Looking for some G43 advice

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lintmann

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I've been looking on and off for a nice G43 for a while now. It's probably good that I haven't found one yet because the more I look, the more I realize that I don't know much about them.

Basically what I'm interested in is a nice collector piece but not so nice that it can't be shot from time to time. Numbers matching is important but not a deal breaker if it isn't.

So what should I be looking for and what what should I stay away from? I've just learnt about the Vopo marks that most refurbs have so now I know about them. To be honest I'd rather not have those marks, I'd rather have a more original gun in poorer shape that a refurb with a bunch of mismatched parts but that's just me... Are there any other markings that make the gun more or less desirable? I'm not looking for some rare SS issue either,just a nice run of the mill army issue.

I'm also wondering what ballpark prices are for these guns for say a numbers matching one with no post war markings?

Thanks
 
Two weeks ago there were 2 G43s on the exchange. You seem to have a minimum knowledge of the family. As long as you know almost all G43s in Canada are ex East German, then the decisions are easier.

Research the makers, their production runs and some of the differences between them (and why). Then buy the one you want. Without 8mm ammo around, there is less pressure on those guns that are out there.
 
lintmann said:
I'm also wondering what ballpark prices are for these guns for say a numbers matching one with no post war markings?

Thanks
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Back in the mid to late 90's, before the internet, or maybe just the start of it, it was quite common to find really nice, matching vet bring back G/K43's in the $200 to $600 range.

Expect to pay a wee bit more today.

With inflation, the internet, ebay, Saving Private Ryan, greed and all, and any other variables I missed, you really need a time machine to go "Back to the Past" and then "Back to the Future"! :D
 
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all g43's are collector pieces. getting one with a good bore and no cracked or damaged parts ,for a reasonable price should be your goal. as for price its a sellers market as you don't have a lot to choose from. if you don't have a svt-40 .buy one of those first ,as the market is in your favor right now.
 
For an all matching original expect to pay upwards of $5000.... a mixmaster vopo can be had for $2000... I personally bought a non-vopo refurb for $1500 a year and a half ago it needed a $500 stock though (sporterized!!!)
 
The more desirable are the bcd g43, they had machined parts and are lovely rifles, the factory was bombed out so they are rarer. Avoid Walther (ac) marked 1945 rifles, the Walther factory was reusing receivers that failed quality control in 44.
There is no cheap g/k 43. The cost to restore a sporter is hard on a wallet, the metal hardware like nose cap ($200) nose cap spring ($75) repo stock ($350) spring kit ($50) new gas system as the orig gas systems are to hot and will shake a rifle apart, and on and on it goes.
 
To start, buy Darrin Weavers Collectors Grade Publication Book "Hitlers Garands" and join the G43 Forum (seperate web site).

These two resources are the best way to understand the history of the G/K43 (same model but the name was changed for propaganda reasons).

G/K43's are less common than K98's and are faked less in Canada so it is easier to identify a legit rifle.

Don't worry about a Vopo marked rifle. They are not like other refurbs (RC's etc.) and are actually a desirable variation of the G/K43. Many collectors, especially in the US would pay a premium value on a Vopo marked piece and Weaver's book talks about this. They are an authentic collectors variation in their own right.
The Vopo rifles are also better for shooting as they have been gone over and there are fewer faulty parts. Sabatoge was often done as slave labour was often used in the production of these rifles.

G/K43's do have their design problems and heavy loads can cause havoc, hence why many collectors will not even shoot an all matching model. Mr. Weaver actually suggests not shooting these rifles, all matching models are simply worth too much. Buying an extra set of locking flaps and a gas system and new spring is always recommended if you are going to shoot your rifle. I do not bring my G/K43's to the range as I can attest that my first shot broke a locking flap, I could only imagine if it was not a replacement set, I would have ruined an authentic collectors piece.

As far as rarity goes, I would choose a bcd (Gustlaff) or an early ac (Walther) with milled out side panel. Another collectors example of rarity is a Walther rifle identifiable to the Neungamme Concentration Camp. From there, move to the earlier ac's with the threaded muzzle cap. After that generally most late war ac's and duv/qve (Berlin Lubinecker) are common rifles. There are exceptions (dual codes, etc, but Weaver discusses this to great detail).

Those Vopo's for $1500 were a bargin. You get a shooter for as low as $650-1300 but usually they are spoterized and you will need to find some parts (stock generally).

All matching rifles in Canada run $2500-6000 which is why I get mine from the US. Most don't run over $3000 especially with the poor economy and you are looking at another $500 in import fees/taxes. Phone Phrophet River and they can walk you through the importation, it is relatively easy, just takes time and a bit of coin.

I have a few of these rifles:
bcd
ac Nuengamme KZ
ac St. Ammeins Contracted milled reciever Vopo
duv duffle cut
qve
ac with threaded muzzle nut Vopo
I also have an un-issued zf4 bzz scope, an 'L' marked bzz scope and just SPF a Czech refurb dow scope.

I got my bcd rifle for example from Darrin Weaver himself and it came with the original sling for only $2200. For about $2600 I got it to my door step with an appraisal letter from Mr. Weaver. This was a pretty good deal compared to most in Canada, especially since it is a more scarce maker.

If you have any questions or need more details PM me.
 
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skirsons said:
For an all matching original expect to pay upwards of $5000....
Click to expand...

Don't stop there! Look up, Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay Up!!!! To the Stars!!!
It even goes higher than that, $20,000 to $25,000 and up for the rare experimental G/K43's, which only a handful were made.
If you follow these rifles, a couple have sold in the last few years.
 
Yeah, the Vopo's are your best best and there is nothing wrong with them. If you plan to shoot it, get an Apfeltor shooting kit (adjustable gas piston) and have fun. I liked mine when I had it. I didn't shoot it a lot though, too worried about parts breakage even when I handloaded light for it.
 
This is why I love this forum. I am not knowledgeable on every WWI or WWII firearm I want so this kind of thread really helps me make my long term plans. Thanks all, and sorry for bad thoughts, I get jealous every now and then :)
 
Thanks guys, that helps alot.

I signed up on the G43 forum a while ago but never really interacted too much on it other than searching and reading a bit. I also have Hitler's Garands and I'll say that it's awesome. Tons of info almost to the point of information overload for someone just getting into them. I'll look through it some more, especially the Collector's Analysis section because that's what I really need to educate myself about. That and then get a feel for what's worth what so that I don't get burnt on one. :)

agentcq, thanks for the offer and I'll keep you in mind.:)
 
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