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Our 33/40.

Toodeep

Member
My son and I recently bought a 33/40 rifle in wonderful condition. We’re wondering what you think about it! It’s one of the finest rifles in our collection, and we’ve enjoyed learning about the history behind this rifle model.

The stock is in nice shape. Walnut, we think. We can’t find any stamps or proofs on the stock. Is this unusual? The cleaning rod is stamped 41. Is there a way to tell if this is correct to a 33/40?

Thanks!
 

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You’ll have to post more photos. From the recoil lug area it looks sanded but other areas less so. These stocks were profusely marked. Can you show the bolt serial numbers and receiver? If you take it apart, the to and handguard should also be serialled inside the barrel channel.


I hear they are fun to shoot, won’t try mine though. Lol
 
I think you may be right about the sanding. Looking closely, I think I can see the shaddow of a few stamps. For some reason, I cannot post any more pictures. It tells me that I have exceeded my quota. The bolt and receiver don’t match. The bolt is SN 4359 and the receiver is SN 3394.

I’m not willing to take off the top handguard. There already 2 small cracks, and it’s a terribly fragile piece of wood.
 
Here’s a few more.
 

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And some more.
 

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the stock is walnut, the rod would not be numbered, and the bottom "keel" of the stock would be numbered to the receiver if matched. The "b" under the serial on the receiver is part of the sn too.
 
the stock is walnut, the rod would not be numbered, and the bottom "keel" of the stock would be numbered to the receiver if matched. The "b" under the serial on the receiver is part of the sn too.

The stock just doesn’t seem to have any stamps or numbers. It would take a pretty aggressive sanding to remove the numbers on the keel area.
I thought it would have been lucky to have an original cleaning rod, looks like mine is not.
Still one of my favorite rifles. I didn’t know the 33/40 existed, much less seen one at my favorite LGS, so I couldn’t resist buying it.
Thank you for the help.
 
It looks like the rod is for an early K98k. It appears to have a laminated handguard.

The handguard does look to have the redish laminated look on it’s top.
Cleaning rod with both a 41 and a stamp on it. Stamping round parts. Busy work.
 
No numbering on the floorplate. Is that normal?
 

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Yes, TG as well.

Thank you.
The butt plate and stock reenforcement do not have stamps or numbers either.
Can you hazzard a guess as to why the stock doesn’t have any stamps or numbers?
I have read that some of these rifles were built from parts after the war. Since my receiver is a 1941, I am not sure what to think.
 
Thank you.
The butt plate and stock reenforcement do not have stamps or numbers either.
Can you hazzard a guess as to why the stock doesn’t have any stamps or numbers?
I have read that some of these rifles were built from parts after the war. Since my receiver is a 1941, I am not sure what to think.

I would say it was heavily sanded, from the few pictures, the contours of the pistol grip and bolt cut out look off....

There are many others who know 33/40's way better, but I can't think of a reason the stock would be completely devoid of markings other than sanding...

Still a nice 33/40, and not easy to find anymore...
 
I would say it was heavily sanded, from the few pictures, the contours of the pistol grip and bolt cut out look off....

There are many others who know 33/40's way better, but I can't think of a reason the stock would be completely devoid of markings other than sanding...

Still a nice 33/40, and not easy to find anymore...

Thank you.

It is the only one I have seen for sale. My favorite LGS gets some pretty interesting guns in from time to time.
One of these days I’m going to pop the hand guard off and look for numbers.
 
Thank you.
The butt plate and stock reenforcement do not have stamps or numbers either.
Can you hazzard a guess as to why the stock doesn’t have any stamps or numbers?
I have read that some of these rifles were built from parts after the war. Since my receiver is a 1941, I am not sure what to think.

If it is heavily sanded, the stock and handguard will still be marked in the barrel channel with S/N and letter block.
 
Looks like I will be taking the wood off.
Will 33/40 hand guards fit other German rifles or are they unique?
Thank you.

No, they are more like VZ-24 handguards, they are held on with a clip, and very easy to damage, so take great care getting it off...

I usually use a wide blade screwdriver, you kind of carefully slip it under the back of the handguard (after it is out of the stock!), and gently pry up while holding up the rear sight (or better yet, have your son hold it up), very slowly and gingerly until the clip slips off the barrel, then you keep holding up the rear sight and swivel the loose handguard like 90 deg to slip it over the rear sight.

Personally, I'd leave the handguard on, once the stock is off, check the channel, hopefully it matches, and don't worry about the handguard...
 

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