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February 6, 2010
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I am looking to find a model 43 in 22 hornet. Any pros or cons about this rifle? I have no idea what one should cost.
steve
November 7, 2015
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There were a few nice enough examples at the Cody show this year. I know very little about the rifle or cartridge but the 43 is based on an awesome rimfire rifle and it is chambered for an equally awesome centerfire cartridge. I very much dislike adding new cartridges to my reloading repertoire but now and then I set my prejudices aside. Next time that happens the 22 Hornet may get the nod.
Happy hunting!
Mike
April 15, 2005
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slk said
I am looking to find a model 43 in 22 hornet. Any pros or cons about this rifle? I have no idea what one should cost.steve
I have owned a Model 43 Hornet for many years now, and I still shoot it on a regular basis. The Model 43 can be picky about which specific ammo it likes (shoots well in it), but when you do find the factory load that it likes, they are wonderfully accurate shooters. My M43 22 Hornet rifle prefers the factory Remington 45-gr HP loads, and it will shoot dime sized 100-yd groups. I also reload for it, and it likes the 35-gr V-Max bullets with 12.5 grains of Hodgden Lil ‘Gun powder.
A nice clean example of a standard M43 rifle should be in the $800 – $900 range.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 9, 2002
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I remember that I traded one to LeRoy Merz, years ago towards a rifle that I wanted!
I never shot it, though.
Tony
August 8, 2024
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Only shot afew Model 43s over they years. The triggers were not the best. Kinda like a Model 69. You might find one that has a OK trigger. They have always been a very popular rifle. But, being a Model 70 man I never could get to excited with the Model 43! The early ones were not drilled, and tapped for scopes. After around S/N 35,000 you will start to see this feature. They made a Standard, and Deluxe Model with a checkered stock, and a pistol grip cap. A good deluxe Model 43 will set you back $2,000, or so in a Hornet. At the last OGCA show I saw a Standard 43 Hornet in excellent shape priced at $1,450, and a Deluxe at $3,150! I thought that both were priced very high, and I don’t believe that either gun was sold.
February 6, 2010
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Bert H. said
slk said
I am looking to find a model 43 in 22 hornet. Any pros or cons about this rifle? I have no idea what one should cost.
steve
I have owned a Model 43 Hornet for many years now, and I still shoot it on a regular basis. The Model 43 can be picky about which specific ammo it likes (shoots well), but when you find the factory load that it likes, they are wonderfully accurate shooters. My M43 22 Hornet prefers the Remington 45-gr HP loads, and will shoot dime sized 100-yd groups. I also reload for it, and it likes the 35-gr V-Max bullets with 12.5 grains of Hodgden Lil ‘Gun powder.
I nice clean example of a standard M43 rifle should be in the $800 – $900 range.
Bert
Thanks to all that replied. I was hoping around that 8-9 hundred dollar range for a standard.
Bert I do reload for the hornet as well but currently shooting a Ruger 77/22 in hornet. I can tell you that the Ruger does not like cast bullets. I hav had the best luck with the Hornady .224bee hollow point projectiles.
The winchester 43 just looks to be an interesting rifle to me. I am in the process of looking for one.
Steve
February 6, 2010
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Can anyone tell me when serial number 15768 for the win 43 was made
December 9, 2002
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slk, according to this website, it shows 1949.
If you go to the top of the page and click on Resources with your mouse, and go down to the category, “when was your Winchester made”? You’ll see how easy you can find out, as I did.
Tony
February 6, 2010
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Thank you
April 15, 2005
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slk said
Can anyone tell me when serial number 15768 for the win 43 was made
November 1949.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 6, 2010
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Well guys I was able to pick up a nice 43 today. 1949 example. Now my big question is where can you find a scope mount for these? I do not even know where to begin or what model mount is needed for them.
Steve
April 15, 2005
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slk said
Well guys I was able to pick up a nice 43 today. 1949 example. Now my big question is where can you find a scope mount for these? I do not even know where to begin or what model mount is needed for them.Steve
Based on the serial number and corresponding date of manufacture, your new (old) Model 43 was not factory drilled & tapped to mount a scope. That stated, Stith manufactured a scope mount that uses the existing rear sight dovetail, and the factory holes that were drilled & tapped to mount the optional Lyman No. 57 peep sight.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
February 6, 2010
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This rifle did have a scope on it that was taken off when I bought it as it was a very expensive scope and he did not want to let it go with the rifle. There are 2 holes drilled and tapped on the top of the front part of the receiver. There is 1 hole drilled on the top on the back side of the receiver. I am aware they were not done at the factory. I was hoping to be able to use these holes for a mount for a new scope.
July 17, 2012
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2 holes in front and 1 hole at the rear sounds like a one-piece Redfield Jr base. The correct base number would be the Jr 43, usually they are just marked with a “43” on the underside (not to be confused with the “BR 43” which is for a different rifle).
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
February 6, 2010
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I did call my gunsmith and he told me they could find a mount and drill the holes in the mount to match the 3 holes on top of the receiver. That works for me until i can find a vintage one if there is one out there.
Steve
April 15, 2005
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slk said
I did call my gunsmith and he told me they could find a mount and drill the holes in the mount to match the 3 holes on top of the receiver. That works for me until i can find a vintage one if there is one out there.Steve
Steve,
I had my gunsmith fit a Picatinny rail to the existing holes on my Model 43 and installed a Leupold Vari-X II 2×7 using QD mounts.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
