Make: Winchester
Model: 43
Serial Number: 8925
Year of Manufacture: 1949
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Detachable Magazine fed Bolt Action Rifle
Barrel Length: 24”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded brass beaded blade dovetailed to a textured ramped riser that is integral to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and filled with a blank dovetail. The rear of the receiver is equipped with a fully adjustable Redfield peep aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition:The one-piece smooth walnut stock has a pistol grip, straight comb, two sling loops, and a checkered metal buttplate. The stock shows light wear from handling and storage. The wood shows some scattered draglines and minor compressions. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate, which shows some scattered light oxidation in the checkering. This stock rates in about Very Good to Fine overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear with some light thinning on the edges, some scattered faint marks on the barrel, and minor operational wear. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics:The action functions correctly. The safety works properly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one blued 3-round magazine.
Our Assessment:The Winchester Model 43 was introduced in 1948 as a fast-handling bolt action rifle fed from a detachable box magazine. This example chambered for .22 Hornet is in great shape, showing light use, and featuring about 96% of its original finish, tip top mechanics, and a fantastic bore. .22 Hornet, or 5.6×36mmR Hornet, is a varminting, small-game hunting, survival and competition centerfire rifle cartridge commercially introduced in 1930. It’s considerably more powerful than the rimfire .22 WMR or .17 HMR, achieving higher velocity with a bullet twice the weight of the latter. Whether you're looking for a new varmint rifle or to round out your Winchester collection, this is a wonderful example of a Model 43.
RIFLE