Winchester Model 43
Winchester Repeating Arms · Rifle · Discontinued · 1949
Also known as: Winchester 43, Winchester Model 70 Junior
Overview
The Winchester Model 43 is an American bolt-action rifle produced from 1949 to 1957. Conceived as a more affordable, scaled-down companion to the Model 70 and sometimes called the 'Winchester Model 70 Junior', it was the first new rifle the company brought to market after World War II. Fed by a three-round detachable box magazine, it was chambered for small varmint and small-game cartridges including the .218 Bee, .22 Hornet, .25-20 Winchester and .32-20 Winchester, and earned a lasting reputation as a handy, accurate varmint rifle.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2720 g (95.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 3 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1065 J (786 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 180 m (197 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .218 Bee · primary — also known as .218 Bee, 5.7x34mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Repeating
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Detachable Box Magazine, Ramp Front Sight, Checkered Stock
Variants
- Winchester Model 43 Deluxe - Deluxe
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and varmint hunters · adopted 1949
Production
Estimated total produced: 62,600 · Production years: 1949-1957
Produced in Standard and Deluxe grades across .218 Bee, .22 Hornet, .25-20 and .32-20 chamberings.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1957
Notes
Offered in Standard and Deluxe grades; the Deluxe added a checkered walnut stock and grip cap. The .218 Bee chambering is the most sought-after by collectors. Roughly 62,600 were produced before the model was dropped in 1957.
Background
Marketed as a postwar 'junior' to the prestigious Model 70, the Model 43 gave Depression-era and postwar varmint shooters Winchester quality in a lighter, less costly package. Today it is prized by collectors, especially examples in the scarce .218 Bee chambering.