In House Shipping:
Make: Winchester
Model: 43 Deluxe
Serial Number: 5329
Year of Manufacture: 1948
Caliber: .32-20 Winchester (.32-20 WCF)
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 43-32-20 WIN.-”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number “5329”. The top rear of the barrel and top front of the receiver are marked with Winchester ovalled “WP” proofs. The bottom of the bolt is marked “5329”.
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, tapped, and filled for scope or peep-sight mounts (none included).
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece checkered walnut with a capped 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 checkering is sharp and attractive with only faint wear on some peaks. 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 light thinning on the muzzle. The screw heads are sharp. 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 3-round blued magazine. Overall, the magazine is in about Excellent Condition, with faint wear and finish loss. It features intact feed lips and a strong spring. The rifle is also fitted with a “Hunter 2001” brown leather shoulder sling in Fine Condition.
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.
This Deluxe, First Year Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle was made in 1948 and is in Excellent Condition. It features a 24” barrel, 98% of its lustrous, original blued finish, an elegant one-piece deluxe checkered walnut stock with a “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO.” hard rubber capped semi-pistol grip and a checkered steel buttplate, classic beaded blade hooded front and sporting rear sights, one correct blued 3-round mag, 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 a scarce Deluxe, First Year Model 43.