K43 AC 45 Photos

[rbgonoles]

All - I posted my G43, but also want to share my K43 AC 45 purchased from a member here. This rifle defines “rough forge” and it’s beautiful (to me).

Cheers
RB

 

[rbgonoles]

More pictures

 

[rbgonoles]

And more

 

[tsmgguy]

Very nice! I have AC45 K43 serial number 5599c, which is virtually identical to this one. There are those who have questioned its authenticity because of its smooth stock and mostly blued parts. We see the same characteristics here.

The rifle pictured has what appears to be a diamond marking on the receiver next to the safety lever. On my gun, it's a heart. No one has ever adequately explained these markings.

The trigger on my rifle is also adjustable. Both guns share the other typical late war modifications that were seen on Walther-made rifles only. These include the stainless-steel piston, stamped gas cylinder with 3mm relief hole (for a much less violent action) and repositioned recoil lug. Dual bolt guide lugs are also present.

 

[rbgonoles]

Thanks for the reply. I would love to see some pictures for comparison.

 

[Roger S]

Thanks for sharing. No fire proof I can see.

 

[rbgonoles]

What’s the fire proof look like?

 

[tsmgguy]

What’s the fire proof look like?

Typically, an eagle by itself on barrel, receiver, and sometimes the bolt. Late war, you see exceptions. Earlier rules for inspection, acceptance and marking seemed to go out the window.

 

[Roger S]

Like this, before the G.43

 

[rbgonoles]

Here’s another photo. Eagle on the barrel?

 

[tsmgguy]

Here’s another photo. Eagle on the barrel?

Yes, that's a barrel proof eagle.

Under the 43 and AC45 markings you can see the end of the barrel securing pin. The barrel has no threads. Instead, it was a press fit into the receiver. It was pinned after installation.

 

[tsmgguy]

Like this, before the G.43View attachment 321487

Right.

 

[Kaktus]

Only 39 numbers off here. Pretty cool

 

[rbgonoles]

That is cool. Thanks for posting

 

[kspro]

Thank you for sharing! Great example on how desperate the German's were getting towards the end.

 

[tsmgguy]

Thank you for sharing! Great example on how desperate the German's were getting towards the end.

Late war Walther K43 rifles are typically well made, though the finishes might not look like much. Walther had high priorities for materials and labor right up to the end of the war. The Walther plant was never bombed. K43s made by Walther at the end of the war show product refinements not seen in rifles produced elsewhere.