G43, DUV, 1944 production, matching serial numbers, all correct

Description

This is a very nice example of a G43 rifle, marked ‘duv 44’ on the receiver, denoting it was made at the Berlin-Lubecker factory in 1944. All numbered parts are matching, including the stock. Nice finish on metal parts, though there is some thinning throughout. The rifle is all original and correct, with multiple proper waffen proofs on the stock and receiver.

We are often asked what is the difference between the K43 and G43.  Although the nomenclature would lead many to believe that the K43 was a shortened version of the G43, this is not the case. In mid to late 1944, the Germans changed nomenclature rifle from G43 to K43, supposedly at the request of the Fuhrer. Notable changes at or about this time included omission of the threaded muzzle, a manual type receiver dust cover (to replace the reciprocating type), omission of the milling and “ribbing” on front sight ramps and buttplate trap doors, and hollowed out bolt carrier handles. Gas system components were continuously revised. To say that a K43 would definitely have all of these features is definitely not the case, because there are a myriad of transitional variations between contractors, and at somewhat varying times, and left over or previously rejected parts were used throughout production.

Berlin Luebecker Machinenfabrik began producing the G43 in early 1944, when they ceased G41(W) production. BLM used only forged receivers, and had a unique time saving barrel forging machine.  Unique to BLM were the phenolic resin (also incorrectly called bakelite) Durofol handguards, and the stocks have a rounded and tapered area where the Walther and Gustloff stocks have the flat. Berlin Lubecker changed nomenclature late in 1944 to K43.  Beginning with the “l” letter block in 1945, BLM changed the three letter code from DUV to QVE, and continued production up until the final days of the war, when most finished rifles and parts at this time were shipped to another company owned plant in Czechoslovakia via train. Perhaps this is why the majority of Czech reworked guns have DUV and QVE codes. All in all, approximately 462,000 rifles were completed by all three manufacturers by the end of hostilities.

This rifle’s serial number is “8774e”.   BLM G43 production started with “A” block serial numbers and ended with “L” block numbers.  At that point the designation of the rifles changed to K43 and the serial blocks continued.    The serial number makes this rifle the 48,770th rifle produced by BLM.

There is no evidence that the stock has ever been sanded. The stock is in terrific condition and looks great. The stock is clearly serialized to the gun.  The phenolic resin handguard is correct to the maker of the rifle (DUV).

The original magazine is K43 marked with ‘gcb’ (Grohman u Sohn Ad Metallwarenfabrik).  Waffenampt marked with “WaAB92” on left side.   Black paint is the correct finish for this manufacturer.

The rifle also includes the original leather sling likely issued with the rifle.  The bore is very shiny with strong rifling.  The mechanical condition of the rifle is excellent.

The rifle is a vet “Bring Back”.  It represents wear and handling marks consistent with battlefield use and is age of 78 years.  G43s and K43s in this condition are becoming increasingly rare.     This is a great opportunity to own an iconic WWII rifle.