Walther G41 Production Study
Hello guys,
Been talking with a few collectors about Walther's production of the G41 and there is a lot information not yet known. I hoped that by starting a thread perhaps people who own these rifles could share their information and we could answer some of these questions.
It is well known that that Walther had a difficult time producing the G41. Tiger 2 Tank has done a great job of tracking serial numbers but what we need now is more detailed information about these rifles. In particular I am curious to see the time frame around when certain components stopped getting serial numbered. The main components I am seeing that stopped getting numbered are:
1. Hand guard
2. Safety
3. Barrel bands
Perhaps there are others but these are the only I have observed (please share if you have seen others). Also, there seems to be three types of safeties used. Early ones are squared shaped, then rounded edges show up, then later are a hybrid.
Early Numbered
Mid Numbered
Mid Unnumbered
Later Unnumbered
As for components being numbered, this is what I have observed (thanks to Tiger 2 Tanks serial number database). Keep in mind that production was very slow in 1942 so there could be a lot of time (relatively speaking) between two rifles being produced that are only 1,000 apart from each other.
1. Not sure when the Push Button stops. If anyone has a serial please share.
2. Early rifles (up to approximately serial No. 7153) Rifles has all parts numbered and receiver has (W).
3. After approximately serial No. 7153 the (W) is dropped (probably because the (M) was cancelled and was no longer need, just a guess) but all parts are still numbered.
4. Around serial No. 9000 (guess???) the safety and hand guard were no longer numbered.
5. Start of 1943 serial No. 1 no letter block, "43" was added to receiver, hand guard, safety and barrel bands were no longer numbered.
6. Production stops in the b block to begin production of the G43. 996 b is the Highest serial number observed to this point.
This is all my observation so if there is anything you disagree with or have seen differently then please share. Also, if you own a all matching rifle please share the traits of your rifle. Thanks
Hello guys,
Been talking with a few collectors about Walther's production of the G41 and there is a lot information not yet known. I hoped that by starting a thread perhaps people who own these rifles could share their information and we could answer some of these questions.
It is well known that that Walther had a difficult time producing the G41. Tiger 2 Tank has done a great job of tracking serial numbers but what we need now is more detailed information about these rifles. In particular I am curious to see the time frame around when certain components stopped getting serial numbered. The main components I am seeing that stopped getting numbered are:
1. Hand guard
2. Safety
3. Barrel bands
Perhaps there are others but these are the only I have observed (please share if you have seen others). Also, there seems to be three types of safeties used. Early ones are squared shaped, then rounded edges show up, then later are a hybrid.
Early Numbered
Mid Numbered
Mid Unnumbered
Later Unnumbered
As for components being numbered, this is what I have observed (thanks to Tiger 2 Tanks serial number database). Keep in mind that production was very slow in 1942 so there could be a lot of time (relatively speaking) between two rifles being produced that are only 1,000 apart from each other.
1. Not sure when the Push Button stops. If anyone has a serial please share.
2. Early rifles (up to approximately serial No. 7153) Rifles has all parts numbered and receiver has (W).
3. After approximately serial No. 7153 the (W) is dropped (probably because the (M) was cancelled and was no longer need, just a guess) but all parts are still numbered.
4. Around serial No. 9000 (guess???) the safety and hand guard were no longer numbered.
5. Start of 1943 serial No. 1 no letter block, "43" was added to receiver, hand guard, safety and barrel bands were no longer numbered.
6. Production stops in the b block to begin production of the G43. 996 b is the Highest serial number observed to this point.
This is all my observation so if there is anything you disagree with or have seen differently then please share. Also, if you own a all matching rifle please share the traits of your rifle. Thanks
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