Walther G43 (AC) 1944 Production Numbers

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bspencer

Well-known member
Is there information somewhere on how many G43s (AC) were produced by Walther in 1944? I have looked through the forum and cannot find this information. If I have just missed it somewhere, please accept my apology. I'm specifically trying to determine when AC44 1582e would have been produced.
 
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bspencer said:
Is there information somewhere on how many G43s (AC) were produced by Walther in 1944? I have looked through the forum and cannot find this information. If I have just missed it somewhere, please accept my apology. I'm specifically trying to determine when AC44 1582e would have been produced.
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The last ac44 is 5545q. That means 17 x 9999 + 5545 = 175,528. This is the theoretically maximum because many were rejected, destroyed etc. - or perhaps first assembled in 1945. "e" block about June 1944.
Just a guess
Claus
 
Hitler's Garands state that approx. 170,000 G43 ac's were made in 1944. They switched from G43 to K43 near the end of 1944. The highest serial numbered G43 ac 44 was reported as 5353 q - the highest K43 ac 44 was reported as 5545 q - there was overlap in the letter switch starting in the M alpha series.
 
Now for even more speculation in relation to production month/year. What's the consensus on the cut off month/year for a G/K43 having been possibly issued and actually used in WWII?
 
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The main Walther factory in Zella-Mehlis was taken by American troops on April 9. BLM ceased first the production on May 2 and no guns were there when the British came May 6. BLM sent continuously the production to the front. I don't know what Walther did and how many guns were left there.
 
nahpatronen said:
The main Walther factory in Zella-Mehlis was taken by American troops on April 9. BLM ceased first the production on May 2 and no guns were there when the British came May 6. BLM sent continuously the production to the front. I don't know what Walther did and how many guns were left there.
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Great information. Does anyone know if the same was true for Walther. Was everything sent to the front as soon as it was manufactured?
 
No. It is well known that lots of weapons were captured at walther. And rumoured to be found on train cars.

Lots of ac45 k43 and p38 were said to be found at, or around the factory area.

If you're trying to document a rifles combat history based on a serial number, it's a pointless endeavour.
 
CanadianAR said:
No. It is well known that lots of weapons were captured at walther. And rumoured to be found on train cars.

Lots of ac45 k43 and p38 were said to be found at, or around the factory area.

If you're trying to document a rifles combat history based on a serial number, it's a pointless endeavour.
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Thanks for the information. I'm not trying to document a particular rifle's combat history based on a serial number. I'm just curious if there is a consensus on the cut off point for Walther produced G43s in relation to being issued. For instance, is a Walther G43 produced in mid-1944 more likely to have been used in battle vs. one produced in late 44 to early 45? Is there a point in 44 or 45 after which the chances of a rifle having been used in combat are greatly diminished?
 
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I don't think a serial number will necessarily answer your question. For example, an early '44 G.43 could have "sat" somewhere, away from battle somehow and a late '45 K.43 could have been immediately at the front, in full battle, captured and brought home.

Probably your best indicator is to look at the rifle's wear. Even that is a little misleading because a given rifle could have not hardly been used, captured, brought home and shot all to heck post war. But, I think wear will be your best tool to use.
 
Malcom Pipe list from March 18, 2007

Hi there:

I hope you are enjoying your AC 44! I have a list of "estimated" dates based on production quotes that I got off of an old G43 forum. AC 44 e block would, and take this with a grain of salt, been estimated around a June/July 1944 production date. The total production by Walther in 1944 per Hitlers Garand, was estimated at 170K total. That does not include 1943 and 1945.

I have a few AC's 44's spanning A - H blocks and I love them!

Cheers,

Oly
 
olyoly2 said:
Hi there:

I hope you are enjoying your AC 44! I have a list of "estimated" dates based on production quotes that I got off of an old G43 forum. AC 44 e block would, and take this with a grain of salt, been estimated around a June/July 1944 production date. The total production by Walther in 1944 per Hitlers Garand, was estimated at 170K total. That does not include 1943 and 1945.

I have a few AC's 44's spanning A - H blocks and I love them!

Cheers,

Oly
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Thanks for the information. I received a list from another forum member. I'll send it your way so we can compare the two.
 
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