Just Picked Up New 33/40, Very Happy, Plus Possible New High...

[pzjgr]

I just picked up this 33/40 tonight from a buddy. It is a 1940 945, and if I read the posted 33/40 threads correctly, might be an new high s/n for 1940...

It is all matching, and non-import marked. The bad....stock has been sanded, but at least s/n and cartouches are visible...the hand guard is badly cracked in the front, and actually missing a piece about 1" by 3/16"....and I am guessing when bubba sanded the stock, he removed the buttplate, and somehow lost the screws, as they are not original I do not think...

Also, the buttplate is strangely colored, it might jave been varnished and it turned dark, I'll have to take a closer look.

It does have a hood, but no rod, but I guess I can use a 10" 98k rod?

I was very excited about picking this up, I have been looking to get one for about 20 years, but you rarely see them locally, and when you do, they are usually correctly (highly) priced...I ended up getting this one for $800, so I think I got a good deal even with the issues.

I will have to flop the rear band when I take it apart, as its currently on backwards. I should be able to repair the handguard fairly decently, although it will be missing that piece unless I try to trim it and fit a new piece in, we'll see on that one. Maybe I'll luck into a handguard someday....

I will post better pics once I have had a chance to disassemble it and give it a good once over....

 

[Loewe]

Not a huge jump but it is a new high for my trends sheet. About 600 rifles.

Do the BC if you take it down, they are some of the hardest BC to get as it is such a hassle to disassemble.. no one knows more than John regarding this variation, so I will leave it him on the rest!

He is the mad scientist in deciphering bolts and what is or isn't correct!

 

[jlj]

Yes the screws for the side plate are replacements. Originals seem to have smaller heads and more rounded heads not flat like these. Should be pic on here or gunboards to show the difference. JL

 

[3371940]

Yes, the high for me as well. Interesting in that it is so close to the end of the letter block, but we have never seen an "e" block. Too bad the stock is a bit messed up as it is a truly nice example. Thanks for posting.

 

[pzjgr]

Makes you wonder what the last s/n produced in 1940 actually was....this is only, what, 225 away from the start of an "e" block....

Paul, I am hoping to play with it a bit tomorrow, so I will post the BC when I do. I need to take it apart anyway to work on that handguard a bit. If nothing else to at least carefully glue it to stabilize it. I don't think I am going to mess with trying to replace the missing piece...

 

[pzjgr]

Ok, so I got a chance to take her down today, and look her over good...

Barrel code, pretty scant, just a sideways "E" near the s/n and German proof, then a 71 on the top...Forward the sight base on the side is a "G" in a circle, and an "X" right in front of the sight.

The bolt is pretty much the usual, the s/n on the handle, then just circle z's on the parts.

I can see why so many broken handguards, what a bear to get off...I am sure lots of bubbas with no clue how they are attached busted them. It was nerve wracking and I know where the clip is, took a few minutes of gentle coaxing. I was able to stabilize the cracks using CA glue. Not perfect, but better than leaving them alone. The handguard and stock are both numbered to match in the channel. Don't know what the second number in the stock represents...

The butt plate and kick plate had some sort of coating of stain/varnish, they cleaned up pretty nicely, and now at least look he way they should. The oddball screws will stay until I have a chance to find replacements.

Rear sight matches...also scavenged that rear sight front screw from my "ersatz" Wz-29...figure I would rather have my 33/40 complete until I find another screw. Pulled a 10" rod from one of my early mismatched 98k's...same thing, I'll find another for it. Threw on a repro sling for now...

Certainly am happy with finally having one for my collection, and am happy with the way she turned out after a little work...

 

[pzjgr]

Last couple....

 

[ekafant]

Nice Find!

Beautiful rifle. I just recently got one myself. It is a a mismatch, but I do not care. Found another, and it is on the way! They are kind of addictive. FYI, Numrich Gun Parts has the G33/40 stock plate screws listed. I hope this link works. http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=4207

By the way, they also list that rear sight front screw.

 

[Loewe]

Excellent, and it is difficult to get guys to disassemble a G33/40! The only "945" so far recorded is MarkW that was done for the KCN. His was very early, 8xx range, and has a "2" and an "E" on the barrel.

Unclear what the "E" stands for, no steel mill really fits, so far as I have been able to find out. The Czech steel industry was a tightly run industry (very well organized), with a lot of foreign investment (British especially) but none seem to start with or have a "E" prominent in their name. Perhaps this is a matter of language.

Anyway, they dispensed with this "E" in 1941, or so it seems, and the BC'ing follows a more easily understood pattern.

Thanks for the pics and taking it down, very helpful!

 

[pzjgr]

Glad the info will be usefull Paul...happy to help where I can.

Ekafant...thanks for the link! I ordered a set of four plus the rear sight screw this morning...Numrich is great but it is hard finding specific guns at times...I looked but didn't find the 33/40 page last week.

 

[ekafant]

I am glad that you were able to get what you need. They have always been good to deal with.