedia: “Germany’s quest for a semi-automatic infantry rifle resulted in two designs – the G41 (M) and G41 (W), from Mauser and Walther arms respectively. The Mauser design was introduced in 1941 and at least 12,755 were made, but it proved unreliable in combat. The Walther design fared better in combat but still suffered from reliability problems. In 1943 Walther combined a new modified gas system with aspects of the G41 (W) providing greatly improved performance. It was accepted and entered into service as the Gewehr 43, renamed Karabiner 43 in 1944, with production amounting to just over 400,000 between 1943-1945.”

Walther Karabiner 43 (K43 / G43) Nazi Germany, Non-Import, Blue 21 ¾” Military Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1944 C&R
Walther Karabiner 43 (K43 / G43) Nazi Germany, Non-Import, Blue 21 ¾” Military Semi Automatic Rifle, MFD 1944 C&R