So I just bought two Chinese Type 53's...

[deadmeat]

I've had a Mosin for a while now, and my girlfriend loves rifles, so I decided to get her a Type 53 Carbine since it's a bit shorter than the Mosin, and therefore easier for her to handle. I also got myself one since I was placing an order.

One is in ok condition, the other is definitely a "trench gun" as it's got a bit of rot on the stock. It's also got what looks like some initials or a name carved into the wood.

My FFL said it looked like a junk gun, but I think it's just what I was hoping for. One actually "field tested" and used.

I'll have pictures up after Christmas, as they are presents, one for me and one for her. You know, so we can have matching rifles lol

Looks like I'll have some fun refinishing the stock at some point, at least to keep it from getting any funkier.

Anyone else got some of these cheapies in their collection? I'd like to see them to get some idea's for what I can look forward to once it's been restored a bit!

I also got them from Cheaper than Dirt. Total cost was $250 shipped.

-meaty

 

[nutinauniversalshell]

I have 3 of the chinese mosins, but I bought them before the recent import. Back then you had mismatched old imports and bringbacks (mostly from vietnam). I think at least one of mine is not import marked.

Anyway, all 3 have been well used...at least before the new imports, the ones that werent used much were RARE as was matching numbers. My impression from research long ago was that the chinese made them to arm other countries, so most were use and used alot.

As for the rest, they are still a neat M44 clone, and good to have for shooting or sticking back for a mosin collector.

 

[prebans]

I've sold a few hundred of them (Chicom T53) over the years. Back in 2005-2008, I bought them all for $35 each dealer cost and blew them out for $49.95. 40% profit for true beater guns- I thought I was doing great!

...man, I should have held out for another 5 years! :lol

Nearly without exception, these are mix-master guns; part Russian, part Chinese, and occasionally cobbled-part-from-who-knows-where. Matching numbers were nigh impossible to find. (I sold a small number of all beautiful matching ones for $149 back then, who knows what they sell for now.) The Chinese loaned these things out for whatever revolution was happening that week, and most of the peasants that got them were "irregular" forces without any training in gun care. They were used and abused.

Things to watch for include barrel obstructions (crud, soil, sand, one or more bullets, wire, unknown plastic pieces, odd-size brass cases, basically anything but oil or cosmoline), missing parts, or unsafe/damaged/questionably fabricated parts (the lightest trigger I ever felt was on one of these rifles- about an ounce according to the trigger pull gauge). My biggest advice is to thoroughly clean and test the rifle before just handing it to your girlfriend.

Mike

 

[deadmeat]

Nut, I wanted to get her a Mosin, but it's just a bit too big for her little puerto rican self lol

Some good advice, Prebans!

They will of course be gone through thorougly, and we'll go over them and make sure everything is as close to being tip-top before handing it to her live.

I plan on picking up two more of them in the future. It's kind of exciting seeing what they're going to look like when you get them.

I wish I was paying more attention to things back then when they were cheaper. I would have definitely bought a handfull of them.

As much as I like collecting stuff, I like having stuff I can use and enjoy, so them being used thoroughly isn't too big of a deal to me.

I'm looking forward to refinishing them and cleaning them up a bit.

-meaty

 

[Ben Walker]

I wonder what a mosin ( chinese ) with original bring back papers is worth.

 

[prebans]

I wonder what a mosin ( chinese ) with original bring back papers is worth.

Dunno, but I do know that a SKS with capture papers usually has a $300-$500 price jump depending upon condition and such.

Mike

 

[deadmeat]

Finally took them out this past weekend to take them for a whirl!

I have both my hands, and my face is in one piece!

They shot great, and they weren't all that terrible to clean up. Just a little cosmoline here and there, and they cleaned up decently.

They kick like a damned mule though!

My girlfriend had to sling her arm the day after after only 10 rounds down range.

I think I got about 30 rounds out, my shoulder feels like it will be sore for another two days at least.

I can't imagine being in WWII with a Mosin, let alone some other conflict with one of these Carbines.

-meaty

 

[G43 Nut]

When bullets are coming the other direction I am sure you wouldn't even notice the recoil.

Buy a cheap slip on butt pad. I keep one around for my Milsurps. Call me a wuss if you like but it just makes shooting and especially the day after more pleasant.

Congrats, they sound like great rifles.