~ Chinese Mosin-Nagant Carbine with Bayonet - Deactivated ~
The Chinese Mosin-Nagant Carbine is a variant of the classic Mosin-Nagant rifle, adapted and manufactured by China during the mid-20th century. These carbines are closely related to the Soviet-designed Mosin-Nagant M44 Carbine, and they include a side-folding bayonet. These rifles saw extensive use in various conflicts and reflect China’s reliance on Soviet arms designs during the early Cold War period.
The bolt and the breach are serial numbered 1352181, which appeares on the EU/UK certificate as well.
The bolt moves but the carbine doesn't cock nor dry fire. The trigger doesn't move.
The carbine comes with its bayonet.
Dimensions:
Weight: Approximately 8.8 lbs (4 kg).
Overall Length: 40 inches (102 cm) with the bayonet folded; slightly longer with the bayonet extended.
Historical Context
The Mosin-Nagant rifle was originally developed in Imperial Russia in 1891 and went through several iterations, including the shorter M38 and M44 carbines.
The M44 carbine, with its integrated bayonet and shortened barrel, became a popular design during World War II for Soviet infantry and cavalry units.
Chinese Production:
After World War II, the Soviet Union provided China with weapons, technical assistance, and factory equipment to establish its own arms production capabilities.
In the 1950s, China began producing its own version of the M44 carbine, often referred to as the Type 53 carbine. This rifle was an almost exact copy of the Soviet M44, including its bayonet design.
The Type 53 was issued to the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and other Chinese military units.
It saw extensive use in conflicts such as the Korean War (1950–1953), the Vietnam War, and various smaller skirmishes involving Communist forces in Asia.
Chinese Mosin-Nagant carbines were also supplied to allied revolutionary and insurgent groups worldwide during the Cold War.
Design and Features
Chambered for the 7.62x54mmR cartridge, the same powerful round used in the original Mosin-Nagant design. This cartridge provides considerable range and stopping power.
Barrel Length: 20.4 inches (shorter than the full-length Mosin-Nagant rifles, making it more maneuverable).
Action: Bolt-action, with a design largely unchanged from the original Mosin-Nagant mechanism.
Features a side-folding cruciform bayonet, permanently attached to the rifle. This design allowed soldiers to quickly deploy the bayonet without the risk of losing it.
Wooden stock, typically made from Chinese hardwoods.
Metal components were rugged and utilitarian, reflecting a focus on mass production.
Rear sight graduated for distances up to 1,000 meters, though practical accuracy is generally limited to much shorter ranges due to the carbine’s shorter barrel.
Front sight is a hooded post.
Internal 5-round magazine, loaded with stripper clips.
The Mosin-Nagant action is renowned for its simplicity and ruggedness, traits that carried over to the Chinese Type 53.
It performed well in harsh conditions, such as the freezing cold of Korea or the humid jungles of Vietnam.
The shorter barrel made it more suitable for urban combat, cavalry, and general infantry use compared to the original long rifles.
The carbine’s shorter barrel and lighter weight result in increased recoil and a slight reduction in long-range accuracy compared to full-length Mosin-Nagants.
The folding bayonet was a practical feature for soldiers who needed an all-in-one weapon for close combat.
Many Type 53 carbines were imported into the civilian market as surplus firearms. While they are generally less refined than Soviet-made M44s, they remain popular due to their affordability and historical value.
The Type 53 represents China's transition from reliance on Soviet-supplied arms to domestic arms production.
Its widespread use in key Cold War conflicts makes it a notable weapon in 20th-century military history.
Surviving Type 53 carbines often show heavy wear, reflecting their extensive use in harsh conditions.
Collectors value examples with original markings and intact bayonets.
