Gewehr 43 - Internet Movie Firearms Database (2024)

The Gewehr 43 was one of three semi-automatic rifles issued by Germany (the others being the FG 42 and the Gewehr 41) during WWII. This weapon itself was an evolution of the Gewehr 41 (made by Mauser and Walther). The Gewehr 43 was made exclusively by Walther and addressed many of the problems the G41 encountered during the invasion of the Soviet Union (in particular, the gas system and use of stripper clips instead of a removable box magazine), taking many design cues from captured examples of the Soviet SVT-40. Like the SVT-40, the Gewehr 43 was usually issued with two spare magazines, so reloading with clips remained.

It is known that the transitional G41/G43 prototypes were tested with 25-round MG13 magazines, but the final rifle received a 10-round one of its own design. All other conversions are modern and there is no evidence of their use during the war. 20-round G43 extended magazines are also known to exist; as far as is known, a limited number were issued for testing at the end of the war (at least with the Alpine troops), and a number were also produced after the war for rifles captured by Czechoslovakia.

The Gewehr 43 was never mass-produced, and although a better rifle than the G41, it was still known for its mechanical malfunctions, mainly due to cheap parts and exposed extracting spring, causing jams if not cleaned constantly. When parts wore out or broke, it was difficult to get replacements in the field and many German soldiers simply got rid of it when this happened. It was also a complicated design, and required some practice to know how it all worked. When put up against the U.S. M1 Garand, it was apparent that the G43 was outclassed by the M1's superior machined parts, extremely reliable design, better gas system, better sights, more reliable en-bloc clip system, simplicity, and ease of maintenance, as well as it being general issue to all infantry; whereas for every 50 Mauser rifles produced by Germany during the war, they only produced one G43 rifle. The German High Command saw this, and decided to only issue three G43 rifles for every platoon, two of which were to be used as sniper rifles away from frontline action, fitted with a Zeiss ZF 4 scope.

According to accounts and testimony from German veterans of WWII, many German soldiers disliked the G43, and preferred the tried and true Mauser 98k, or, if they were lucky enough, scavenged American M1 rifles and Carbines whenever possible, despite this being officially against regulations. However, as a sniping platform, many German snipers liked the Gewehr 43's semi-automatic abilities, good range, good ammo capacity, and accuracy, however extreme long-range sniping was best left to the more accurate bolt action Mauser rifles.

Note: Since the G43 was produced from October 1943, all depictions of it being used in battles before that point such as Stalingrad are anachronistic. The G43 was typically used in the late stage of the war.

Specifications

(Production: 1943 – 1945)

• Type: Battle Rifle
• Country of Origin: Nazi Germany
• Caliber: 7.92mm
• Cartridge: 7.92x57mm Mauser
• Weight: 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg)
• Length: 44.5 in (113 cm)
• Barrel length: 21.7 in (55 cm)
• Capacity: 10-round detachable box magazine (may be loaded with 5-round stripper clips); rare 20-round magazines are known to have existed.
• Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

The Gewehr 43 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Film

Television

Video Games

Animation

Anime

In December 1943, the prototype Gerät 03 was presented to use a relatively cheap to produce roller lock. Several prototypes were built and the weapon successfully passed military trials.

Specifications

(Production: 1943 – prototype only)

• Type: Battle Rifle
• Country of Origin: Nazi Germany
• Caliber: 7.92mm
• Cartridge: 7.92x57mm Mauser
• Weight: 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg)
• Length: 44.5 in (113 cm)
• Barrel length: 21.7 in (55 cm)
• Capacity: 10, 20-round detachable box magazine
• Fire Modes: Semi-Auto

The Gerät 03 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games

The prototype was created in 1944. After several tests, the German Army was not satisfied with the results. The gun had too much recoil when firing automatically. Work on the weapon was stopped. Only a few prototypes were made.

Specifications

(Production: 1944 – prototype only)

• Type: Assault Rifle
• Country of Origin: Nazi Germany
• Caliber: 7.92mm
• Cartridge: 7.92x33mm Kurz
• Weight: 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
• Length: 44.5 in (113 cm)
• Barrel length: 21.7 in (55 cm)
• Capacity: 30-round detachable box magazine. From StG 44
• Rate of fire: 500 rpm

The StG G-43 and variants can be seen in the following films, television series, video games, and anime used by the following actors:

Video Games