Third Party Press

Unusual G43

N

NukemFG4A

Well-known member
So I just acquired a new G43 rifle last week, and there is ALOT going on with it. It is highly unusual and I thought I would reach out to some of you.

When it was brought to me it was missing the upper handguard. The serial number on the stock didn't match receiver. Upon further inspection, I could see that the bolt face was closed. I assume in an attempt to de-mil it. But this in itself is highly unusual because they REALLY took the time to fill the hole for the firing pin, and polished the surface. it looks so clean. Whats odd about this is usually in a de-mil job, they completely destroy the component. There is even a little indention to where the firing pin hole is, also indicating size. Like they wanted it to be activated.

Upon taking the bolt assembly apart, I also noticed the firing pin had been ground down.


Here is where things get confusing. It is an AC code rifle. Which indicates it is a Walther rifle. But the waffenampt to the left is WaA134, Which I believe is Gustloff-Werke??

Also, there are NO serial numbers anywhere on the bolt. The flaps, the bolt and bolt housing all do not have serial numbers. The bolt CARRIER has no serial number. Only the waffenampt of "359" with eagle.

What exactly do I have here?

If you need a pic of something specific, just ask.















 
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An armorers replacement bolt group. Very much sought after in itself. Not an expert but they will turn up shortly.
 
I will check my serial number listings for this rifle tonight to see if it has ever been reported before. If it has, I may have some back ground history on it which might help give clues as to what happened to the rifle.

The receiver is a common milled type made in Nazi occupied France by St. Etienne and supplied to Walther. Not Gustloff.

Bolt carrier and locking lugs are as stated above.

The “U”on the receiver is really unusual. Haven’t come across that before. Probably some miscellaneous inspector stamp....maybe.
 
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Also, this strap was on the rifle as well. It is very old. It honestly looks period, and the teardrops are similar to german straps.

But K98/G43 straps were leather?




 
Tiger 2 Tank said:
I will check my serial number listings for this rifle tonight to see if it has ever been reported before. If it has, I may have some back ground history on it which might help give clues as to what happened to the rifle.

The receiver is a common milled type made in Nazi occupied France by St. Etienne. Not Gustloff.

Bolt carrier and locking lugs are as stated above.

The “U”on the receiver is really unusual. Haven’t come across that before. Probably some miscellaneous inspector stamp....maybe.
Click to expand...

Any ideas why none of the bolt is serialized? Bolt, Bolt carrier, Firing pin housing, flaps, Etc.
 
NukemFG4A said:
Any ideas why none of the bolt is serialized? Bolt, Bolt carrier, Firing pin housing, flaps, Etc.
Click to expand...

The photos of the bolt carrier and locking lugs show that it is an armorer’s replacement set. The bolt and firing pin carrier aren’t shown so I can’t comment.
 
Sling is from a VG1 volkssturm gewehr.


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Neat piece. Likely a sporter restoration that was never finished or possibly an unfinished pick up (receiver only with stock added later)? There are quite a few examples of Walther 'receiver only' bring backs. The sling would also make sense for some type of late war bring back. Lots of rifles came home with anything the troops could find, including gas mask straps etc.

The DEWAT process obviously isn't up to any current specs, but is similar to what was done in the 1960's and 1970's. By filling the hole and grinding the firing pin - it left the owner with a very nice 'cock and click'. Obviously DEWATs like these can easily be converted, so most governments are coming up with more stringent rules...but I like the old fashioned way of doing things!!!

Regards
 
armenjs said:
Hey OP

Information here is free, but respect aint. don't be rude.

Next time you want something- kiss my a$$- Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...


I'm sorry. Have I done something to offend you? Because I'm at a loss right now. I'm just trying to find out more info on this rifle.
 
So I got a response from Claus Espeholt. This is what he said:

"Hi,
I have seen on my list of serial G43 numbers that 8044 l and 8408 l are both with many unnumbered parts, so I guess that yours is original. This is very special case as these parts normally have numbers – but as said I think yours has left the factory in that way. However the blueing isn’t correct. It has been parkerized after the war.
What is the letter just in front of G43?"

Still waiting to hear back about "U" Stamp on receiver.
 
Usually a "U" marking indicates a part that has failed inspection. It may be that these are rifles that failed final inspections but not destroyed, and possibly assembled after the factory fell for GI's, or were assembled by the GI's. A possible explanation.


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