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Are original model 43 magazine marked – either with logo or caliber?? I have two which appear to be original/vintage that are not marked but have seen some for sale that are stamped? Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!!
Original factory magazines should be marked on the lower left side “MODEL 43” on the top line, and the caliber on the second line. The 218 Bee magazines should be marked as shown in the third picture I have posted.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Yep! Right there, don’t know how I missed that. I was looking on the bottom plate. Thanks for being such a valuable resource!!!
foxfire said
Yep! Right there, don’t know how I missed that. I was looking on the bottom plate. Thanks for being such a valuable resource!!!
You are welcome. I am still surveying the Model 43, and would be interested in learning more about any you may have.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
OK. Let me know what you need. It’s a standard grade 22 Hornet, serial #217XXA dates it to 1950, I believe.
I only need the complete serial number to log it in the survey. Serial number 21700A was manufactured in April of 1950.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
I only need the complete serial number to log it in the survey. Serial number 21700A was manufactured in April of 1950.
Bert
21795A
Thanks,
I have it logged in the survey, with (792) total rifles now listed. The 22 Hornet is leading the 218 Bee by a very slight margin. Standard rifles out number the Special rifles by a 4:1 ratio.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I spent months shopping for an all-original Winchester in .22 Bee and never even seen a Deluxe model 43….. It seemed like 99% of the 43’s and 70’s where drilled, re-chambered, or otherwise modified.
There are a lot of altered/modified rifles out there for sale because they are much harder to sell. The good ones will sell quickly if reasonably priced. That said, I have found a fair number of original nice quality Model 43 rifles in auctions and other places. There are a substantial number of them out there that have been drilled & tapped aftermarket for a scope. The good news is that roughly 50% of the total production (62,617) were factory drilled & tapped for mounting scope blocks on the receiver.
Bert
Early (pre drilled & tapped) Special
Late (drilled & tapped) Special
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Got it! Early has the beveled receiver. Besides the checkering, what else is different between the two grades? Did the rifles come with 1 or 2 mags? Sling?
They came with just 1 magazine, no sling. The pistol grip on the Special rifles is capped.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Yes, that is a reproduction magazine.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert, I need your experienced opinion. My 43 Hornet (1950) is completely unmolested from non factory drillings or other modifications. My local gun shop has a proper and period Lyman 57a peep sight for sale (though rather pricey). I’ve seen old Winchester adds offering this sight as a factory option. I love shooting iron sights and am a stickler for originality. I would hate to mar the screws and receiver, but I must admit I am intrigued with adding this sight…….advice please!!
foxfire said
Bert, I need your experienced opinion. My 43 Hornet (1950) is completely unmolested from non factory drillings or other modifications. My local gun shop has a proper and period Lyman 57a peep sight for sale (though rather pricey). I’ve seen old Winchester adds offering this sight as a factory option. I love shooting iron sights and am a stickler for originality. I would hate to mar the screws and receiver, but I must admit I am intrigued with adding this sight…….advice please!!
The Lyman 57A was the optional (extra cost) sight listed for the Model 43. In my survey, I have encountered about 2-dozen rifles with that sight installed. When Winchester installed it, the barrel mounted rear sight was omitted, and a blank piece was installed in the dovetail slot. If it were me, I would buy the sight and install it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hmmmm, thanks Bert. That complicates things. Not sure I want to remove the rear sight…..
I removed the rear sight on my (and installed a blank piece) when I installed a scope. I have one of the later production Model 43 rifles that was factory drilled & tapped for a scope. The original rear sight & elevator is in a Zip-lock bag with a note where is came from. Removing the rear sight is easy to do. Apply several drops of Kroil (both sides of the dovetail), let it sit overnight, then using a brass drift punch, tap the sight out of the dovetail from left to right with the muzzle pointed down range. Apply a thin coat of gun grease to the blank piece, and tap it into the dovetail right to left.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I removed the rear sight on my (and installed a blank piece) when I installed a scope. I have one of the later production Model 43 rifles that was factory drilled & tapped for a scope. The original rear sight & elevator is in a Zip-lock bag with a note where is came from. Removing the rear sight is easy to do. Apply several drops of Kroil (both sides of the dovetail), let it sit overnight, then using a brass drift punch, tap the sight out of the dovetail from left to right with the muzzle pointed down range. Apply a thin coat of gun grease to the blank piece, and tap it into the dovetail right to left.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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