Gewehr 43

Specifications

Type: Battle Rifle

Caliber: 7.92x57mm Mauser

Capacity: 10 round box magazine

Fire Modes: Semiautomatic

Info

One of three semi-automatic rifles issued by Germany (the others being the FG 42 and the Gewehr 41) during WW II. This weapon itself was an evolution of the Gewehr 41 (made by Mauser and Walther). The Gewehr 43 was made exclusively by Walther and addressed many of the problems the 41 encountered during the invasion of the Soviet Union (in particular the gas system and use of stripper clips instead of a removable box magazine). The Gewehr 43 was never mass produced, and although a better rifle than the G42, it was still known for its mechanical malfunctions, mainly due to cheap parts, and exposed extracting spring, causing jams if not cleaned constantly, as well as being a complicated design. When put up against the U.S. M1 Garand, it was apparant that the G43 was outclassed by the M1's superior machined parts, extremely reliable design, better gas system, better sights, faster and more reliable en-bloc clip system, extremely simple and easy to maintain, and was general issue to all infantry. The German High Comman saw this, and decided to issue the G43 3 rifles for every platoon, 2 of which, were to be used as sniper rifles away from frontline action, it was fitted with a Zeiss ZF 4 scope. According to accounts and testimony from German veterans of WWII, many German soldiers disiked the G43, and preferred the tried and true Mauser 98k, or, if they were lucky enough, scavanged American M1 rifles and Carbines whenever possible, dispite it officially against regulations. However, as a sniping pltform, many German snipers liked the Gewehr 43's semi-automatic abilities, good range, good ammo capacity and accuracy, however extreme log rage sniping was best left to the more accurate bolt action Mauser rifles.

The Gewehr 43 rifle has appeared in the following films and video games used by the following actors: