Gunshow Purchase: G43 Rifle *pics and questions*

skirsons

skirsons

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Location
Ontario
I actually bought this rifle to flip, but the seller made me promise him first dibs to buy it back and I would really like to see this rifle restored (and heck I always wanted one).

He told me it belonged to a vet whose daughter he dated. The gents name was Lou Maitland. According to him, while serving in an engineering batallion in 1945 they noticed an enemy taking pot shots at them and not hitting anything. They convinced the solder to surrender only to find it was a 16 year old volkssturm boy. The rifle was taken from him and Maitland brought it back.

Don't buy the story, buy the gun of course.

I found the magazine was electropencilled, which may still be outside the story because the mag could be a replacement. Upon disassembly I found that the bolt and firing pin are EPd to the bolt carrier, which is the only serial numbered part of the gun.

The gun is also sadly sporterized around the grip.

Questions:

Where's my serial number?
Where can I find a repro stock to ship to Canada?
Where might I find a correct dust cover (missing)?
Why does the shooters kit make it safer to fire?

Thanks!

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skirsons said:
Questions:

Where's my serial number?
Where can I find a repro stock to ship to Canada?
Where might I find a correct dust cover (missing)?
Why does the shooters kit make it safer to fire?

Thanks!

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Where's my serial number? It is 38g , on the receiver
Your mag is VOPO East German postwar, Yor sling is repro.

Where can I find a repro stock to ship to Canada? There are no repro stocks
unless you duplicate one. Maybe in the US and Europe, but need Import Permit for US for value over $100. Questar?

Where might I find a correct dust cover (missing)? Sarcoinc.com

Why does the shooters kit make it safer to fire? The smaller restrictors slow down the action and reduce the pressure in the gas system, eliminating the recoil that damages and hammers the receiver and bolt parts.
 
skirsons said:
38G is my serial no? Is that normal?

Sarco seems to be out of business.
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38 g, a G Block Rifle, #38 from 1-9999 in G Block. They follow the same numbering pattern as the K98.

Sarco - maybe upgrades to web site? That may be be your best bet other than ePay.

I have a spare original stock with very crisp WaA, but probably will use it.
 
It is a very nice looking version. I have one as well.

The stocks can be ordered through EPPS. They are very expensive. From the looks of it your stock is in good condition. I wouldn't waste the money.
 
steve1973 said:
I wonder if the whole rifle is a VoPo rework. The EP on the bolt certainly sounds like this is the case.

Any markings like this sunburst anywhere on it?

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The Bolt Carrier (The part with the cocking handle-left side and is a crude, rough casting ) should be serial numbered on the machined flat spot the same as the receiver with punches. If it is EP, it sure sounds like VOPO postwar.

Post more pics and we'll tell you what it is.
 
Coyote Ugly said:
The Bolt Carrier (The part with the cocking handle-left side and is a crude, rough casting ) should be serial numbered on the machined flat spot the same as the receiver with punches. If it is EP, it sure sounds like VOPO postwar.

Post more pics and we'll tell you what it is.
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Numbers are only stamped on the rough bolt (carrier) on mine.
 
steve1973 said:
I wonder if the whole rifle is a VoPo rework. The EP on the bolt certainly sounds like this is the case.

Any markings like this sunburst anywhere on it?

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Nothing even like a Sunburst. What I find interesting is that everything is EP'd to the bolt carrier (which itself is stamped) but nothing is matched to the receiver. Perhaps the story of its capture was true but the bolt assy was swapped and mag replaced?

I found a spare stock at Sarco for $900.00!!!!!!!!! No dust covers but the Germans often tossed them away anyhow.
 
Thanks for the help guys. I've ordered a repro stock from Epps. I will be selling the stock off this rifle, and most likely the original handguard to help pay for it!
 
skirsons said:
Thanks for the help guys. I've ordered a repro stock from Epps. I will be selling the stock off this rifle, and most likely the original handguard to help pay for it!
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What does Epps charge for the stock and is it laminated Beech (as it should be) or solid Hardwood? Do they make them and what is the wait time?
 
steve1973 said:
Don't forget to buy a Shooter's Kit from Apfeltor if you plan to shoot it. Your unmaimed face will thank you!!
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Will do. I heard you have to wrench the gas tube off. Any advice? I've field stripped it but the tube part near the vent doesn't just pull off like the SVT.
 
skirsons said:
Will do. I heard you have to wrench the gas tube off. Any advice? I've field stripped it but the tube part near the vent doesn't just pull off like the SVT.
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http://www.salt6.com/parts.htm


- Remove the handguard.
- Lock bolt to rear of action.
- Pull back actuator rod. (Will have tension because of spring)
- Remove connector rod.
- Release tension on actuator rod, and remove also.
- Slide off gas cylinder. (Can be hard to do sometimes as it may have rusted/be filthy)
- Wrench off gas piston. *WARNING* Can be VERY tight, and if improper wrench and improper torque is used, gas piston can be damaged!!

I also had a hard time getting my new Apfeltor gas piston into the original threads, and I didn't want to damage them, so I greased the hell out of the threads, and just went slow... (insert crude ###ual joke here) ;)

I ended up getting her in there with a lot of sweat (afraid of destroying threads), and some serious torque, but I have had others that worked just fine. Enjoy! :)
 
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