4.0 out of 5 stars. The Model 43 in 25-20and 32-20 were among the offerings that were to no longer be in the catalogue starting 1951. The loads shown here are safe only in the guns for which they were developed. Kingston, NY 12401, 2023 Numrich Gun Parts Corporation. Available in different sizes and red dot ready, it'll fit your needs, whatever they are. Looking to confirm this is in fact a custom stock or perhaps this is original. Remington dropped it from production several years ago, and Winchester makes only an occasional production run of ammo and unprimed cases. Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Bert I have a number of Model 43 218s and one 25 20. Doing so does not require form dies, but attempting to neck down with a .218 Bee full-length resizing die alone will result in collapsed shoulders. I havent seen any other pictures of 43s with a stock like this. It can also be used in lever actions when single-loaded directly into the chamber. Serial number- 52550A. Note: Most of the links in this article earn me a small commission at no cost to you. Notifications . That rifle is positively not factory original with that stock (as stated by your local gun store). Winchester Rifles - Model 43 for sale - Guns International To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. It came about in 1938 when Winchester, looking to boost the sagging sales of its Model 92 rifle, added the .218 Bee - failing to recognize that, even back then, hunters wanted their varmint cartridges in bolt actions and single-shots, not lever actions. I am especially fond of the 30-grain Berger hollowpoint and the 40-grain BlitzKing, Ballistic Tip and V-Max bullets in this cartridge. I bought one during the 1960s, and much later during a visit to the Sako factory I was told that only 50 had been built in that caliber, and I've seen only two in many years of looking at Sako rifles. The glass could use some deep cleaning and polishing. Originally loaded with 20 grains of blackpowder, velocity was around 1,300 fps for its 100-grain lead bullet. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. This small framed bolt-action rifle is a perfect varmint rifle that is both accurate . Learn the difference between revolvers and semi-auto pistols and what makes them different. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition. PLEASE CALL US AT (478-257-6655) WINCHESTER MODEL 43 New and Used Price, Value, & Trends 2023 The Thompson/Center custom shop continues to offer the Bee in the Contender carbine, and as far as I know, that's about the size of it as rifles of current production go. Beth Shimanski of Savage introduces their all new straight-pull rifle. Price: $1,895.00. Subscriber Services. The 43 barrel has such a gradual taper that it seemingly was common practice by someone to cut the breach end off of barrels that I assume were heavily pitted at the breach due to use of corrosive primers in the 1950s and rechamber them and cut a new dovetail slot for the barrel stud. The Speer bullet is a better performer on coyotes because it does not expand as quickly and penetration is greater. Several blunt-nosed bullets are suitable when loading the .218 Bee for a lever-action rifle with tubular magazine. Back in 1986, the original Kimber of Oregon did a limited run of Model 82 rifles in .218 Bee, and also offered an improved version called the .218 Mashburn Bee. More difficult to find Winchester model chambered for the .218 Bee cartridge. . I most certainly can. Gun has the factory knurled steel butt plate. Joseph Von Benedikt visits with Aaron Oelger from Hodgdon about the unprecedented demand on the shooting supply industry. David Wilt said Make sure to watch till the end. Back in the 1930s Marlin offered it in its Model 90, an over-under combination gun with one barrel in .410 and the other in .218 Bee. Also the front and rear sling studs are not included (no idea where they are). If looking to acquire an automated powder-charge dispensing unit to speed up precision reloading, don't judge the RCBS ChargeMaster Lite powder scale and dispenser by its name; the Little Green machine packs a heavy-weight punch with speed and accuracy. It is a cock-on open, controlled-feed design that sports a walnut stock with a pistol grip and a 24-inch barrel weighing approximately six pounds. Winchester rifle stocks example Walnut rifle stock made for Winchester Model 43 .218 Bee or .22 hornet bolt action rifle. The serial number is 29150A. Numrich Gun Parts Corporation "The Best Damn Gunshop in the World" Winchester Model 43 Rockchuck Hunt - 218 BEE and 22 HORNET It was my first rifle. J. Scott Rupp takes a first look at the Springfield M1A Loaded rifle chambered in the popular 6.5 Creedmoor. The other is a Bee and was an absolute basket case. I intend to change this lack of information with this series of articles. The attached picture below is a factory original Model 43 Special rifle (click on the picture to enlarge it) note the checkering pattern on the stock, and the capped pistol grip. The markings are clear. According to the Blue Book of Gun Values, the value of a Winchester Model 43 is affected by the following, in addition to the condition; The Winchester Model 43 holds a special place in my heart. The .218 Bee was designed in 1938 by manufacturer Winchester and is based off the .32-20 Winchester cartridge. There is no major damage to be noted, no scratches, scuffs, gouges or rust. Its clip fed, bolt action with a straight bolt, has not been tapped for a scope. I have always wanted a .218 Bee, but wasn't sure on what to look for, so I settled for this one. Throughout the six years of production, the Winchester Model 43 underwent five design changes. The receivers on all 43s were drilled and tapped for a Lyman 57A receiver sight. Watrous also states that this model was to be developed as a junior Model 70 designed for smaller varmint-type calibers. Another benefit to the thicker brass is longer case life for the .218 Bee when both cartridges are loaded to maximum velocities. The ballistic performance based off the 35, 40, 46, and 50 grain are 3,205 ft/s (35 gr), 3,130 ft/s (40 gr), 2,708 ft/s (46 gr), and 2,654 ft/s (50 gr). WINCHESTER 43 .218BEE BOLT ACTION RIFLE. SERIAL NUMBER 20669A WANT TO PURCHASE CALL SHOP 716-941-3946, Winchester Model 43 chambered for the rare 25-20WCF cartridge. The recoil of the Bee and Hornet is so minimal. WINCHESTER MODEL 43 CALIBER 218 BEE WITH WEAVER SCOPE 4 POWER. The 22 Hornet was added to the cartridge list for the Model 43 in November 1948, around serial number 5,500. BORE EXCELLENT ORIGINAL FACTORY FINISH OF WOOD AND METAL PARTS. The Winchester Model 43 Rifle Comparison: I purchased the .218 Bee about 30 years ago. Give a Gift A mere mention of the .22 Hornet, .219 Zipper, .220 Swift, .17 Mach IV, .221 Fireball or .219 Wasp brought visions of fast bullets, flat trajectories and memorable days spent in fields full of targets. But am thinking that if the slot becomes loose at all even with the relatively low recoil of the Hornet & Bee it will still be enough of an impact load to very slightly peen the un hardened steel of the barrel and stud just slightly, but the effect will be cumulative. WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS Model 43 - Gun Digest 1 rifle has been available in .218 Bee, and Thompson/Center chambered Contender pistols and carbines for it. With an Accu-Fit stock and left hand adjustable bolt, this rifle is a perfect choice for anyone! 2-Pack 22 LR Fits Winchester 52, 69 and 75 69 .22lr 5RD Magazine Mags Made USA. Show Only Non-Guns. Seriously, what is more fun than hunting varmints with classic rifles, chambered in classic cartridges? At 2,589 fps from my rifle, actual velocity of the Winchester ammo was even lower than advertised. WTB: Winchester model 70 Marksman coarse checkered butt pla, Selling original Winchester 1886 carbine butt-plate with scr, Suggestions for replacing or restoring a worn-out 1873 carbi. Many years ago, Remington developed the No. Punching paper with the .218 Bee loaded with cast bullets is not only fun, but also an inexpensive way of keeping one of my favorite cartridges alive. At the time, the .22 Hornet was loaded with 45-grain and 46-grain bullets at a claimed velocity of 2,650 fps. As tipped bullets go, the Hornady 35-grain V-Max is an excellent choice for bolt-action and single-shot rifles. Use coupon code KTG10 to get 10% off your order of $150 or more at Brownells. Semi-inlet products do require some knowledge of firearms and . Bolt action rifle made from 1949-1957 in both Bee stinger stabilizer microhex hunting 6 black br FEATURESbr-Exclusive Countervail Technology delivers 40 less vibrationbr-Micro Diameter for enhanced aiming in windy conditionsbr Bee stinger stabilizer sport hunter extreme 6 black br FEATURESbr-Engineered to help provide superior stabilization while conquering shot-induced vibration resulting in the brultim Bee stinger stabilizer sport hunter extreme kit 10.8 black br FEATURESbr-Engineered to help provide superior stabilization while conquering shot-induced vibrationbr-The individual Bee stinger stabilizer sport hunter extreme kit 8.6 black br FEATURESbr-Engineered to help provide superior stabilization while conquering shot-induced vibration resulting in the b Bee stinger stabilizer sport hunter extreme 8 black br FEATURESbr-Engineered to help provide superior stabilization while conquering shot-induced vibration resulting in the brultim Bee stinger adjustable side bar elite w/rear qd br FEATURESbr-Elite Side Bar bracket allows you the adjustment & versatility you need for any target or hunting applicationbr-Sid Bee stinger stabilizer sport hunter extreme 10 black br FEATURESbr-Engineered to help provide superior stabilization while conquering shot-induced vibration resulting in the brulti Bee stinger adjustable side bar elite w/front & rear qd br FEATURESbr-Elite Side Bar bracket allows you the adjustment & versatility you need for any target or hunting applic Beeman!~!s hollow point pellets are used for hunting and come 500 per tin.brbrType PelletbrCaliber 177 PelletbrStyle Hollow PointbrQuantity 500 Per Tin, Antique (Pre-1899) Rifles - Flintlock Misc, Antique (Pre-1899) Rifles - Matchlock/Wheellock Misc, Century Arms International (CAI) - Rifles, Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Rifles (perc), Winchester Rifles - Modern Bolt/Auto/Single, Winchester Rifles - Pre-1899 Bolt/Single Shot, Century Arms International (CAI) - Pistols, Colt Automatic Pistols (.25, .32, & .380 cal), Colt Single Action Revolvers - Modern (22 Cal. For those who find that claim rather shocking, the most popular deer cartridge at the time was the .44-40 Winchester loaded to around 1,200 fps with a 200-grain bullet. They are a terrific lot of fun to work on and restore. But the receiver went through the finishing room very late in production, well after the option of having no front sight ramp had been dropped. Just thinking ahead. While it never caught on like the Model 70 or Model 94, the Winchester Model 43 is a great rifle. Report this item. I will go into more detail about this below. Jul 30, 2014 (Edited) A while back I purchased this Winchester Model 43 in .218 Bee, without doing a great deal of research on it. ), Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Pistols (flint), Muzzleloading Modern & Replica Pistols (perc), United States Patent Firearms Revolvers/Pistols, Century Arms International (CAI) - Shotguns, 7656 Marlin 1894 Classic. I cannot find any information on the model number on the Winchester website. Add 100% for Deluxe Model with fancy checkered wood. 94 W. Cochran St., Suite B We are pleased, once again, to accept online orders. UPC. The Winchester Model 43: Really the Poor Man's Model 70? Softnose Spitzers as heavy as 45 grains from Speer, Hornady, and Sierra work fine because they are shorter. Its way easier to find the former than the latter. A-Series rifles were quietly introduced. Collectors Firearms, LLC. OVERALL LENGTH 42.25? JD, thank you! The Winchester Model 43 is a relatively little-known rifle compared to the companys many legends, such as the Model 94 and Model 70. The balance of the finish shows only a few light handling marks on the barrel as well as a hint of frosting. SERIAL NUMBER 20669A WANT TO PURCHASE CALL SHOP 716-941-3946 .Click for more info. Scarce factory deluxe .218 Bee! Below are the dates of manufacture according to the serial number. "The Best Damn Gunshop in the World" The body of the scope shows light wear. The demand of new WINCHESTER MODEL 43 rifle's has risen 4 units over the past 12 months. Introduced in 1930, the 22 Hornet was an immediate success and is still widely used across the globe. No chips or splitting. Seller Description. A World Record Attempt and everyone is out at the range shooting and practicing. The 22 Hornet and 218 Bee are the most commonly found rifles, and their production numbers far outnumbered those of the 25-20 and 32-20. The 218 Bee was introduced by Winchester in 1938 for the model 65 lever action and later for the model 43 bolt action rifle.. The .25-20 can be squeezed down to .22 caliber in one step with a .218 Bee full-length resizing die, but the .32-20 requires an extra form die available from Redding. Winchester Model 43. 218 Bee, Buckhorn Adjustable sight, sling swivel studs, butt pad, A+ wood. Introduced in 1965 with the .444 Marlin cartridge, the Model 444 was the most powerful lever action of its day. Many rifle cartridges introduced have been given rather boring names, but there was a time when the name of a cartridge combined with a bit of imagination went a very long way. The Mossberg 500 Pump Action Shotgun is one of the most popular home defense shotguns on the market. WEIGHT - 6 LBS. On the negative side, the Bee also arrived with a handicap that may have prevented it from shining more brightly. Winchester Model 43 | The Firearms Forum Regarding parts interchangeability, the bolt assembly of an A-series rifle will not work in a non-A series and vice versa. Smooth action and weighted just right to be a range gun or field gun. Only one factory load was offered: a 46-grain hollowpoint at 2,860 fps. Chambered for .218 Bee, .22 Hornet, .25-20 Win. The Stithe company made a scope mounting system that used the receiver sight holes and rear sight dovetail. Some are less significant than others; however, all should help you identify rifles for authenticity. For sale is a Winchester Model 43 bolt-action rifle in .218 Bee. Winchester Model 1892 218 Bee Gun #: 994354248. Action works perfectly. Serial number- 52550A. Those sound like beautiful rifles! 6 watchers. Therefore, these numbers dont necessarily represent when the rifle left the factory. Following graduation, he accepted a job at C. Sharps Arms in Montana, where he worked as a full time stockmaker and gunsmith. Seller: . Other than they have roll marking that ends where the receiver begins and the caliber has been stamped to the left of the roll stamping on the barrel they look OK. The complete rifle sold for $117.50, and a barreled action was $97.50. The scope is still usable. There should be a date stamp at the breach end of bottom the barrel when you take it out of the stock that will help to narrow it down some. Login Register Menu. It really is a neat looking rifle w/o the front sight ramp, and it validates my earlier thoughts regarding a 43 with a clean barrel would make handsome rifle. I looked it over today and everything seems to be as advertised. The .218 Bee was the first modern varmint cartridge designed expressly for a lever rifle - Winchester's Model 65. But if it becomes loose at all then the barrel will get a running start and commence to peening the steel. In 1944 Winchester introduced the bolt-action Model 43, which was often described as the country boy's Model 70. Stock Configuration & Condition:The stock is checkered walnut. Introduced in 1949, the Winchester Model 43 is a magazine-fed bolt-action rifle built on a small action. The Model 43 action is not very strong, and excess headspace is often found in rifles that have been shot a lot using full-powered hand loads. The Model 43 was hardly a success for Winchester, and it stopped manufacturing the 43 less than 6 years after starting it. Winchester has not made a run of .218 Bee cases in many years. My first rifle was a Winchester Model 43 chambered in the 218 Bee. Its in very good shape (not sure if it would be classified as excellent. Buy It Now +$3.50 shipping Price: $895.00. Identified by the rear receiver bridge shape. The Model 43 was a replacement for the Model 65 lever-action rifle made by Winchester. Federal has created a safer, easier and more reliable way to shoot a muzzleloader. $97.00. Since the Bee was designed for a rifle with a tubular magazine, Winchester and Remington always loaded it with blunt-nosed bullets, whereas the Hornet was commonly loaded with pointed bullets. Classic Guns: The Winchester Model 65 In .218 Bee - Gun Digest They also have original weight springs. Winchester 43 - For Sale :: Guns.com Hodgdon lists impressive velocities for CFE BLK, but charges are heavily compressed. When all is said and done, H110 and W296 - along VihtaVuori N120 - offer the best combination of bulk density and burn rate available for bullets weighing from 30 to 45 grains in the .218 Bee. In 1950 Winchester simplified their line and dropped some options. Subtract 25% if non-factory drilled and tapped (early models). Reconditioned vintage, **PENDING**SOLD**THANKS**JIM** - Winchester model 43 in 218 bee. I have a custom kids stock for a 43 here that looks kind of like it was styled after a Remington Mohawk. Excellent article. The new Sako Finnlight II sports an innovative stock and Cerakote metal paired with the terrific 85 action. Many things affect the price of the Model 43 rifle. 218 BEE Caliber 5 Rds. I have another couple of articles on the Model 43 that Im working on that I will have done in the next couple of weeks, they are digging deeper yet, and by the sounds of it, they will be right up your alley! Mikey Hartman, Lt. Col. Rifle has some field wear, otherwise good condition. Out Back Gun Parts makes springs for the 69 that are softer and correct coil diameter. Winchester Model 43 Deluxe .218 Bee - GunsAmerica The first and one of only three bolt-action rifles chambered for the .218 Bee was the Winchester Model 43. If I can come up with a receiver I have a barrel that is pitted at the breach end that I can cut off and make up a cute little varmint rifle for my kids with. Prior to that, the receiver only had two holes on the side to allow for a receiver sight, specifically the Lyman 57A. Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle in .218 BeeManufactured from 1949 to 1957 with standard Winchester markings, hooded ramp front and elevation adjustable rear sights and receiver tapped for sight/scope mounting. Our Assessment:The .218 Bee is a .224 caliber centerfire rifle cartridge designed for varmint hunting by Winchester in 1938 and was originally chambered in their lever-action rifles. Excellent bore. Because of the older action, I use Winchester 296 powder and have found efficient loads where I still get the speed I want, while also conserving my brass. Find Winchester Model 43 parts and schematics today with Numrich Gun Parts. Here's hoping the .218 Bee will continue to buzz over the varmint fields for many years to come. I was looking for a part the other day and said to myself: I havent seen this article before. In 1893, Winchester necked the 32-20 down to .25-caliber, and the 25-20 Win was born. It really is a neat looking rifle w/o the front sight ramp, and it validates my earlier thoughts that a scoped Model 43 with a clean barrel would make handsome rifle. The cartridge was originally chambered in the Winchester Model 65 lever-action rifles, which may have ultimately led to its lack of popularity. Winchester has a long history of developing centerfire cartridges designed for bumping off varmints and for harvesting edible small game. For sale is a Winchester Model 43 bolt-action rifle in .218 Bee. Winchester Model 43 Rifle. There are some compression marks in the checkering on the left side of the pistol grip. The attached picture below is a factory original Model 43 Special rifle (click on the picture to . Well, I guess you just posted it yesterday Ive got a pair of 43s I have been restoring. Barrel Break-In: What It Is. The cartridge is named for the bore diameter of the barrel, not the bullet diameter. Winchester Model 43 218 Bee Rifle With Scope (1951 Year Model) Timothy Hamilton said .218 Bee (Pet Loads) | Handloader Magazine The barrel of the T/C carbine I have has a 1:14 twist. BORE EXCELLENT ALONG WITH FACTORY BLUE AND WOOD FINISH. Action Type:Bolt Action With Detachable Magazine. I have a Bubbad up one I was going to have welded up and restore. Add 150% for .32-20 WCF and .25-20 WCF cal. Learn more here: http://bit.ly/1G7xXag. Greg Warne sent me one of the first standard Bees, and I found it to be quite accurate. A friend tipped me off to a pristine barrel and as it stands all that remains to be done on that one is to finish the stock. Manufactured from 1948 to 1953, the Model 43 was chambered for the 25-20 Win, 32-20 Win, 218 Bee, and 22 Hornet cartridges. Winchester Model 43 .218 Bee Bolt Action Varmint Hunting Rifle With Leupold Scope and Sling. Winchester 43 .218 Bee caliber rifle. Introduced in 1933 in .25-20 and .32-20, the Model 65 had a 22-inch barrel and was produced until 1947, with just over 5,700 rifles built. When I did more research on the rifle, I realized there was little information on these rifles. I agree to the terms and conditions and the privacy policy, 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. Please contact Customer Service. | Not drilled and tapped for scope blocks except for a few late rifles. In those days, it certainly was. Standard factory sights. Should neck diameter with bullet seated exceed 0.242 inch, its wall will have to be thinned by reaming or, preferably, by outside turning. The bolt has wear commensurate with repeated cycling. These revolvers were designed with a snub-nose barrel, which makes it [], The Colt 1860 Army revolver, also known as the Colt U.S. Cavalry revolver, was widely during the American Civil War. My grandpa bought both my brother and me Model 43s when we were born. Please try a new zip code and search again. One has 20 inches of good barrel off a 22-250 Varmint rifle 1:14 and shoots about 3/4 inch groups pre A. Winchester Model 43 Barrel | 218 Bee | Old Arms of Idaho, LLC The Winchester Model 43 was drilled and tapped from the factory. Winchester Model 43 - .218 Bee | D4 Guns Approximately 62,617 Winchester Model 43 rifles were manufactured. Inv#0522143. Trimming to the same length is the next step. SKU: 693M. After his military service, he attended the Colorado School of Trades(CST) in Lakewood, CO for gunsmithing. Gun has the factory knurled steel butt plate. There is no elevator. Upon receiving at my local gun store they said it is unlikely this is factory and unlike any 43 they had ever seen. Research and reaching out to someone who has done a great deal of research on the Model 43 confirmed that 22 Hornet and 218 Bee with no factory sights or ramp was an option up until the 1951 model year. All RifleShooter subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Winchester 43 218 Bee | Winchester Rifles | Forum | Winchester It is important to note that Winchester never advertised this change. Detachable box magazine. Required fields are marked *. A single-shot rifle, it has a solid-bottom receiver and a heavy, 24-inch barrel. It remains my first choice for those cartridges. Deluxe checkered stock with fancy figured walnut stock and Winchester pistol grip cap. Magazine is after-market, but works good. They were very popular on fishing boats in Washington and Alaska. There is no erosion. The Winchester Model 43 is a relatively little-known rifle compared to the company's many legends, such as the Model 94 and Model 70. This change was made sometime around the end of 1949. It had Winchesters signature pointed checkering pattern on both the forearm and pistol grip. Classic bolt action varmint rifle in .218 Bee. The cartridge is named for the bore diameter of the barrel in which the cartridge is chambered rather than the usual practice in the United . That is very interesting to hear about their use on fishing boats, I have never heard that before! EXCELLENT OVERALL BUTT PLATE AND WOOD HAVE SOME VERY LIGHT WATER DAMAGE ( (BLACK IN COLOR))) SCOPE WEAVER K6 ALSO INCLUDED RECEIVER PEEP SIGHT. The rifle was for sale and having never seen a slick barrel Model 43, I contacted the seller and expressed skepticism that it was original, as the posting had presented it as. Receivers that were not drilled and tapped at the factory have a 45-degree bevel on the rear receiver bridge. I am taking possession of a Model 43 tomorrow in 218 Bee that has an original Model 43 barrel w/o sights. A bolt-action, with detachable box magazine. 7626 Westheimer @ Voss, Houston, Texas 77063. Free ground shipping on all US Online Orders over $100! It offers 30 percent more case capacity and a more than 100 feet per second (fps . Im wondering if the dovetailed barrel stud will remain tight over time if the barrel stud is bedded in a solid bedding compound. Gun has a few tiny nicks and dings in it most of the bluing still intact other than that gun is very clean. Therefore, to my knowledge, there isnt any real way to get an exact date on when it left the factory. Seller: Gunslinger Auctions. The barrels of Winchester Model 43s were never drilled and tapped at the factory. More rifles in that chambering were sold, but none of them made the cash register ring often enough to remain in production for more than a few years.