Winchester model 43 25-20 cal magazine

coltnutz

Is the magazine for a Winchester Model 43 in 25-20 caliber interchangable with the same gun but in 218 Bee?

I looked at a model 43 tonight in 25-20 caliber and it had a factory magazine marked 218 Bee. The family said that the gun was purchased new and it still looked new. I can't explain why the gun had that magazine. Any advice is appreciated.

perry shooter

The 218 Bee and 25-20 have almost the same size just one a necked down 25-20 to form a 218 bee . I think all 3three 32-20 25-20 and 218 bee all will work from the same magazine.

coltnutz

Thanks. Do you know if the 25-20 caliber guns sold originally with the 218 bee mags?

quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
The 218 Bee and 25-20 have almost the same size just one a necked down 25-20 to form a 218 bee . I think all 3three 32-20 25-20 and 218 bee all will work from the same magazine.

Old-Colts

My conclusions have no basis in fact, but it is my understanding that toward the end of production Winchester had spare 25-20 and 32-20 barrels on hand well after they were discontinued. Even though not cataloged, Model 43's chambered for these cartridges started appearing around the 51000 serial number range. So, it is conceivable that only magazines marked for 218 Bee (assuming they will work properly with 25-20 and 32-20) were available and were subsequently used rather than a special run of properly marked magazines. That or, the gun just left the factory with that magazine by mistake.

coltnutz

thanks alot! wow!

quote:Originally posted by Old-Colts
My conclusions have no basis in fact, but it is my understanding that toward the end of production Winchester had spare 25-20 and 32-20 barrels on hand well after they were discontinued. Even though not cataloged, Model 43's chambered for these cartridges started appearing around the 51000 serial number range. So, it is conceivable that only magazines marked for 218 Bee (assuming they will work properly with 25-20 and 32-20) were available and were subsequently used rather than a special run of properly marked magazines. That or, the gun just left the factory with that magazine by mistake.