The Model 43 has a “trigger spring adjusting screw” very similar to the Model 69.
To reduce the spring tension against the trigger remove the barreled action from the stock then locate the adjustment screw on the “magazine holder” and rotate the screw counter-clockwise.
It is usually a good idea to remove the screw completely and clean out any gunk or stiff grease inside and on the spring first though.
Now, having stated the process, it is not much of an adjustment and does not really lighten the trigger pull all that noticeably in some cases. Usually, a good cleaning, checking for burrs or nicks does more for the trigger pull than anything else. I use a drop of Gunslick on the trigger pivot pin after cleaning.
Hope that helps,
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
JWA said
The Model 43 has a “trigger spring adjusting screw” very similar to the Model 69.To reduce the spring tension against the trigger remove the barreled action from the stock then locate the adjustment screw on the “magazine holder” and rotate the screw counter-clockwise.
It is usually a good idea to remove the screw completely and clean out any gunk or stiff grease inside and on the spring first though.
Now, having stated the process, it is not much of an adjustment and does not really lighten the trigger pull all that noticeably in some cases. Usually, a good cleaning, checking for burrs or nicks does more for the trigger pull than anything else. I use a drop of Gunslick on the trigger pivot pin after cleaning.
Hope that helps,
Best Regards,
Thanks for advice! I’ll check it out
January 26, 2011

Funny you should mention this today. I just got back from a range trip where I was shooting my M43 218 Bee. Yes, its a less than impressive trigger pull. Not only is it a hard pull, there’s some significant creep in mine also. Oh well, its not like I’m shooting matches with it, glad to hear it go bang today.
The next gun in line was a 32-40 high wall with a single set trigger. That’s like stepping out of a Pacer into a Ferrari.
What caliber is yours?
~Gary~
pdog72 said
Funny you should mention this today. I just got back from a range trip where I was shooting my M43 218 Bee. Yes, its a less than impressive trigger pull. Not only is it a hard pull, there’s some significant creep in mine also. Oh well, its not like I’m shooting matches with it, glad to hear it go bang today.The next gun in line was a 32-40 high wall with a single set trigger. That’s like stepping out of a Pacer into a Ferrari.
What caliber is yours?
Hi Gary,
I actually have 2 model 43’s…..One in .218 bee and the other is .22 hornet. The Hornet’s trigger pull is nowhere near as tough as the bee. No creep in mine, just a heavy pull, to the point where i actually pull my shots to the right. I haven’t got a chance to mess with the adjusting screw yet. Gonna take both out on Wednesday so i can shoot squirrels during the day when the Dove aren’t flying as much.
I have a Model 43 22 Hornet that the trigger adjustment worked perfectly for, though I also did a detail cleaning on all of the moving parts before resetting the adjustment screw. The trigger on my rifle has almost no creep, and lets off at a crisp 3-lb pull.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 26, 2011

I’ve never had mine apart, but will keep Jeff’s advice in mind if I do. I have a couple hundred rounds of my fathers re-loads to shoot up someday. Unfortunately, I am having to pitch the brass as it is splitting about 10% of them. I think they were reloaded one too many times.
It shoots pretty decent though with the period correct early exposed knob K6. Fun little rifles, for sure.
~Gary~
foxfire said
Speaking of the fabulous m43. My 218 bee with what I think is factory original Lyman 57a peep sight shoots consistently 5” high at 100 yards and 3” high at 50 in the lowest setting?!?! Any suggestions other than replacing the front sight??
What is the specific load that you are shooting? Are they reloads or factory ammo?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015

JWA said
…..It is usually a good idea to remove the screw completely and clean out any gunk or stiff grease inside…..
Now, having stated the process, it is not much of an adjustment and does not really lighten the trigger pull all that noticeably in some cases. Usually, a good cleaning, checking for burrs or nicks does more for the trigger pull than anything else. I use a drop of Gunslick on the trigger pivot pin after cleaning.
Hope that helps,
Best Regards,
Good point, driven home awhile back with a Single Shot I acquired that lettered with a “light trigger”. I was a bit puzzled as it seemed a bit heavy. I considered hunting the parts to restore the “light trigger” but I remembered something I read when I thought I wanted to be a gunsmith; “start with a clean gun”. Many gunsmiths dislike cleaning guns but a good cleaning can solve many issues. In this case the only difference between a light and heavy trigger was several decades of gunk. Old guns need love too!
Mike
TXGunNut said
I remembered something I read when I thought I wanted to be a gunsmith; “start with a clean gun”. Many gunsmiths dislike cleaning guns but a good cleaning can solve many issues. In this case the only difference between a light and heavy trigger was several decades of gunk.
Mike
Always great advice,
My mantra before going to the gunsmith is “If it is not functioning correctly, clean it, if it was functioning perfectly BEFORE you cleaned it, you put it back together wrong”.
Keep in mind, my world is .22 RF which tend to get gunked-up quicker than centerfires and more susceptible to jamming and feed issues.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
pdog72 said
Unfortunately, I am having to pitch the brass as it is splitting about 10% of them. I think they were reloaded one too many times.
Try annealing the brass that doesn’t split after you fire it, you may be pleasantly surprised at the added life annealing will add to your work hardened brass. If one just partial neck sizes the brass instead of FL sizing that to will increase the life of the brass by not working it so much. Hornet brass used to be plentiful and cheap, now it’s getting expensive and hard to find……
Erin
Bert H. said
What is the specific load that you are shooting? Are they reloads or factory ammo?
Bert H. said
What is the specific load that you are shooting? Are they reloads or factory ammo?
Factory. Hornady 45gr. Perhaps too hot!?
foxfire said
Bert H. said
What is the specific load that you are shooting? Are they reloads or factory ammo?Factory. Hornady 45gr. Perhaps too hot!?
More than likely it is s bit too hot (fast). What is the listed velocity for it?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Never mind, I found the specs here – Hornady Custom 218 Bee Ammo 45 Grain Jacketed Hollow Point (targetsportsusa.com)
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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