Rare Wards Western Field Mossberg L NO. 43 .22 LR Bolt Action Target Rifle
SOLD FOR: $1600
WOA#: WY230525DD002
Make: Wards Western Field (WWF)
Model: L No.43
Serial Number: NSN
Year of Manufacture: 1937-1938
Caliber: 22 LR
Action Type: Bolt Action, Rimfire, Detachable Mag Fed, Left Hand
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “Wards Western Field” / L NO.43 22 – -LR PAT.PEND.”. The rear the target sight aperture is marked “MOSSBERG NO 4A PAT.PEND”. The top of the front sight is marked “LYMAN.REG.U.S.PAT.OFF”. The top of the rear sight is marked “LYMAN.REG.U.S.PAT.OFF”.
Barrel Length: 26”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded front target post sight. The rear sight is a fully adjustable Mossberg .22 Peep Aperture Sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is wood with traditional pistol grip, monte carlo cheek piece, straight comb, mounting plates in the belly of the buttstock and forend, and steel buttplate. The LOP measures 13” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. This is a Left Hand configured Bolt Action Rifle. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition. The right side of the forend has a nick as well as a small compression mark next to the action. There is a small scuff on the bottom edge of the grip. There are no chips or cracks.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: One 5rd original magazine.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is very minor corrosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear with light operational wear on the bolt and some light oxidation on the barrel and receiver. The screw heads are sharp. The pins are clean. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition for a Pre WWII Era rifle.
Mechanics: The action functions as intended. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with 1 magazine.
Our Assessment: What would soon become the Mossberg 44US to train soldiers during WWII, this Wards Western Field 43 is both a truly rare and historical gem. The Mossberg 43 was produced around 1937-1938 and the best estimates range at about less than 4,000 ever made. Less than 200 were made for Wards Western Field, which was the retail name for Montgomery Ward. This rifle comes to you in Excellent condition and has been well preserved over the years. It still has its original Lyman Target sights which were also used on the earliest Mossberg 44US rifles but were later swapped out because they were too expensive to produce. If you are a historical collector or looking for a genuine piece of fine machinery for that arsenal, this rifle is the perfect fit. It is in left hand configuration and there is no data on how many of these in this configuration were ever made so there is a bit of mystery on just how rare this item is. Please see photos and good luck!