Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Co. is pleased to present this awesome bolt-action rifle today for a penny-start auction, this is the Winchester Model 43!
This particular Winchester Model 43 features a Custom Flaig's 18 1/2" Barrel!
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Winchester / Flaig's
Model: Custom Model 43
Serial: 18627A
Model: Custom Model 43
Serial: 18627A
Date of Manufacturer: 1950 (According to https://winchestercollector.org/dates/)
Caliber: .218 Bee
Finish: Patina
Barrel Length: Custom Flaig's 18 1/2" Barrel
Optics/Sights: None (Mounted Scope Base/Rings)
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 43 was manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Company from May 1948 through December 1953, with approximately 62,617 rifles produced. Designed as a more affordable alternative to the prestigious Model 70, it earned the nickname “poor man’s Model 70” while maintaining solid quality and reliable performance. Initially chambered in .25-20 and .32-20 Winchester, the lineup expanded by late 1948 to include .22 Hornet and .218 Bee, catering to the growing market for varmint and small game rifles. The rifle featured a rear-locking bolt-action mechanism, a 24-inch round tapered barrel, and a detachable four-round box magazine. Early models had a beveled receiver ring and were not drilled for scopes, but beginning in late 1950, Winchester revised the receiver to a flat front ring design drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Caliber: .218 Bee
Finish: Patina
Barrel Length: Custom Flaig's 18 1/2" Barrel
Optics/Sights: None (Mounted Scope Base/Rings)
Stock/Grips: Smooth Walnut
Action: Bolt-Action
Markings: Standard
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The Winchester Model 43 was manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Company from May 1948 through December 1953, with approximately 62,617 rifles produced. Designed as a more affordable alternative to the prestigious Model 70, it earned the nickname “poor man’s Model 70” while maintaining solid quality and reliable performance. Initially chambered in .25-20 and .32-20 Winchester, the lineup expanded by late 1948 to include .22 Hornet and .218 Bee, catering to the growing market for varmint and small game rifles. The rifle featured a rear-locking bolt-action mechanism, a 24-inch round tapered barrel, and a detachable four-round box magazine. Early models had a beveled receiver ring and were not drilled for scopes, but beginning in late 1950, Winchester revised the receiver to a flat front ring design drilled and tapped for scope mounts.
Two main configurations were offered: the Standard model, with a plain walnut pistol-grip stock and blued finish, and the Special model (often called the Deluxe by collectors), which included a checkered select walnut stock, capped semi-pistol grip, checkered steel buttplate, and typically a factory-installed Lyman 57A peep sight. Although production ended in 1953, the Model 43 remained in Winchester’s catalog until 1957 to sell remaining inventory. Praised for its accuracy—especially in .22 Hornet and .218 Bee—lightweight design, and smooth handling, the Model 43 remains a sought-after rifle among collectors and vintage shooting enthusiasts.
Information on Flaig’s custom rifles is limited, but several reliable forum discussions and auction listings provide some context. Flaig’s was a custom gunsmithing business, often referred to as Flaig’s Ace, that operated in the mid-20th century in the United States. The company was known for building and modifying sporting rifles, frequently using high-quality commercial or surplus actions and chambering them in various calibers, including the .218 Bee. Several collectors’ forums include examples of sporting rifles, sometimes fitted with custom barrels. These rifles often combined precise machining with fine walnut stocks, suggesting they catered to shooters seeking affordable custom work with a traditional aesthetic.
Contents:
This example will ship with one magazine!
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
We strive to ship orders within the close of the following business day after payment and documentation is received.
Payment Details
We accept all forms of Payment including Personal Check, Business Check, PO Money Orders, Certified Check, Etc.
Please note we place a 7 business day hold on shipment, for all non-certified payments.
Payment MUST be received within 14 days.
Return Policy
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Additional Details
Our #1 priority is customer satisfaction. We want to build a lasting trust in the relationship with our customers, so that you will always look to us for all your firearms needs. If you have any issues with your transactions please contact us, and we will work with you to resolve any issues you may have. We greatly appreciate your trust in us and we look forward to fulfilling all your future firearm needs.
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About Us
From a small town hobby, to a leader in the investment and collector grade firearms industry. Bryant Ridge Firearms is here to offer the best in quality and customer service when you are looking to unload your collector grade firearm collection.
