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As many of you are aware, I have many research surveys in progress. Currently, I am focusing on the Model 43 (for an upcoming article in the WACA Collector magazine), and I could use some additional help from all of you interested Winchester collectors.
First, I would like to correspond with any dedicated (serious) Model 43 collectors.
Next, I would like to correspond with anyone who owns one (or more) of them, and is willing to provide survey data.
Third, I am looking for volunteers to help gather information (at your local gun shows, gun shops, auctions, etc.).
The following is the basic information that I am seeking;
1. Variation (e.g. standard Rifle or a Special Rifle (a.k.a. deluxe).
2. Caliber (and for the 25-20 and 32 WCF, exactly how they are marked).
3. Complete serial number, including if it has an "A" suffix. Also note if it is on the left or right sight of the frame ring.
4. Straight or bent (swept) bolt handle.
5. Is the receiver factory drilled & tapped for a scope (roughly 50% were D&T’d). If you are not sure how to tell, I can provide details and pictures.
For those that were not aware, Cody has the PR serial number records for all 62,617 Model 43 rifles manufactured.
Thanks, and hope to hear from many of you soon,
Bert
p.s. you can either send me a PM, email me, or post information on this topic string.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
A friend is bringing his model 43 for me to look at for minor maintenance. I have never handled a 43 and would like info on disassembly and reassembly if available. so far all my searches have been negative. Can you help?
Thanks
Bill Brown
Now that I’ve seen it, the trigger, firing pin geometry looks wrong. Help?
Bill Brown
Bill,
Is it a pre-A or an A series action (which side of the receiver is the serial numbers on, and does it have an “A” suffux?
Can you post a clear picture of the trigger & action? The Model 43 action is rather simple, with very little that can go wrong or bad with it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
The serial# is 18949A and it is on the right side of the receiver.
The Problem: When the bolt was closed the gun fired. This was fixed when I tightened the trigger spring adjusting screw.
While function checking I found that the safety worked, but when releasing the safety it fired. If I pushed the trigger forward it did not fire when the safety was released. It appears someone filed down the engagement surface on the safety lock allowing slight movement of the trigger, enough that it would fire when the safety was turned off. (see photo).
I’ve ordered a new safety lock and hope that solves the problem. By the way what is the correct way to adjust the trigger spring screw?
Once again thanks for your help.
Bill
Bill,
Somebody apparently tried to “improve” the trigger pull and function of the action without the requisite knowledge. In regards to your question about the trigger spring screw, turning it clockwise should increase the spring tension (making the trigger pull a bit stiffer). There is a finite amount that it can be decreased (adjusted) before things start to go haywire (like the symptoms you described). I turned the screw on by rifle by roughly 1/8 increments until it was as light as possible with 100% correct operation of the action.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
Thanks for the help. You are right, it is a very simple mechanism and after taking it apart and looking at it the cure became obvious. What I know about gunsmithing I learned from AGI and taking unknown guns apart to see how they functioned. AGI is about fixing guns, not changing parts. You are a great source of information, and for that I thank you.
Bill
PS. The owner of the gun is thrilled with the results.
Bill,
You are welcome. Which cartridge is this rifle chambered for (I suspect that based on the serial that it is a 218 Bee).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
You are right, as usual
.
Bill
By the way I tried to add a signature, hope I corrected it.
Bert, do you still want info on these riles? I now have 3 in my collection trying for one of each caliber.
Rgds,
[email protected] said
Bert, do you still want info on these riles? I now have 3 in my collection trying for one of each caliber.
Rgds,
Yes, I would indeed like the information from your Model 43 rifles. You can send it to me directly at [email protected] if you prefer.
Thanks,
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hi Bert,
I have the following Model 43s, the last two I bought today on a random visit to a gun shop I rarely visit. Any information you can share about these rifles would be appreciated.
1. Deluxe, 218 Bee, serial 21971A, old side weaver mount and weaver 3/4” scope
2. STD, 22 Hornet, serial 32184A, factory D & T but never had scope mounted, original open sights
3. STD, 25-20, serial 9262 (left side), Redfield peep sight (in factory side receiver holes), blank installed in place of rear sight
4. STD, 32-20, serial 23451A, no non factory holes, original open sights, hooded front
New to forum but have read your comments previously on Google searches.
Thanks, Steve
[email protected] said
Hi Bert,I have the following Model 43s, the last two I bought today on a random visit to a gun shop I rarely visit. Any information you can share about these rifles would be appreciated.
1. Deluxe, 218 Bee, serial 21971A, old side weaver mount and weaver 3/4” scope
2. STD, 22 Hornet, serial 32184A, factory D & T but never had scope mounted, original open sights
3. STD, 25-20, serial 9262 (left side), Redfield peep sight (in factory side receiver holes), blank installed in place of rear sight
4. STD, 32-20, serial 23451A, no non factory holes, original open sights, hooded front
New to forum but have read your comments previously on Google searches.
Thanks, Steve
Hello Steve,
Can you send pictures of your Model 43 rifles to me ?
Thank you,
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I have a model 43 deluxe .218 bee my grandfather bought new in 1950
Greg Martin
MODEL 43 DELUXE 218 said
I have a model 43 deluxe .218 bee my grandfather bought new in 1950
Greg Martin
What is the serial number ? Can you post (or send me) pictures of the rifle ?
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Just scored a Win 43 in 32-20. serial number 1992. sadly it was drilled for a scope but otherwise in good shape.. missing rear sights and front sight hood but came with 2 mags.. got it for 750 bux.. been sitting some time but cant wait to shoot it.
Serial #18262a 218 bee special checked stock,serial #7647 25 20.serial # 45593a 22 hornet
Is the bolt handle on S/N 7647 straight or swept? Do you have pictures of these rifles? All three of your Model 43 rifles are new entries in the research survey.
Thanks,
Bert – [email protected]
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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