Chiang Kai-shek rifle

The Type Zhongzheng rifle, also known as the Chiang Kai-shek Rifle and Type 24 after the Chinese Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek, was a Chinese-made copy of the German Mauser Standard Modell, the forerunner of the Karabiner 98k. The Chiang Kai-Shek rifle entered production in 1935 (year 24 Republican calendar, hence Type 24, but later renamed to Type Zhongzheng) and was in full scale production as early as 1937, interestingly, before the Kar98k rifle became the standard issue for German troops. Although the Hanyang 88 rifle was produced in greater numbers than the Type Zhongzheng, the full production and standardisation of the Type Zhongzheng rifle only started during the Sino-Japanese war.

Service History

The rifle was notoriously known for its inferior quality than the Kar98k, however it served China as one of the standard rifles for the army and also helped in defending China during the early part of the Second Sino-Japanese war before being abandoned in favour of American made guns like the Tommy Gun and Springfield rifle up until the Chinese Civil War, when the rifle was total obsolete. However, some of the Type Zhongzheng rifles managed to reach the exact same quality as the Karabiner 98k. Due to time constraint with the ongoing war most of the better quality rifles were usually issued to Chiang ''s favourite divisions while the majority of regulars were issued with the hastily made inferior versions.

Although heavy and often slow to reload compared to the Japanese Arisaka infantry rifle, especially as the enemy tended do a Banzai charge after the first barrage, which usually forced the poorly trained regulars in the NRA into hand to hand combat, the major advantage of the Type Zhongzheng rifle over the Arisaka was that it had better stopping power with the use of 8mm Mauser shells and also the rifle has a faster rate of fire and at greater distance than the Arisaka (approx 2000m). If used tactically correct the result would be devastating (as shown at numerous times in the Battle of Changsha, when the NRA used encirclement against superior IJA forces).

A total of around 500,000-600,000 rifles were produced between 1935 and 1945, and the rifle saw its last war in the hands of People''s Volunteer Army troops against the UN forces during the Korean War.

Together with the Broomhandle C96 handgun and the M35 Helmet, these weapons have become the recogniseable look of Chiang Kai-Shek''s National Revolutionary Army and also the Chinese army during the turbulent early 20th century of China.

Bayonet attachment

HY1935 bayonetThe rifle can be attached with a HY1935 Bayonet, replacing the cumbersome yet deadly Dadao (however some divisions and guerilla militias whom did not receive any modern weapons continued using the dadao for close combat).

Bayonet length: 575.5mm

Blade length: 484.5mm

Bayonet weight: .75kg

Service history

In service 1935–1952

Used by National Revolutionary Army, Chinese Red Army, various Chinese Warlords

Wars Second Sino-Japanese War, Chinese Civil War, Korean War

Production history

Designed 1935

Produced 1935–1947

Number built around 500,000-600,000

Variants copy of Germany ''s Mauser Standard Modell

Weight 4.08 kg

Length 1,110 mm

Barrel length 600 mm

Cartridge 7.92 x 57 mm (8 mm Mauser)

Action Bolt-action

Rate of fire approximately 15 rounds/minute

Muzzle velocity 810 m/s

Effective range 500 m

Feed system 5-round stripper clip, internal magazine

This is from my personal collection. It is C&R eligible. By purchasing this rifle you agree to hold me harmless for any accidents, injuries or deaths caused by this rifle. If you plan to shoot this gun, I recommend that a gunsmith check it out before shooting it even though it appears to be in good shape for shooting. This rifle is sold "AS IS" without return privileges, so look at the pictures and email me with any questions BEFORE the auction ends. It is your responsibility to know if you can legally own this rifle and once it is shipped to your FFL this sale is FINAL. I ship only to original 48 states and only accept US Postal money orders. By purchasing this rifle you agree to mail a money order & the FFL or C&R paperwork to me within 4 days after the auction ends. I plan to ship within 4 days of receiving money order & FFL or C&R paperwork.

You can check out my Ebay feedback here