About a year ago I got this rifle in .218bee and I'm wondering the history on this model.
-thomas

The Winchester model 43 was introduced in 1949 in 4 calibers: 22 Hornet, 218 Bee, 32-20 and 25-20. It came in standard and a special rifle sometimes called a deluxe. The standard rifle had a plain, uncheckered pistol grip stock and the special rifle had a checkered pistol grip and forearm, with the pistol grip having a cap. After 1952 only the 22 Hornet and 218 Bee were produced. In 1954 around serial #35000A the 43 was factory drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Prior to this it had no factory holes in top of receiver for a scope. Model 43 was discontinued in late 1955 or early 1956. At the end of production all spare .32-20 and 25-20 barrels were used up and all 4 calibers have shown up with late serial #'s. Total production was around 52,000 model 43's. The .32-20 and 25-20 were produced far less than the others and may bring a bit more $. I saw one recently in 218 Bee that was missing a magazine and front sight hood. It was in very good original shape and sold for $400.00. I hope this helps and there may be others with additional info.