New large BNZ 43 single rune

[Andymfg]

Hello everyone. I’ve been trying to learn and research as I go. I have a new found love for K98s. It’s quite an obsession. Anyways. I recently picked up this rifle. I did a lot of research prior to making this purchase. Special thanks to Mr Farb and Bruce for the assistance and thumbs up on this rifle. Please chime in what you think and any additional pictures needed. It is a bolt mismatch only downside. But I am very very happy with the gun.

The barrel code is “at” if you can’t tell for the pictures. There are a few stamps on the the bottom of the barrel I am unfamiliar with “e” (presumes supplier code), a half circle under the barrel. And a “3” next to the rear sight leaf. Any info would help on these. Also, it‘s faint but inscribed under the rear sight leaf it says “SS3” if anyone knows what that means. There is also a word or name under the SS3 but I can’t make it out. The word ends with a “w”. Small parts are not numbered








Thanks for your time and awesome information guys.

 

[Andymfg]

 

[Andymfg]

updated pics

 

[Andymfg]

 

[hale1940]

Welcome! Really nice rifle. The Steyr SS contracts are some of my favorite rifles. I too have a large font bnz 43 single rune, also bolt mm'd like yours. I really like the Menzel C stock yours has. As for the barrel markings, the 'bnz shield' is the manufacturer code (Steyr) and the 'at' is the lot information. The other letters/symbols are likely some mid production proofing marks. I'm sure you know this, but the E/623 coded parts denote Steyr manufacture, whereas the E/77 part denote Radom manufacture.

 

[swjXE]

Could you provide a photo of the markings on the right side of the rear sight base sleeve? Typically they are two Eagle WaA 77's.

 

[Andymfg]

Thank you guys for the replies. How can you tell this is a Mendel C stock? What is different about them? Thank you.

I am not seeing any Eagle WaA77s anywhere around the rear sight.

 

[swjXE]

Many thanks,
I've seen this rear sight base variation before and I'm guessing that it didn't pass Heer acceptance at Radom for cosmetic reasons, but obviously it passed for SS production for functionality.

 

[Andymfg]

Please correct me if I’m wrong. But werent large font BNZ receivers specific to the Gusen factory? This one was Probably dedicated to the KL systems. Thank you.

 

[hale1940]

Please correct me if I’m wrong. But werent large font BNZ receivers specific to the Gusen factory? This one was Probably dedicated to the KL systems. Thank you.

Yes large font bnz receivers were made at Gusen subcamp of Mauthausen KL. It’s entirely possible that the SS contract rifles were mainly used by the SS-TV, but we don’t actually know for sure.

 

[MrB]

Thank you guys for the replies. How can you tell this is a Mendel C stock? What is different about them? Thank you.

The easiest way to tell is the "C" stamped into the bottom of the stock that can bee seen in a couple of the pictures you posted.

 

[Andymfg]

edit above

 

[Andymfg]

Can anyone tell me more info on this gun’s bolt? Specifically if it is even an SS depot bolt? I remember Mr Farb explaining SS bolts in another thread.

 

[heavy_mech]

I find it somewhat odd that EVERY part of that bolt is a different serial. What's the acceptance on the bottom of the bolt root?

 

[swjXE]

The numbers and letter on the bolt body look like a Sauer font. Is there an eagle 37 on the bottom of the bolt root?
The only Steyr part visible on the bolt is the mismatched Radom manufactured shroud.

 

[Andymfg]

I find it somewhat odd that EVERY part of that bolt is a different serial. What's the acceptance on the bottom of the bolt root?

My thought too. I just took the bolt all apart and every number is different.

 

[Turbo Archie]

Love the wood.
I'd get a correct contract bolt for this one.