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Walther Sportsmodell V questions

bampa

Active member
Walther Sportmodell V questions

A friend has a Walther Sportmodell V with BUG proofs in the 29xxx serial range. It appears to be all original and in very good condition, except the sling swivels are missing and have been replaced with modern versions. The rifle has what I think is the original Walther buttplate (although slightly cracked) and a sliding rear sight. The metal and wood appear to have original finishes. It has the plastic trigger guard.

Because I am interested in buying or trading for the rifle, I have some questions: First, I assume this sporting rifle may have been pressed into service as a trainer. Does anyone have any knowledge of this model being used as a trainer?

Second, does anyone know when this rifle was manufactured? I know it is pre-1940 from the proofs, but I'm hoping to find some more specific information, based on the serial being in the 29xxx range.

Third, should the number on the bottom of the bolt root match the serial number? (The bolt has three digits, which do match the the last three digits of the serial number.)

Fourth, what might be the rifle's value? I'd like to make a fair offer, but I'm bugged a bit by it not having the original sling swivels.

Thanks in advance for any replies....
 
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walther

well, with out seeing it i'd say anywhere from 4-5 hundred if its that nice. If it has the slideing rear sight it sounds like the meisterbusche type. This is the higher end sport modell v. I have seen them in the 6 hundred range with no post war mods. The bolt is numbered correctly. There is also no way to tell if it was used as a trainer. I have never seen that version with any HJ or S/A markings..

Also there was some pretty good discussion on the gunboards .22 trainer section about these rifles. Check there for added info.
 
well, with out seeing it i'd say anywhere from 4-5 hundred if its that nice. If it has the slideing rear sight it sounds like the meisterbusche type. This is the higher end sport modell v. I have seen them in the 6 hundred range with no post war mods. The bolt is numbered correctly. There is also no way to tell if it was used as a trainer. I have never seen that version with any HJ or S/A markings..

Also there was some pretty good discussion on the gunboards .22 trainer section about these rifles. Check there for added info.

Thanks much for the reply. I think I goofed when describing the rear sight. The whole sight doesn't slide. It sort of looks like a K98 sight and slide. It has a secured base and a leaf with a slider on it, so I'm pretty sure it isn't the meisterbusche type.

The good news is my friend found what he thinks are the original swivels. He bought the rifle at an auction several years ago and had removed the original swivels because he wanted new ones that would work with a wider sling. I'm really glad he located the originals; now I feel more comfortable making an offer on the rifle.

Also, in my most recent search I did find a photo of a HJ kid using what appears to be a Sportmodell V in training. I know this doesn't mean the model was officially a trainer, but it looks as though at least one rifle was used by at least one kid for training purposes!
 
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