The 33/40 was the original Czech VZ16-33. The Germans altered the design enough to suit their idea of a mountain carbine but with a full 8MM round it was a mini flame thrower and kicked like a pizzed off mule
Great gun to march with, not so much fun to shoot.
I know a gun show German guy that has a couple. They are 33/40s but a few parts have been "restored"
He was honest to say so and at $1400.00 or about half the same gun correctly "un-restored" would go for.
Be patient and wait for the right one. There are fakes out there (many in all German weapons, where there is big money fraud is a natural human trait it seems)
Plus, with a continuing slide to the economy the prices may improve with "collectibles".
Perhaps asking at these dedicated WWII German weapon sites could lead you to the right gun
http://gk43forum.com/forum/index.php
http://ww2weaponsforum.com/index.php
It is not a small ring, it has the same interior size ring but the out side of the receiver is shaved down to lighten the gun (so it looks smaller than a regular 98 action).
Many other parts are also trimmed and the bolt handle knob is hollowed out (I have seen a couple fakes where the bolt was a WWI Kar98A which is flattened on the inside.
There are supposed to be a few 16-33s made in 7MM which would be a good round for that light gun and far more practical but I have never actually heard of anyone seeing one of the rare 7MM
The main reason for the kick plate was to use like a cane in rocky mountain which helped protect the stock when doing so
Wulfmann
