Log In
November 19, 2006
Offline
I’ve never owned a M43. Don’t really know much about them. This struck me as a nice looking piece. What do those who know more about these think?
https://www.proxibid.com/WINCHESTER-MODEL-43-DELUXE-22-HORNET/lotInformation/70854391
April 15, 2005
Offline
Steve,
It is an early production 22 Hornet, and a relatively early production Model 43 Special (January 1949). I note that it has the early production straight bolt (versus a swept bolt). The only thing that I see that is not correct is the rear frame ring has been D&T for the scope mount. That stated, it is a period style mount and scope, and Winchester should have drilled & tapped the Model 43 from day one of production. I would give it a go and see if you can get it for < $1,000. You just cannot go wrong with a 22 Hornet!!
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 1, 2013
Offline
Bert H. said
The only thing that I see that is not correct is the rear frame ring has been D&T for the scope mount. That stated, it is a period style mount and scope, and Winchester should have drilled & tapped the Model 43 from day one of production.
I’d say “well done” to whoever had the good sense to correct this factory mistake! A Hornet with iron-sights only is about as useful as tits on a boar hog.
First scoped .22 I ever owned was a J. C. Higgins with that same (rebranded) Weaver scope.
February 17, 2022
Offline
At some point did Winchester stop putting front sights on this model? just looked at one that only has a rear dovetail, no sight. and nothinng for the front. no scope either.
November 1, 2013
Offline
oldcrankyyankee said
At some point did Winchester stop putting front sights on this model? just looked at one that only has a rear dovetail, no sight. and nothinng for the front. no scope either.
Is the brl. 24″ as it should be?
February 17, 2022
Offline
clarence said
oldcrankyyankee said
At some point did Winchester stop putting front sights on this model? just looked at one that only has a rear dovetail, no sight. and nothinng for the front. no scope either.
Is the brl. 24″ as it should be?
yes. serial number is 61658
April 15, 2005
Offline
All Model 43 rifles manufactured after 1950 were equipped with the provision for barrel mounted sights. That stated, if somebody really wanted one without sights, I suspect that Winchester would have accommodated them. Which Lot # is it in the Amoskeag auction #135?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 1, 2013
Offline
Bert H. said
All Model 43 rifles manufactured after 1950 were equipped with the provision for barrel mounted sights. That stated, if somebody really wanted one without sights, I suspect that Winchester would have accommodated them.
An oddball special order like that wouldn’t be any great surprise before WW II, but it’s surprising it could be arranged as late as the ’50s. And if no front sight, why the rear sight slot? (Although the Miroku 52 repros were D&T for a rcvr sight, but likewise had no provision for a front sight.)
April 15, 2005
Offline
Here is the auction listing for the sightless M43 rifle…
Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle (amoskeagauction.com)
Based on the description of the barrel and the auction picture, I am of the belief (opinion) that it was special ordered without a provision for a front sight. Being that it is a very late production rifle (end of October 1953), and by that time Winchester had made the change from integral front sight bases to silver soldered sight bases, it seems logical that it was special ordered without the sight base installed.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
Offline
If I had ordered this gun I would have deleted the rear sight dovetail too. It is of no use when using a scope like Clarence said.
February 17, 2022
Offline
Chuck said
If I had ordered this gun I would have deleted the rear sight dovetail too. It is of no use when using a scope like Clarence said.
Maybe but the picture of the gun steve asked about shows the rear sight dove tail being used as a scope mount,
March 31, 2009
Offline
Sorry, they switched to a second gun and I missed that. Second gun does not have a front sight or scope but does have a rear dovetail.
November 19, 2006
Offline
Chuck said
If I had ordered this gun I would have deleted the rear sight dovetail too. It is of no use when using a scope like Clarence said.
Maybe the plan had been to use the rear dovetail for a scope mount – like the rifle that started this topic?
1 Guest(s)
