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Make: Winchester
Model: 43
Serial Number: 27890A
Year of Manufacture: 1950
Caliber: .218 Bee
Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine
Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “MADE IN NEW HAVEN, CONN. U.S. OF AMERICA / -WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL-”, “-WINCHESTER- / -TRADE MARK-”, and “MODEL 43-218 BEE-”. The right side of the receiver is marked “27890A”. The top of the barrel and the top of the chamber ring each have an ovalled “WP” proof mark. The bottom of the bolt body is hand-scribed “27890”.
Barrel Length: 24”, Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “U”-notch semi-buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel and fine elevation adjustable. The left-rear of the receiver is drilled and tapped for scope or peep-sight mounts (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with a semi-pistol grip, straight comb, sling rings at the front and rear, and a checkered steel buttplate. The stock has a few light handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 5/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has light wear around the edges with well defined checkering. Overall, the stock is in about Excellent 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 at 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish is strong and complete throughout with only some faint operational wear and finish loss on the edges of the trigger guard. The bolt body shows light operational wear and the knob has minor oxidation. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Excellent Condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. As with all previously owned firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with one correct blued 3-round magazine marked “B” on the follower. Overall, the magazine is in about Excellent Condition, with only faint wear. It features intact feed lips and a strong spring.
Our Assessment: The Winchester Model 43 was introduced in 1948 as a fast-handling bolt action rifle fed from a detachable box magazine. Offered only until 1957, the Model 43 was chambered for .218 Bee, .22 Hornet, .25-20, and .32-20. The .218 Bee is a classic varmint cartridge that almost every man wants in their arsenal. It’s known for its relatively fast velocities and ability to take down small game.
This Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle was made in 1950 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 24” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued finish, a gorgeous one-piece smooth walnut stock with a checkered steel buttplate, one correct blued 3-round mag marked “B” on the follower, strong mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. With its minty bore, this rifle ought to be a tack driver. Whether you’re looking for a new varmint rifle or to round out your Winchester collection, this is a wonderful example of the Model 43.