Winchester Model 43 Standard .22 Hornet Bolt-Action Rifle, 24 inch Winchester Proof Steel Barrel, 1948–1949, Drilled & Tapped with Weaver-Style Bases
This Winchester Model 43 Standard in .22 Hornet is a postwar production rifle from 1948–1949 with a 24 inch Winchester Proof Steel barrel and the classic turned-down bolt. The receiver and barrel shank have been drilled and tapped after manufacture and fitted with two 1-piece Weaver-style scope bases—one on the rear receiver ring and the other on the barrel shank ahead of the front receiver ring. It features the factory three-dovetail barrel pattern and a plain walnut Standard-grade stock with inletted sling swivels and a checkered steel buttplate.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: This firearm is in solid shape. It shows various cosmetic imperfections, scratches, blemishes, and areas of finish loss. The bore remains clean and shiny.
What’s Included
- Pair of 1-piece Weaver-style scope bases installed on the rear receiver ring and the barrel shank
- 1 detachable steel magazine (3-round)
Chambered in .22 Hornet, this Model 43 Standard uses a detachable box magazine for a 3+1 capacity and operates with a cock-on-open, push-feed bolt. The action layout and compact magazine make it a practical small-caliber bolt rifle from Winchester’s postwar lineup.
The 24 inch round, tapered barrel is Winchester Proof Steel and follows the factory three-dovetail pattern: an integral ramp front sight base, a mid-barrel rear sight position, and a stock stud. The front sight hood is not installed, and the rear barrel sight is not present. Barrel markings include "WINCHESTER — TRADE MARK — MODEL 43 — 22 HORNET —", "MADE IN U.S. OF AMERICA", and "WINCHESTER PROOF STEEL."
The receiver and the barrel shank have been drilled and tapped post-manufacture for optics mounting. Two 1-piece Weaver-style scope bases are installed, with the rear base on the receiver and the forward base on the barrel shank ahead of the front receiver ring. This modification aligns with non-factory work typically seen on early serial range examples and provides a ready mounting surface for scope rings.
The one-piece walnut stock is the Standard-grade configuration with a pistol-grip profile, straight comb, uncheckered surfaces, and inletted sling swivels. A checkered steel buttplate caps the stock, and length of pull measures 13.5 inches. The rifle carries the Winchester oval WP proof and was made in the United States. Typical factory weight is approximately 6 lb unscoped.