Where are all the G43s'?

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

RWMC

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2005
Messages
414
Location
"It's not Heaven....it's Iowa"
With all of the Russian captured K98 Mausers coming into the country after collecting dust in Ivans' arsenals for the last 60 plus years, I was wondering today, where are the captured G43s'??? Were they ALL sold off during the 50's, 60's, and 70's? According to the trade agreement with the Russian Federation of States, they ARE allowed to be imported. Could they all be gone, or do the Russians recognize ( and Keep ) a good battle rifle when they see one? Please forgive my stupidity if I have happened to flat-out over look a major issue here.

I also just wanted to say "THANKS", to the creators of the THR. I have enjoyed reading ( and trying to rertain at least part of what I have read!! ) the post here on THR. 99.5% of the posters' are great folks, and for the other .5%, well they are just adding their part to what makes the world go around!!! I am also glad we live in the greatest country in the world ( the U.S. of A., if you didn't know already ), protected by the greatest Troops ( Our young men and women ) in the World. May God bless them all!!!!! I'm done.....climbing down from the stump now.....
 
1. There weren't as many G 43's made as K98's, so the pool of potential surviving rifles was smaller.

2. Many G43's were "wasted" (i.e. used up) during the war. The rifles don't hold up well to 8mm ammo and parts breakage was common.

3. The Soviets gave away large numbers of captured German weapons to revolutionary groups during the '50s and '60s. I'm sure some G 43's were included.

4. The Russians of late have been asking for too much for some of their surplus firearms. They have a significant number of Winchester Model 1895 Muskets they want to sell, but they want pretty much close to what the going retail price would be for each gun. There's no way the importer could make a profit at that price once you add in all the other costs of shipping, clearing customs, paperwork, inspections and readying for sale, etc. I don't know if a similiar situation exists with the G43's or not, but it is a possibility.

5. The G 43 is semi-automatic. As such, there may be additional restrictions on it's importation when compared to the K98. Not sure of this one either, but it's a possibility.
 
The G43 is not listed as a Curio and Relic, so that may be why they aren't coming in. Were any of them select fire/ easily converted? That would be another reason...
 
G43s would all be C&R by virtue of their age. Select fire does not preclude a firearm from C&R status. I believe there are restrictions preventing select fire imports in other places of Federal law.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top