Winchester 43 218 Bee|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

David Wilt said
I am looking for opinions on this rifle that I recently purchased. I am not familiar with 43’s but was told this is 100 percent factory and is a model 43 “special” which “was only made one year”. I haven’t seen any other pictures of 43’s with a stock like this. Upon receiving at my local gun store they said it is unlikely this is factory and unlike any 43 they had ever seen. Looking to confirm this is in fact a custom stock or perhaps this is original. Any and all help is appreciated.

Thank you
  

David,

Unfortunately you were not told the truth.  That rifle is positively not factory original with that stock (as stated by your local gun store).  Further, the Model 43 Special was manufactured for the entire production run (1948 – 1953), and it accounted for 17.5% of the total production.  The attached picture below is a factory original Model 43 Special rifle (click on the picture to enlarge it)… note the checkering pattern on the stock, and the capped pistol grip.

With the serial number, I can tell you precisely when your Model 43 was manufactured.

Bert

Timothy Hamilton said
Bert I have a number of Model 43 218’s and one 25 20. Can you assist me in determining the years with the serial numbers?   

I most certainly can.  Send me a list of the serial numbers.  Do you have a copy of the article that I wrote discussing the Model 43?

Bert – [email protected]

steve004 said

I’m impressed that your local gun shop seems to know a thing or two.  Mine does not.  

Steve,

That local gun shop most definitely did not know a thing or two about the Model 43 !

Bert