FEG 43M
FEG (Fegyver- es Gepgyar) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1943
Also known as: 43.M, 43M puska, FEG 43M, Mannlicher 43M, Gewehr 98/40 (Hungarian)
Overview
The FEG 43M is a Hungarian bolt-action infantry rifle chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser, developed during World War II as a Hungarian-pattern derivative of the German Gewehr 98/40 contract rifle. It mated a Mannlicher-type rotating bolt with dual locking lugs to a Mauser-style integral five-round charger-loaded box magazine, and added Hungarian 35M-style furniture, barrel band, nose cap and bayonet lug. Produced by FEG in Budapest between 1943 and 1945, it equipped Hungarian forces fighting alongside Germany on the Eastern Front.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3910 g (137.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1092 mm (42.99") |
| Barrel Length | 605 mm (23.82") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 760 m/s (2493 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3696 J (2726 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 4 Grooves, Right-Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.92x57mm Mauser · primary — also known as 8mm Mauser, 7.92 Mauser, 8x57 IS, 7.9x57mm
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: 5-Round Integral Charger-Loaded Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tangent Rear Sight, Bayonet Lug, Charger Loading, Split Bridge Receiver
Production
Estimated total produced: 90,000 · Production years: 1943-1945
Approximately 90,000-91,500 Hungarian 43M rifles produced, in addition to roughly 140,000 G98/40 rifles built on German contract.
Origin
Country of origin: Hungary
Designer: Femaru Fegyver es Gepgyar (FEG)
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
Developed from the G98/40 contract rifle FEG built for Germany; the 43M was the Hungarian-service version chambered in 7.92x57mm Mauser rather than the earlier 35M's 8x56mmR.
Background
The 43M is one of the more unusual rifles of World War II, blending an Austro-Hungarian Mannlicher action with a German Mauser-type magazine. It began as the Gewehr 98/40, a rifle FEG manufactured under German contract using tooling derived from the Hungarian 35M; Hungary later adopted the design in 7.92x57mm Mauser as the 43M to standardize on German ammunition for its Eastern Front contingents.