Want to get a Gewehr 43 (Or 41) but I dont know much about them

A

AustinTheCactus

Member
Been wanting to get one for collecting and to shoot every now and then but I'm not too sure what to look for or their prices (I know you need a shooters kit for the Gewehr 43, that and the cracking of the bolt housing and bending of the reciever is about the limit of my Knowledge)
I have the chance to get 2 but idk if the price is worth it for them
One of them is matching throughout the gun itself with a non matching scope mount and scope but has a crack at the wrist for $5500
The other one is matching besides the bolt and also has a scope and would probably end up between $5500-$5800
From what I know Gewehr 41's don't need shooters kit, they're a lot more durable and they are a lot more collectible while Gewehr 43's need a shooters kit, are a lot more weaker than than the 41 and while still collectible not as much as the 41

Also any fun stuff to read over about them would be nice
Thanks
 

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Darrin Weavers newest book on the G41 and G43 just started shipping, it’s 200 bucks but it is worth it for the information alone. Not sure about the rifles you are describing, some pics would help us out to tell you whether it would be a good price or not, as well as telling if the scopes and mounts are originals or reproductions. Here’s the link for the book: https://www.frontsightpostpublishing.com/
 
CRH113 said:
Darrin Weavers newest book on the G41 and G43 just started shipping, it’s 200 bucks but it is worth it for the information alone. Not sure about the rifles you are describing, some pics would help us out to tell you whether it would be a good price or not, as well as telling if the scopes and mounts are originals or reproductions. Here’s the link for the book: https://www.frontsightpostpublishing.com/
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I don't have a picture of the first one but the 2nd one is just the one listed on RIAC premier auction
(Un)Fortunately I came across a deal I couldn't pass on today so I won't be able to get either for the time being haha but thanks for the book I'll try and find a place to read it online.
I think I might end up getting a G41 so i'll look around at Tusla when it comes and see if I can get one down to a reasonable price ( i feel like 4 to 5 thousand for a matching one is a good price on both G41/43)
From what I've heard as long as the entire bolt section matches itself (Bolt lugs, bolt body, firing pin) your good to shoot it
bmwr12 said:
Best advice I can give you is to ask on here before you buy something you are unsure about.There is a photo reference section on this site that is also a great resource as well.
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Thanks I'll take a look at it
 
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Northyuma said:
Nice 41 on Pre98 right now.
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I saw that one too and actively looking for a nice G41. How reputable is Pre98? Never bought anything from them and only heard a mix of responses online. Price seems alright from what I've seen recently but seeing their other stuff makes me think otherwise.
 
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AustinTheCactus said:
Been wanting to get one for collecting and to shoot every now and then but I'm not too sure what to look for or their prices (I know you need a shooters kit for the Gewehr 43, that and the cracking of the bolt housing and bending of the reciever is about the limit of my Knowledge)
I have the chance to get 2 but idk if the price is worth it for them
One of them is matching throughout the gun itself with a non matching scope mount and scope but has a crack at the wrist for $5500
The other one is matching besides the bolt and also has a scope and would probably end up between $5500-$5800
From what I know Gewehr 41's don't need shooters kit, they're a lot more durable and they are a lot more collectible while Gewehr 43's need a shooters kit, are a lot more weaker than than the 41 and while still collectible not as much as the 41

Also any fun stuff to read over about them would be nice
Thanks
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I would strongly agree with what's already been stated that Darrin's book has some of the most current information available and gives a good overview on history and development. And for questions on individual rifles, posting pics here will get you the best assessment as to what's right and wrong with them. I'd argue that original Gewehr 43s are equally collectible to original Gewehr 41s due to how many have been butchered, sanded, sporterized, abused. etc. Gewehr 41s are more uncommon due to their production numbers (only over 100,000) compared to Gewehr 43s (over 400,000) and command a higher price as a result. 41s are only more "durable" thanks to the Bang system generating lower pressures in cycling the action, the Gewehr 43 with its gas piston being notoriously overgassed leads to cracking in the action cover as the bolt slams into it, plastic deformation in the back of the receiver and eventual failure. Using a shooter's kit will reduce the pressure enough to not plastically deform the receiver and make it safe to fire though you'll want to make sure that you're not using any questionable ammo or Bubba's pissin' hot handloads in your rifle.
 

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Six446 said:
I saw that one too and actively looking for a nice G41. How reputable is Pre98? Never bought anything from them and only heard a mix of responses online. Price seems alright from what I've seen recently but seeing their other stuff makes me think otherwise.
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Scotty (the owner) has mixed reviews. Just know what you’re buying and ask the correct questions. He’s always been square with me but I know others have had issues.
 
In addition to what everyone else has already said I'll add this: go into this aware of what your own priorities are. Are you looking for a representative shooter? Are you looking for a high condition collector's piece? Etc. That will, if nothing else, dictate your budget. These days a high condition G43 is going to be in the $5k-ish ballpark, but you can get a good shooter (bolt m/m, sanded stock, etc) for half of that.
 
Cyrano4747 said:
In addition to what everyone else has already said I'll add this: go into this aware of what your own priorities are. Are you looking for a representative shooter? Are you looking for a high condition collector's piece? Etc. That will, if nothing else, dictate your budget. These days a high condition G43 is going to be in the $5k-ish ballpark, but you can get a good shooter (bolt m/m, sanded stock, etc) for half of that.
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I shoot all my milsurps so I’d definitely want atleast one in shooters condition. When it comes to all my comes I prefer them to be matching but if it’s so much cheaper for them not to be I don’t mind THAT much but at the bare minimum I still do want them to look good.
I think what I’m specifically looking for is a G43 with a ZF41 on it (although I can settle for without one), a good condition barrel (little pitting or frosting doesn’t hurt) and either an original stock or one touched up that doesn’t have the rough finish on it but still has the markings (obviously with no cracks in it). I’d prefer that the bolt carrier matches the receiver because Ive heard the tolerances are so tight it causes issue when they aren’t matching but the other minor parts I don’t really care about if they match or not (barrel bands and stuff)

My preferences for a G41 are the same but I don’t want any that have the scope cause they add way to much money lol
 
Have had several G41s & G43s over the years. My current G41 is a matching ac43. When It comes to shooting, there is a definite difference between the two. In my experience, the G41 (undoubtedly because of both weight and gas system). is a more pleasant and smoother operating rifle than the G/K43. Also found the rifle to be quite accurate with good ammo. Regarding optics, only some G41s came with rails along the RSB. A original mount for either Zf41 or 43(b) is one of the great rarities to the German arms collector. Some decent (or not) reproductions have been produced but IMHO, why bother. As for the G/K43 they are all over the board. I have shot them too, but not a big fan of that aspect. On both rifles one should look and inspect the bolt and it's respective assembly very carefully for stress cracks. That also goes for the rear spring guide cover/safety mechanism. I would also inspect the gas system more on this rifle as well for smooth operation.
 
pwcosol said:
Have had several G41s & G43s over the years. My current G41 is a matching ac43. When It comes to shooting, there is a definite difference between the two. In my experience, the G41 (undoubtedly because of both weight and gas system). is a more pleasant and smoother operating rifle than the G/K43. Also found the rifle to be quite accurate with good ammo. Regarding optics, only some G41s came with rails along the RSB. A original mount for either Zf41 or 43(b) is one of the great rarities to the German arms collector. Some decent (or not) reproductions have been produced but IMHO, why bother. As for the G/K43 they are all over the board. I have shot them too, but not a big fan of that aspect. On both rifles one should look and inspect the bolt and it's respective assembly very carefully for stress cracks. That also goes for the rear spring guide cover/safety mechanism. I would also inspect the gas system more on this rifle as well for smooth operation.
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To be honest I've been leaning more towards the G41 for some reason lately. I don't think I'd mind either but the G41 seems more fun to have cause its just so unique. So far I've gathered that G43's run $2,500 for a mix master shooter to $5,000+ for a fully matching collector but how much are G41's going to cost me? Like $3,500 to $7,000 depending on condition? (at least for the Walther versions). Also I know how and where to check for cracks but how exactly do you check the rear spring guide, safety, and gas systems? Is the Gas system just making sure the operating rod moves back and forth smoothly on both rifles cause I can remember that pretty easily.
I will say the only thing I'm not looking forward to is buying a bunch of clean 8mm Mauser ammo cause all I have right now is Pre war German SMK bullets and 50's and 70's Yugo and I've heard it sucks to clean corrosive ammo from those guns especially the G41, although I'd maybe consider shooting it if I could find a good cleaning guide for either
 
During the 1970s-1990s, my experience was I would see 6-8 Berlin-Lubecker G41s for every Walther (be it a G41(W) or ac43 production rifle). Even so, the Walthers invariably had some major issue... fractured stock at wrist or sanded one, mismatched carrier/bolt train, mediocre or poor bore (a deal-breaker for sure with me), etc. Typically, G41s (other than a W) would rate about 20% more in value than a comparable G/K43. Was a period where collector grade G/K43s nearly equated in value with G41s. The reasons are more collectors preferred the G/K43 and there were many to choose from. This also happened with the G33/40. It is also a very sought-after rifle as well. In 2006 (before the economic depression of 2007-8), I observed a dealer friend acquire a exceedingly nice G33/40 for $3500. and off it for $6500. less than 24 hrs. later. Ask any collector what the show scene was like in 2006. IMHO, reminiscent of the film Wall Street (1987). Don't think it ever has been quite like that since...
 
Man I always get sad reading about how good surplus collecting used to be back in the day.
Unfortunately I started collecting relatively recently and the future is now so I gotta make the best out of my situation
At least I got my prices noted: $2,500 for a Mixmaster Gewehr 43, $5,000 for a collector and 20% extra if its a Gewehr 41
Only trouble is gonna be finding one for that price, has anyone here seen them at Tusla? I know I've seen one there at least so there might be more since I wasn't in the market of buying one at the time. I'd presume they'd be on the first floor since a lot of the high dollar stuff ends up down there and the private guys end up on the 2nd floor (at least most of the time)
 
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