G41 issues?

[AxisReenactor]

Gentlemen,

Recently got a G41 to my collection a very nice troop trials one at that. One of my friends mentioned that G41s have a tendency to explode and "send the bolt into the shooters face" I was also told this was due to "The gas system's interaction with the lugs making it a weak bolt assembly" Is any of this true at all? Wanted to at least put a couple rounds through it just to pop my cherry on it. Would love any advice.

 

[Bigdibbs88]

I’ve had a g43 blow up in my face in the manner you mention. Bolt bent the back of the receiver, broke the lug off the carrier, shot the safety out etc. I would get a shooters kit if you plan to shoot.

 

[Mike2994]

I personally wouldn’t shoot it. It is not an easy task to find a replacement push button stock if that one cracks.

 

[Joseph Burke]

I use modern commercial PPU (PRVI Partisan) 198 gr SP in both the G41s and G43s that I actually shoot. My G41 in particular runs flawlessly with the PPU ammo.
I would never run surplus in either. I suggests you replace the recoil springs at the very least.

 

[mdarnell19]

I personally wouldn’t shoot it. It is not an easy task to find a replacement push button stock if that one cracks.

Big +1 to this. If that is an original all matching push button then you would be a fool to shoot it. Push buttons that are matching are extremely hard to find. Buy a shooter rifle and have your way with it.

 

[bigwagon]

How do you put a "shooter's kit" in a G41 without a gas piston and cylinder? Shooting one in collectible condition does seem like a risk not worth taking.

 

[AxisReenactor]

I appreciate all the advice but I wasn’t asking if I should shoot it or not. I’m asking if the explosion stories I was told was true or just someone telling me smoke and mirrors

 

[Absolut]

I wasn’t asking if I should shoot it or not.

hmmm

Wanted to at least put a couple rounds through it just to pop my cherry on it.

 

[RampantLion]

My take on the G41/G43 series of rifles is this:

The G41 was overbuilt but under-gassed and the G43 was under-built and over-gassed.

There are no shooters kits for G41s because you cannot tune the system. You can only tailor the ammo, and replace the springs with new made springs (G43 springs and G41 springs are interchangeable).

I think the "Blowing up" story sounds much more like a G43 event than a G41. The locking lugs on these rifles are not usually what fails- its the back of the dust cover/action cover. The G43s had a poorly made sheet metal housing and the G41s had a much sturdier machined steel housing.

I would check you locking lugs for cracks/defects. If they look good, they probably are good.

If you want to shoot it, do your thing. Just do your research on ammo and buy new springs and inspect the vital action parts. Rock on!

 

[RampantLion]

Funny story: I was at a show and there was a nice DUV 44 G43 on the table for $3.5K. I inspected the rifle and notice the rear of the receiver was completely cracked in half, and a piece of metal had been drilled and taped and screwed in place to mend it. I pointed this out to the seller, who could care less. He was not going out of his way to make sure people knew that the receiver had failed right where someone puts their face while shooting.

Inspect your stuff carefully.

 

[dustoff1996]

Nice troop trials G-41. That's a gem!! I've had no issues firing any of my G-41 rifles. They are a pleasure to shoot. The G/K-43 rifles I shoot always have a shooters kit installed...no issues.

I also have a troop trials G-41W, (#3516) however it is only partially matching. Late 41 or 42 production. All fire control parts have a matching serial number. Note the barrel pin on these early rifles and the WaA37 stamps on the barrel. The ejector has a notch cut in it so the push button can fit in the receiver. It also has the pre-production, small bolt carrier guide lug.

 

[CanadianAR]

I also would not shoot it. What have you to gain? A bang like any other? Lots to lose though.