Bolt Carrier variations in the "d" series of K43 ac 45's

[Rogerbutthead]

I wanted to discuss the variations seen in bolt carriers in the "d" series of Walther K43's. I didn't want to thread jack Dusty Bottoms thread.

Until recently I had not noticed that unribbed, non-holdopen bolt carriers were used (both cosmetically machined and not). I had noticed the ribbed holdopened equipped bolt carriers and the ribbed non-holdopened equipped bolt carriers. The later bolt carriers seemingly not serial numbered.

I also acquired a modified unribbed, non-holdopen bolt carrier which I post in this thread with a ribbed, non-holdopen bolt carrier rifle - 2154 d and 3916 d. Note 2154 d was at least bubba'd in the stock and at the front sight.

My questions are - The unserial numbered bolt carriers - put on by GI's or just the latest labor saving device in trying to produce weapons?

Was there a bolt carrier bin that just had some left over unribbed bolt carriers in the bottom that were reached at this late point in the war or was a reject pile used to complete some of these late made rifles.

It would be interesting to me if someone knew the answers to these questions.

I mean, I gotta admit - the "R" marked stock question still bugs me to this day.

 

[GunKraut]

2154 d has probably received a Bubba makeover. Maybe in the process of smoothing and shaping the bolt carrier, the rib became collateral damage?

 

[CanadianAR]

I just bought my first ac45, so I can only offer one variation.
It is 2423 d, carrier is ribbed, and has hold open latch. Carrier, bolt, stamped to match,
Firing pin carrier and flaps electro pencilled to match.

 

[Rogerbutthead]

Certainly there is the possibility that 2154 d was a non-holdopen bolt carrier that bubba decided should have both rear edges shaved so that their angles matched. That bothers me a lot, considering the bidding war I got into to acquire that rifle.

I don't really see any reason why the Germans would have made the alterations either. Kinda late in the game to try to lighten the weight of the bolt carrier so they did not break so easily.

I am getting less and less happy staring at that "modified" bolt carrier.

 

[Model]

Certainly there is the possibility that 2154 d was a non-holdopen bolt carrier that bubba decided should have both rear edges shaved so that their angles matched. That bothers me a lot, considering the bidding war I got into to acquire that rifle.

I don't really see any reason why the Germans would have made the alterations either. Kinda late in the game to try to lighten the weight of the bolt carrier so they did not break so easily.

I am getting less and less happy staring at that "modified" bolt carrier.

Then just put it down and go look at some other G/K43's in your very large collection.

The "R" on your stock has to do with French post war use. I would call it a French Capture.

HDH.

 

[Rogerbutthead]

The "R" marked stocked has a French post war use theory - but what evidence/documentation is there to support it?

Supposedly a large number of "R" marked stocked rifles came into the US from Canada back a long time ago, but I never saw any documentation on that either.

 

[GunKraut]

I am getting less and less happy staring at that "modified" bolt carrier.

Look at this:



Still unhappy with your bolt carrier? Bubba took care of an early BLM "a" block bolt carrier of one of those "Hitler's Garands" to make it look more like, well, like a Garand!

Joke aside, I don't think the late war ribless carriers are rejects, they were more likely made from raw forgings removed from inventory when the new and improved ribbed carriers entered production. There was no point in using up the supply of ribless carriers as there was a reason for them to be replacement. In early 1945 an acute shortage of ribbed carriers must have spawned the idea of re-introducing ribless carriers back into production. After all, at this point of the war it was clear to everyone that neither the rifle nor the soldier would last long anyways.

 

[Model]

The "R" marked stocked has a French post war use theory - but what evidence/documentation is there to support it?

Supposedly a large number of "R" marked stocked rifles came into the US from Canada back a long time ago, but I never saw any documentation on that either.

There are many things that are not "documented" about these wonderful rifles, I just go by what I pick up on the internet and Weavers book.
What else can one do.

HDH.

 

[Rogerbutthead]

I was hoping someone knew the distributor who brought in all those "R" marked stocks - but I guess if Weaver can't find any documentation on this, its unlikely anyone else could.

Probably anyone who knew is dead by now.

 

[Rogerbutthead]

I should add K43 ac 45 4668 d which has a ribbed no holdopen device blank numbered 359 bolt carrier.

 

[GunKraut]

This one is for sale at Cabela's right now. It has a no-rib bolt carrier, is serial numbered but without hold-open latch.

 

[mxzxops]

Just got my ac45 d block in. Unribbed bolt carrier. No hold open latch. No serial number on the bolt carrier but proper walther acceptance mark. 5231D

 

[Rogerbutthead]

I just noticed on Claus's site he shows a rare "ground off" bolt carrier - especially seen on the "long barreled test rifles". Too bad for me that mine is not the same type of modification or on a long barreled test rifle. http://claus.espeholt.dk/ac45.html

Anyone care to post a pic of their "ground off" bolt carrier on a long barreled test rifle?

 

[mauser99]

late feature carriers were new production where early features were just used up old stock. Either rejected and used or slated for armorer use. No real right or wrong. Like late war k98's early parts start showing up right at the end.

 

[jack944]

Agreed

late feature carriers were new production where early features were just used up old stock. Either rejected and used or slated for armorer use. No real right or wrong. Like late war k98's early parts start showing up right at the end.

Most of these rifle have final proofs on stocks so I would assume they were last guns sent to the warehouse. I don't believe any made it out including my late d-block sniper posted here with an un-numbered carrier.

 

[robber3]

K43 d blocks

Most of these rifle have final proofs on stocks so I would assume they were last guns sent to the warehouse. I don't believe any made it out including my late d-block sniper posted here with an un-numbered carrier.

Most, or I should say I have never seen a d block that had a final firing proof on the receiver so I assume none left the factory, and to many late d blocks with unnumbered bolt carriers tells me that they are not armour replacements. These Rifles were captured at the plant, and usually the late numbered d blocks do not have the final stock proof either. I have 2 earlier d blocks that were complete, with the final stock proof, but no final firing proof on either receiver, both captured in the rack at the plant in unissued condition.