Winchester Model 43 .22 Hornet 24" Bolt Action Rifle With Scope & Sling
Our Assessment: The Winchester 43 was introduced in 1949 chambered for three .32-20 family cartridges including .25-20 and .218 Bee as well as the .22 Hornet, a fast-handling bolt action rifle fed from a detachable box magazine. The action functions correctly and the rifle comes with one (1) 4-round magazine. Perfect as your new varmint rifle or to round out your Winchester collection.
Make: Winchester
Model: 43
Serial Number: 38118A
Year of Manufacture: 1948-1959
Caliber: .22 Hornet
Action Type: Bolt Action Detachable Magazine Fed
Barrel Length: 24"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to a hooded, textured, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. There is an empty dovetail toward the rear of the barrel. Behind the dovetail is a pair of drilled, tapped and filled holes. The left rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and filled for a receiver sight (none present). The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped with Weaver bases and rings holding a Simmons 4.5-14 All Target Variable Riflescope with duplex reticle. The scope is mounted 90 degrees off with the windage adjustment currently acting as elevation and vice-versa.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is one-piece smooth walnut with pistol grip, straight comb, checkered steel buttplate and sling swivels front and rear. The stock has some light nicks, scratches and compressions. There is a thin split in the grain to the left of the toe. The LOP measures 13 1/2" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stock rates in about Very Good overall condition as refinished.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
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 94% of its new metal finish. There are some nicks, contact wear and minor handling marks with a few spots of touch-up. There is scattered residue from the stock's new finish. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good-Fine condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the installed scope, a leather sling and a single 4-round magazine.
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO.
RIFLE