Chinese Type 53 Mosin-Nagant M44 7.62x54R 20.5” Bolt Action Carbine 1960 CR
SOLD FOR: $2,250.00
LSB#: WY250320TF007
Make: Chinese State Arsenal (Factory 26)
Model: Type 53 (Mosin-Nagant M44 Pattern)
Serial Number: G-8534
Year of Manufacture: 1960, C&R
Caliber: 7.62x54R
Action Type: Bolt Action, Fed by Internal 5-Round Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel shank is marked with the Factory 26 triangle arsenal stamp over “1960” and the serial number “G8534”. The bolt is marked “G5918”, the buttstock is marked “F3811” on the left side, and the magazine floorplate is marked “BA4818”. The receiver exhibits typical Chinese font and number style.
Barrel Length: 20.5”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a hooded post. The rear sight is an elevation-adjustable tangent leaf graduated to 1000 meters.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The hardwood military stock exhibits heavy scarring, bruising, and gouges throughout—consistent with sustained combat use. This is characteristic of Vietnam bring-back rifles, especially those captured from Viet Cong or NVA forces. There are no major structural cracks, but the wood shows serious field wear. The stock rates in about Fair to Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: Internal 5-round magazine with mismatched floorplate, in Fair condition with corrosion and handling wear.
Type of Finish: Originally blued, now mostly patinated brown from oxidation
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright with strong rifling. There is light fouling and light erosion in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its original finish, the remainder having transitioned to a consistent brown patina. Surface oxidation is prevalent throughout all metal components. This is a classic example of a heavily field-used Type 53, with numerous handling marks, scars, and wear from extended jungle exposure. The screw heads are serviceable. The pins are worn but intact. Markings remain legible. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fair condition with authentic character.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Includes original Vietnam War capture papers, tying this rifle to the CIA-backed Phoenix Program. A steel muzzle cap (From SKS) is also included.
Our Assessment: This Chinese Type 53 carbine—modeled directly after the Soviet M44—was manufactured at State Arsenal 26 in 1960 and later captured during the Vietnam War. What elevates this rifle above any standard surplus carbine is the presence of original Vietnam War capture papers, officially documenting its status as a Phoenix Program bring-back.
The Phoenix Program (1968–1972) was a covert CIA and MACV (Military Assistance Command, Vietnam) initiative designed to dismantle the Viet Cong’s political and logistical infrastructure through intelligence gathering, infiltration, and direct action. Weapons captured during these operations were often taken from guerrilla caches, ambushed patrols, or NVA supply routes such as the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Chinese Type 53 rifles were widely supplied to North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces by the PRC as part of Cold War arms support and were especially common in southern provinces during the early escalation of U.S. involvement.
This example shows all the hallmarks of a true bring-back: mismatched parts from hard field usage, heavy stock wear, fading blued finish, and battle patina throughout. While it may not be cosmetically pristine, its historical pedigree and authenticity are nearly unmatched.
For collectors of Vietnam War artifacts or Cold War small arms, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own a rifle that was not only used in combat but also recovered as part of one of the most secretive and consequential programs of the war. Its combination of provenance, originality, and pure grit make it a rare and irreplaceable centerpiece. So bid high and bid firm. I highly encourage you to take a close look at the condition of this item in our high-quality photos. Good luck with your bid. -K.F.
