What were the Winchester Model 43s like?

[The Famous Grouse]

I'm considering a 1950s vintage Winchester Model 43 in 218 Bee, but I'd like some feedback on these guns as I've never even handled one much less shot one.

What is your opinion of them as far as function and accuracy?  Are there any known "gotcha" issues that tend to crop up frequently with these rifles, ie barrels burn out easily, chambers blown out, bad actions, etc? 

I'm interested in opinions of the potential accuracy as well.  I handload, so I'm confident with load development I can get fairly close to the most out of the rifle, but what exactly is "the most"?  Minute of angle at 100 or minute of racoon at 25, but only if it's a fat one and standing still?

Thanks.

Grouse

 

[pastorp]

Back in the 60s I used a model43 in 22 hornet for a while. These are good a little plainer than a model 70 but they are reliable and shoot good.  I never found a downside other than they are a little heavy.

Regards,

[Rangr44]

They are basically upgraded rimfire rifles - which is why they were chambered for what they were.

They are also decent shooters, as long as they're treated for what they are, with no attempts at magnumization.

They're not accurate all by themselves, but they DO need a good shooter driving them - it's just that they're NOT target grade, nor are their barrels heavy/target, so don't set yourself up for any unreasonable expectation. 

If you want the very best accuracy, two of the last things I'd consider would be a .218Bee and a M43 Win.

Jes' sayin'.......................

.

[The Famous Grouse]

Well, that about says it all.  Appreciate it and with that info I think I'll pass. I've always been interested in the Bee, but ultimately I want rifles that shoot well so I'll keep looking.

Grouse

[hp402]

I sold my 43 Hornet in about '90 when I bought a Marlin in .218.  I have never changed loads in the Marlin as it does about 1 1/8" with the only load I ever fed it (4x scope.)  My 43 Hornet had a pretty rough bore and shot a between 1.5 and 1.75 inches,  Cousin had a 43 Bee that did about 1.5'.  All groups are 3 @. 100.  I do not recall the 43s as being heavy.  They are likely not going to shoot sub MOA.  They are a handy little bolt gun that will do minute of rabbit at about as far as the bullets hold up.  I do regret that I did not keep the 43 and have the barrel relined.  Until Cousin's untimely death, we gave the vermin, varmints and ferrel goats (head shots) on our lease a lot of grief with the .218.  Good day,  jack

[lucky guy]

Nice rifles with in the caliber limitations.  My brother has one in 22 hornet and it shoots fine.  One thing is the bolts can be tricky to find or work on.  I think there's one guy in Ohio that repairs/rebuilds them.  I wouldn't shy away from it, but it is a vintage rifle.

[Couger]

Too bad I found this just now.

NOTHING WRONG with the Winchester M43 in the .218 Bee according to a couple fellows i've met who have them!

And why only take one person's opinion before thoroughly checking out that rifle in the Bee?

If you had bought the M43 and decided later to sell it. you would have had "to work at it" to have lost $$$!

The Model 43 in the Bee and other cartridges it came were FINE for its day, and good shooters within the ranges of their effectiveness (minute of coyote or woodchuck to 200-250rds)

[gunnut69]

I guess I too am too late to this party.. I started out as a boy with a good friend who's father let us shot the local ground hogs with a M43.. and in 218 Bee. I found one a few years ago and grabbed it up. It's not a heavy barrel varmit rig but shots beter than is needed for ground hogs.. Handy and accuracte the Bee in a M43 is a great little rifle.. Rimmed bottle necked rounds are a bit more difficult to load but not terrible!! I partial size to keep headspace on the shoulder and avoid seperations.. I load the 50 grain SX Hornaday and it will kill varmits with great authority just as I remember.. Add to that it's now worth 2x what I gave for it and you see the problem.. I've always wanted a 32-30 M43. Seems to me with cast slugs it would make a nice squirrel rifle and reloadable..

[cwlongshot]

Pop and I have two of them!!

My grand father bought them "many moons" ago in Hornet. He had one re-barreled to the Bee and gave it to my father about fifty years ago. He passed away about three years ago and the Hornet was left to my uncle who didn't have a use for it. He has a son doesn't want it SO,  its coming to me. I have shot it many times in the past and both are very good shooters! 

Pops wears a 2x7 Nikon and grand pops a 3/4" Lyman all American. Both have very nice wood and actions.

A nice old 22 is a good description. But think nice, the way they used to be made be Winchester and Remington back in the 30-40's.

I like them allot and think you will too!

CW

[Rangr44]

FWIW, I was pointing out to the OP that the .218 M43 might not meet his accuracy expectations.

I'm sure if I said they shot under MOA, he would own one.............................

One size does NOT fit all.

.

[cwlongshot]

FWIW, I was pointing out to the OP that the .218 M43 might not meet his accuracy expectations.

I'm sure if I said they shot under MOA, he would own one.............................

One size does NOT fit all.

.

Pops 218 M43 IS a MOA rifle with it's pet load!!

CW

[gunnut69]

The M43's would easily shoot with most modern rifles with carefully worked up loads.. They are not 223's and attempts to make them perform like they were will cause grevious harm. I always wonder how such firm and absolute opinions can ve formed by a single experience..