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Extremely Rare Early Walther G41(W) "Push Button" Action Release Semi-Automatic Rifle

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,500.00 - 15,000.00 USD
Extremely Rare Early Walther G41(W)  Push Button  Action Release Semi-Automatic Rifle
This is a very early production of an extremely scarce G41(W) rifle manufactured in late 1941 or early 1942 by the Walther factory, that utilizes the push button bolt release mechanism found only on these earliest first series of G41 rifles. This push button release is found on the left side of the stock below the bolt carrier and was intended to release the bolt and bolt carrier group after the rifle was loaded. This feature was discontinued in the 7500 serial number range, making these rifles an even more rare of a production variation. Most of these rifles went to the Eastern front when the Germans invaded Russia and good solid original examples are very rare today. It has the all machined parts, with a full-length laminated stock with double WaA359 Waffenamt proofmarks with the black plastic (Phonelic Resin) handguard, another war expedient feature intended to save on the use of wood. These rifles were intended to be the first fielding of a German semi-automatic rifle to increase firepower by the average German soldier over the standard K98 rifle. These early rifles featured the barrel mounted "Bang" gas trap mechanism, with the full length piston rod above the barrel. These early models were the forerunners to the G43 series of rifles but proved too costly to manufacture due to the numerous fully machined parts and certainly not robust enough for long term use. It is estimated that only 10,000 of this version were manufactured before they were changed to the more reliable G/K-43 series of rifles. These rifles have the Type One machined receiver and bolt carrier. The left side of the receiver is marked G 41(W) with the serial number "1796ac" stamped on the upper portion of the receiver below the rear sight with a single German Eagle behind that. Both the left and right side of the receiver and the various component parts have the "Eagle/ 359" proof. The handguard is the early, unnumbered version marked "PAG" inside, indicating manufactured by the Prague Essen Werks, along with a mold number of 2270.
BBL: 24 inch round
Stock: laminated
Gauge: 7.92 mm Mauser
Finish: blue
Grips:
Serial Number: 1796ac
Condition: Excellent with 98% of the armory blued finish remaining overall, showing only minor edges and high spot wear on the edges of the box magazine and trigger guard bow, with clear sharp markings with no rounded edges. The stock is a current reproduction that exactly matches the original to include the double proof marks on the right side. The black handguard is original and has had a professional repair on top of the front portion, that is almost invisible to the general observer. The rifle has all matching external serial numbers. This is an exceptionally rare early G41 variant this is rarely found in any condition. Certainly would be the centerpieces of any advanced German rifle collection.