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Make: Winchester
Model: 43 Deluxe
Serial Number: 6455
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .25-20 Winchester (.25-20 WCF)
Action Type: Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine
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 V-notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The rear of the receiver is mounted with a Lyman 57A peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped semi-pistol grip, sling swivels at the front and rear, and a checkered steel buttplate. The stock has light handling wear with some scattered light nicks, compressions, and handling marks. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP measures 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. Overall, the stock is in about Fine 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 97% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at some edges, most notable on the muzzle and trigger guard. The bottom metal has a few light marks. The bolt knob has some minor oxidation. The bolt body shows operation wear. 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. Overall, the magazine is in about Fine Condition, with faint wear and finish loss. 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. Deluxe versions featured a beautiful checkered walnut stock with a capped semi-pistol grip, and many were fitted with Lyman 57A receiver peep sights.
This Deluxe, First Year Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle was made in 1948 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 24” barrel, 97% of its lustrous, original blued finish, a gorgeous one-piece deluxe checkered walnut stock with a “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” hard rubber capped semi-pistol grip and a checkered steel buttplate, a classic Lyman 57A receiver peep sight, one correct blued 3-round mag, solid mechanics, and a bright bore with sharp rifling and no erosion. With its exceptional 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 a scarce Deluxe, First Year Model 43.