2-Gun Action Challenge: 1943 Walther Gewehr 41

Published on March 23, 2015
Duration: 12:36

This video provides a practical review of the 1943 Walther Gewehr 41 during a 2-gun action challenge. It highlights the rifle's surprisingly soft recoil, comparing it favorably to the Gewehr 43 and M1 Garand. Key issues encountered included a modified stripper clip guide preventing proper loading and the need to swap bolt carrier assemblies with a Gewehr 43 due to a failure. The review also touches on the fixed magazine, the early plastic handguard, and the stock's condition, offering insights into its wartime production and potential for parts interchangeability with the G43.

Quick Summary

The 1943 Walther Gewehr 41 offers an exceptionally soft shooting experience, surpassing the recoil of the Gewehr 43 and M1 Garand. However, it can suffer from reliability issues, such as modified stripper clip guides causing feeding malfunctions, and its gas system is considered less robust than later designs.

Chapters

  1. 00:15Introduction to the 2-Gun Action Challenge
  2. 01:33Setting up the Stage with the Gewehr 41
  3. 06:11Post-Match Review of the Gewehr 41
  4. 06:21Initial Issues: Stripper Clip Loading Problems
  5. 07:36G41 Bolt Carrier Swap with G43
  6. 08:32Gas System Performance and Recoil Impressions
  7. 09:06Wishlist: Detachable Magazine & Improved Gas System
  8. 09:45Stock Condition and Handguard Details
  9. 10:24Comparative Shooting: G41 vs G43 vs M1 Garand
  10. 10:52Practical Accuracy and Stage Performance
  11. 11:33Future Testing: Gas System Fouling and Corrosive Ammo
  12. 11:56Reference to Detailed Disassembly Video

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Walther Gewehr 41 compare in recoil to other WWII rifles?

The Walther Gewehr 41 is noted for its extremely soft shooting characteristic, with recoil perceived as more pleasant than the Gewehr 43 and even the M1 Garand. This makes it a comfortable rifle to shoot during extended engagements or competition.

What common reliability issues were encountered with the Gewehr 41 in the video?

A primary issue was a modified stripper clip guide that prevented proper loading, causing the entire clip and rounds to be swallowed. This necessitated swapping the bolt carrier assembly with that of a Gewehr 43 to continue the match.

Are parts interchangeable between the Walther Gewehr 41 and Gewehr 43?

Yes, there is significant parts interchangeability. Notably, the bolt carrier assembly from a Gewehr 43 can be used in a Gewehr 41, allowing the rifle to function properly after a failure.

What are the key differences between the Gewehr 41 and Gewehr 43?

The Gewehr 43 features a detachable magazine and an improved gas system, making it more practical. The Gewehr 41 has a fixed magazine and an early plastic handguard, and while it shoots softer, its gas system is considered less robust.

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