Winchester Model 43 .218 BEE

Winchester Model 43 .218 BEE

The Winchester Model 43 is a classic bolt-action sporting rifle chambered in .218 Bee, a high-velocity varmint cartridge developed from the .25-20 Winchester case and introduced in the late 1930s. Produced from 1948 through 1957, the Model 43 utilized a streamlined rear-locking bolt action with dual opposed locking lugs, detachable box magazine, and a cock-on-opening design for smooth operation. Standard configurations featured a 24-inch barrel and walnut stock, delivering lightweight handling and excellent accuracy for small game and varmint hunting applications.

The .218 Bee chambering became well known for mild recoil, flat trajectory, and strong performance on varmints and predators, especially when paired with lightweight .22-caliber bullets. Winchester Model 43 rifles in .218 Bee remain desirable among collectors due to limited production numbers and the relative scarcity of original examples in this chambering. The platform’s traditional wood-and-blued-steel construction, combined with pre-1964 Winchester craftsmanship, makes the Model 43 a sought-after vintage varmint rifle and collectible sporting firearm.