It was the first gun I shot as a boy and probably has more sentimental value as a family heirloom to me than monetary. 4.0 out of 5 stars. If your rifle has headspace issues, it may not be something that can be readily corrected. Speer's 40-grain Spire SP required a long jump Is this a desirable/sought after rifle? A while back I purchased this Winchester Model 43 in .218 Bee, without doing a great deal of research on it. Caliber. -Premium quality mag made in the USA. You are considering a vintage Winchester Model 43 Barrel its chambered for 218 Bee. I may have a gem and not known it all this time. Estimated Price: $ 900 - $ 1,300 Price Realized: Details Winchester Model 43 Bolt Action Rifle in .218 Bee Manufacturer: Winchester Model: 43-Rifle Type: Rifle Gauge: 218 bee Barrel: 24 inch round Finish: blue Grip: Stock: walnut Item Views: 8328 Item Interest: Average Serial Number: Catalog Page: 208 Class: Curio & Relic Long Gun Description: Modern rifle options were introduced by Marlin and Browning as late as 1989 (also lever guns) and Ruger chambered their No. The cartridge was originally chambered in the Winchester Model 65 lever-action rifles, which may have ultimately led to its lack of popularity. The barrel is in great condition overall and retains its factory finish. $47.50. Winchester Model 43- Left Extractor w/Spring - .218 Bee, 32 WCF, 25-20 - New !! Serial number- 52550A. Is a special with high gloss & checkering, did not see any others listed, is an early gun prior to most changes in 1950. It offers 30 percent more case capacity and a more than 100 feet per second (fps) improvement in velocity, despite lower established operating pressures. Though I did stumble across the thread on a Google search, I did reference you Bert as the referring Member. I would be interested in reading this article where can I find it, I have a model 43 .22 hornet with a high serial number I am also searching for a clip. RIAC believes that this website is accessible to the widest possible audience pursuant to the guidelines of the Americans with Disability Act. Bolt action rifle made from 1949-1957 in both standard and deluxe grade. WE DO ACCEPT CURIOS& COLLECTORS LICENCE ON ALL FIREARMS THAT ARE 50 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, OR FIREARMS THAT ARE LATER MANUFACTURE AND ARE ON THE BATF CURIO LIST. If you read the article that I wrote (in the Spring 2016 Collector magazine), it explains the Model 43 production history in better detail. Your Model 43 was manufactured in late August, 1950. The early production Model 43 rifles were made with a straight (90-degree) bolt handle. Any help would be great. Its a great shooter in any case. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Excellent bore. The Ask the Pros & What's It Worth? . Winchester 43 .218 Bee (W11116) Price: $895.00 Item Number: W11116 Previously sold Classic bolt action varmint rifle in .218 Bee. Please confirm you want to mark all posts read, Model 1894 takedown rifle serial number date versus barrel s, For JWA--please evaluate my model 75 sporter. WINCHESTER 43 Magazine 218 BEE 4RD Gun #: 919100288 Seller: yankee clipper 1611 GA Sales: 816 $50.00 Full Details 1 Image (s) Bee Stinger Stabilizer - Microhex Hunting 6 Black Gun #: 964170864 Seller: GunFactory ( FFL) $77.11 Full Details 1 Image (s) Bee Stinger Stabilizer Sport - Hunter Extreme 6 Black Gun #: 900838411 Seller: GunFactory ( FFL) The Model 43 is a very simplistic design, and does not require much disassembly to properly clean. Our Friends at Classic Firearm Parts may have it in stock. Es posible que las cantidades y los montos de las ofertas de subasta no estn actualizados. Seller information ( 99.5% positive feedback Save seller Contact seller Visit store See other items Magazine Mag for Winchester Model 43 218 Bee 5 Rd Blued Clip LENGTH OF MAGAZINE - 2.33. Thanks so much for the response Ill post pics tomorrow. - 2-Pack Winchester Model 43 218 BEE 5 RDS Magazine Mag Mags Made in the USA! I saw as I was browsing the site that you were looking for data on Model 43s for a research project. I bought it for a few hundred bucks assuming it had been modified and therefore no collector value. Production ammunition and rifles are still available from a few manufacturers. The bolt has wear commensurate with repeated cycling . Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. it has been drilled for a Weaver N2 side mount & has a C4 scope mounted to it. EXCELLENT OVERALL BUTT PLATE AND WOOD HAVE SOME VERY LIGHT WATER DAMAGE ((BLACK IN COLOR))) SCOPE WEAVER K6 ALSO INCLUDED RECEIVER PEEP SIGHT. You are considering a vintage Winchester Model 43 Barrel -- it's chambered for 218 Bee. Manufactured from 1949 to 1957 with standard Winchester markings, hooded ramp front and elevation adjustable rear sights and receiver tapped for sight/scope mounting. The Model 43 was a nice little rifle and often described as the poor man's Model 70, but those I owned in .22 Hornet and .218 Bee years ago were nowhere near as accurate as my Winchester models 54 and 70 in .22 Hornet. Sean said It is one of the greatest memories I have of my Grandfather and the only time I can recall when it was just him and I, out shooting! The rifle retains 95% plus original blue finish showing very limited handling marks. The magazines are interchangeable in either grade. Is it a Standard or a Special Model 43 rifle? -5 round single stack mag. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. What is the last digit on the serial number? with nice wood all matching. 400 Small Rifle Primers were used for all testing. Rate of twist for each calibre 1885 model? Mac, I plan to keep them together with the rifle at the moment. 218 BEE Caliber 5 Rds. 5 product ratings - Winchester Model 43, 218 BEE, 5 RDS by TripleK #693M Made in the USA! I have a Model 43 in 25-20 with a 3 digit serial. interchangeable in either grade. Thanks so much for the response Ill post pics tomorrow. The bore is bright and shiny with strong rifling, no fouling or pitting. I havent been here long so not sure if you guys give approx values but I would estimate to be in VG 98% condition. The Model 43 is a well-made, 6-pound rifle that includes a three-round detachable box magazine, allowing the use of pointed bullets (though the confines of that magazine limits overall length). Okay, we both know that is not going to happen! You may need to notch the wood to clear the sight. Outdoor Hub, LLC (d/b/a Carbon Media Group), 30800 Telegraph Rd, Suite 1921, Bingham Farms, MI 48025 USA. My wife inherited a Model 43, sn30575a, 22 Hornet, Standard. There was some question about the accuracy of the .218 Bee as compared to the .222,[citation needed] but that was likely due to the difference of inherent accuracy between the bolt-actions rifles commonly chambered for the .222 and the lever-actions commonly chambered for the .218 Bee. Gun has the factory knurled steel butt plate. On the October 1950 and later receivers, the front face has a 90-degree corner. In terms of short-range velocity, the .218 works quite well. Your Model 43 rifle was manufactured in November of 1949. On the pre-October 1950 production receivers, you will see that it has a 45-degree beveled face. These rifles were equipped with open sporting rear or Lyman 57A micrometer receiver sights, the test rifle included a dovetailed front bead of fiber-optic, obviously not factory original. Headspace issues will typically be manifested by deformed empty cases, or a protruding or deformed primer. Thanks. - 3-Pack Winchester Model 43 218 BEE 5 RDS Magazine Mag Mags Made in the USA! The bore is bright and shiny with strong rifling, no fouling or pitting. Ive already got a couple good varmint rifles, so Im not sure about this one. WINCHESTER MODEL 43 WINCHESTER MODEL 88 WINCHESTER MODEL 71 100 HOOD . It is really easy to identify a factory drilled & tapped Model 43 from one that was not. Winchester ~ Model 43 ~ .218 BEE Description: The Winchester Model 43 is a great platform for a varmint rifle. I will assume that you missed a digit in the serial number with the correct number, I can pin down the month & year it was manufactured. It predates the timer period in which Winchester factory drilled & tapped them for scope mounts. A forum community dedicated to all firearm owners and enthusiasts. UPC. Production of the Model 43 began on May 19th, 1948. Front sight is missing the hood as it looks to have been removed to get it out of the view thru the scope. I like the caliber and its pretty little shooter. Looking for what information I can find and possibly find other vintage scope options I may have and possibly other front hoods that may have been used that will fit the 43. All receiver sights I know of use 2 screws. Though I have plenty of varmint rifles hanging around (.204 Ruger Thomson Single Bull, .223 Remington AR Bushmaster, .22-250 Ruger M77 Bull.) Your Model 43 was manufactured in late August, 1950. The bullet is based on the ancient .25-20 Winchester case and was introduced by Winchester in 1938 as a follow-up to their .22 Hornet success. That being said, I dont want to restore the rifle if it does some crazy thing to the value! It appears to be a nice rifle and needs a good cleaning. There is no major damage to be noted, no scratches, scuffs, gouges or rust. The rifle holds a period Williams Wide Guide 4x scope set in Weaver Top-Mount rings, which were left in place during all load testing. Magazines canroutinely be found on eBay, or at most large gun shows. My Model 43 22 Hornet loves the Remington 45-gr HP factory load the best, and shoots 1/2-inch groups @100 yards with it. The tendency with smaller varmint rounds like the Bee is to push maximum, ammunition left in a hot sun or truck cab inviting a stuck case or locked bolt. A while back I purchased this Winchester Model 43 in .218 Bee, without doing a great deal of research on it. NEED MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE, WE ARE LOCATED IN WESTERN NEW YORK STATE. At that time, Winchester did not drill & tap the receiver for mounting a scope, which means that your grandfather had it altered aftermarket. Bert, if you follow NW Sportsman Magazine (It appears we live just across the water from one another in Wa.) In terms of relative performance, the .218 Bee falls between the smaller .22 Hornet, and the larger .222 Remington and the more popular .223 Remington. In general, the Model 43 is capable of very fine accuracy with the 22 Hornet cartridge, but they can be picky about the specific ammo to shoot in them for best accuracy. Approx. There is a post in the forum by Bert with pictures of correct Model 43 .218 magazine for reference. Guns Rifles Winchester Rifles Modern Bolt Auto Single Other Bolt Action WINCHESTER MODEL DELUXE CALIBER BEE | 764 | 202 | Lc | 109.3885ms, WINCHESTER MODEL 43 DELUXE CALIBER 218 BEE, WINCHESTER MODEL 43 DELUXE CALIBER 218 BEE. Magazine is after-market, but works good. GI#: 102260137. Seller Description. The magazines are. The jewel among bolt-action Bees, and one that will hold its own with the Model 70 in accuracy, is the dainty little Sako L46. Hornady has become the most reliable source for Bee brass, offered in both loaded ammunition and as a component. This hinges on the fact that, again like the Hornet, the Bee is just flat-out fun to shoot, producing negligible recoil and tolerable muzzle report. My recommendation is to by a box on all the factory varieties you can find, and spend a day at the range shooting them to see which one your rifle likes the best. I havent been here long so not sure if you guys give approx values but I would estimate to be in VG 98% condition. I have just recently acquired a model 43 in 22 hornet.with a serial number 15525 am I able to get a manufacture date and possibly a review on quality and aquracy.i have not yet had the chance to shoot it and would love to know what I can expect, Drew said I know they were made from 1949 to 1957. The receiver and bolt were improved beginning in January 1950 to strengthen the action to help prevent head space issues. I think I made out okay for what I paid for it. Winchester Rifle Model 43 Magazine 218 BEE New Manufactured Pre-Owned $43.53 rils99 (12,829) 99.6% Buy It Now +$7.00 shipping Sponsored 2-Pack Winchester Model 43 218 BEE 5 RDS Magazine Mag Mags Made in the USA! Is it a standard or a Special rifle? Guarda esta bsqueda para recibir notificaciones y avisos cuando los artculos estn disponibles. (66*) Im assuming its first year production but sometimes first year production could have started in December. Nevada Paul said Very fine. WINCHESTER 43, .218 BEE, 4 RD: ORIGIN - USA. Any additional info you could provide would be appreciated. I recently found a replacement hood sight and put it back on the rifle. It has 2 magazines. I have attached pictures showing the different contour of the two. Winchester 43 .218 Bee (W6272) Price: $1,895.00 Item Number: W6272 Previously sold Winchester 43 .218 Bee caliber rifle. Smooth action and weighted just right to be a range gun or field gun. Model-43-Special-47841A-218-BEE.jpg (40 KB) WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member Timothy Hamilton Lititz, PA New Member WACA Member Forum Posts: 1 Member Since: March 19, 2022 Offline 4 March 19, 2022 - 3:50 am Bert I have a number of Model 43 218's and one 25 20. Formerly of the Peter and Patty Murray collection. Im intrigued by this thread. I will look forward to seeing the pictures of it. The barrel is in great condition overall and retains its factory finish. Weaver K6 optics are clear. Brand New. Its seen better days and as a boy I recall a Weaver 4x scope thats now missing. If you are still working on it and there is anything I can provide, regarding this rifle, please let me know. Thanks for help. If you read the article that I wrote (in the Spring 2016 Collector magazine), it explains the Model 43 production history in better detail. First, I would like to disassemble the rifle and give it a thorough cleaning, inspection, and lubrication. 1 single shot in the Bee. If I switch to Winchester 45-gr SP ammo, my group immediately opens to nearly 2-inches @100 yards. standard and deluxe grade. Action works perfectly. With that in mind, I chose Noslers 35-grain Ballistic Tip Lead Free (later swapped for Hornadys 35-grain V-MAX, which Ill get into momentarily) on the light end, Speers 40-grain Varmint SP and Sierras 45-grain Varminter SP as ideals, and Hornadys 50-grain SPSX (Soft-Point, Super eXplosive) at the heavy end. I have longed to own the .22 Hornet.. Thin-jacketed, cup-and-core bullets are the logical choice for varmint shooting with the Bee, with Hornet-label bullets generally recommended to assure rapid expansion and reliable stabilization from the 1:16 rifling twist. SERIAL NUMBER 20669A WANT TO PURCHASE CALL SHOP 716-941-3946 .Click for more info. BORE EXCELLENT ORIGINAL FACTORY FINISH OF WOOD AND METAL PARTS. PLEASE CALL US AT (478-257-6655), IF YOU HIT THE BUY NOW BUTTON THERE WILL BE (NO CREDIT CARD FEES OR SHIPPING COST ). Winchester ~ 43 ~ .218 Bee. CALIBER - .218 BEE. Winchester 92 94 43 1873 Rear Sight & Elevator- Winchester Model 94- 21168. Only the 32-20 is less common (at just (61) verified thus far). Scarce deluxe model 43 in popular .218 Bee. and their Social Media platforms in Washington State, you might have seen the auction advertised there as a Private Owner Collection from James G Murphy Auctions. That is an urban myth that has been spread around for several decades (people use it to try explaining why a rifle that has been D&T after the fact). Im going to assume standard as its not checkered..it has been drilled and tapped it came with bases when I bought it, I plan to do some shooting todayall I can find is 35 grain ammo I am in British Columbia Canada and the town I live in is very limited to what I can get.im not exactly sure what headspace issues are.i myself dont reload so it will.be factory ammo that I will shoot.how do i know if i have headspace issues and if i do have them how is it corrected, Also when I did a search on it.i found something about a slanted bolt handle.something about later models started coming with predrilled and tapped and a slanted bolt.slant of the bolt was towards the back off the rifle, Could this mean anything different.replaced an original bolt.maybe a warranty replacement later run maybe a last batch kinda thing with the upgrades that came out in 1950, Drew said I acquired a model 43 serial number 19257A. Winchester Model 43 - .218 Bee $ 1,699.00 For sale is a Winchester Model 43 bolt-action rifle in .218 Bee. WACA 6571L, Historian & Board of Director Member, Hey Guys, New to the forum. If you can, please send clear detailed pictures of the rifle to me at [emailprotected], NOTE: first posts are subject to administrator approval before being displayed, WinchesterCollector.org A bolt-action, with detachable box magazine. Im going to assume standard as its not checkered..it has been drilled and tapped it came with bases when I bought it. I have a model 43 in 22 Hornet which has been drilled and tapped for scope mounts. I recently inherited some rifles from my grandfather. Ive conducted high-level maintenance on an immense amount of rifles, but I have no experience with this one at all. I have always wanted a .218 Bee, but wasn't sure on what to look for, so I settled for this one. Produced from 1949 to 1957, with about 63,000 sold. I am currently dealing with a case of Covid-19, but would enjoy chatting with you after I get over this CRUD! Old Arms of Idaho strives to keep firearms fixable from the very old to the very new. The latter is likely one of the strongest actions offered for this cartridge; one that would allow pursuing the Bees true potential. The cartridge was introduced as a commercial cartridge by Winchester in 1937 in their Model 65 lever action rifle, which was also chambered for the .25-20 and .32-20 Winchester cartridges. Gun has been Re-Blued and Stock Refinished. It's serial number is 23XX5A and is untapped with open sights. The Model 43 is a very simplistic design, and does not require much disassembly to properly clean. Yes, Bert. I guess you could say, if its not going to matter, I would like to make a custom shooter out of this.. Once I modify the stock with a slight palm-swell and taper the forearm, I do plan to checker both palm and forearm. I see this all the time. So Inherited a nice Model 43 in 218 Bee along with others but this one has peeked my interest more than others, so a few notes after reading this. The Model 43 has a very simplistic action, and it is very easy to disassemble to clean. WINCHESTER MODEL 43 CALIBER 218 BEE. From reading this thread, I see the rifle is equipped with the swept bolt and a plain (no checkering) wood stock (pretty though!). SERIAL NUMBER 5241XA FACTORY DRILLED AND TAPPED FOR SCOPE. Just because of this thread, and the time you have taken to answer everyones questions, I became a Member of WACA today!! Can you post (or send me) a picture showing the top of the receiver and the D&T holes? Model 43 Introduced in 1949. Winchester designed the cartridge by necking down the .25-20 Winchester cartridge to accept a .224 diameter bullet. These rifles were produced until 1957, with about 63,000 sold. ECOM00050823. cartridge. However, while the .25-20 and the .32-20 Model 65 rifles have 22-inch (560mm) barrels, the rifles chambered for the Bee have 24-inch (610mm) barrels. PLEASE CALL US AT (478-257-6655) The swept bolts begin to appear at serial number 1100, and fully replace the straight bolt before serial number 8800. Hey Guys, New to the forum. Some of his rifles I intend to keep and some I intend to sell. A good choice for Winchester collectors or .218 Bee fans. I have just recently acquired a model 43 in 22 hornet.with a serial number 15525 am I able to get a manufacture date and possibly a review on quality and aquracy.i have not yet had the chance to shoot it and would love to know what I can expect. If yours are correct would you be interested in selling one? In your pictures of the two bolts.mine is the bottom one you have attached. Im off to eBay for my daily check. Thanks so much for allowing us to glean experience from your in-depth knowledge and wisdom.. Nonetheless, this was a super cool thread, Bert! As a varmint shooter who spends a lot of time under a hot sun, I find newer temperature-insensitive formulas give me peace of mind. When I was a small boy, my Grandpa shook me awake early one Saturday morning on a weekend I was staying with them. 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Military 7in Steel Base, : 02-218-03, Winchester c1949 Models 43 & 47 Announcement Flyers, WINCHESTER MODEL SX1 SUPER X 1 CARRIER SPRING - 44SX1, 42SX1, 45SX1, 43SX1 NEW, Vintage Browning Rifle Box Original 24" Model 65 218 Bee + Foam Insert & Booklet, 15-20 Mercedes W218 CLS400 SL550 Steering Wheel Paddle Shifters Set of 2 OEM, Leave feedback about your eBay search experience - opens in new window or tab.