Chinese 1903 Springfields

[Capt.Mainwaring]

I have two items of interest that relate to the use Springfields in mainland China after 1949. Springfields were left behind by the Nationalist government in such numbers after its defeat on the mainland, that they became a 'standard' item of the People's Militia as late as the early 1980s, alongside the Mosin Type 53, CKS Mauser and Arisakas, when the last of the Militia's bolt action rifles were replaced by the Type 56 SKS.

This is a sling for the Springfield in Militia service. It is marked:
"American Type 1903 7.62 Rifle Sling
(x) 11/3 1957 Production"
Attachment 39319Attachment 39320

This is a page from a People's Militia training manual, Militia Marksmanship Training (Old Rifles and Submachine Guns (1973), which covers the basic description of the Springfield, maintenance and functionality.
Attachment 39321Attachment 39322

I would love to see any pictures of Chinese Springfields, sourced either from China or Taiwan.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.

[Rick the Librarian]

There was a picture on the from the cover of Life Magazine, ca. 1950-51, that showed Chinese (Taiwanese, actually) military recruits doing PT with M1903s.

[RCS]

During the 1980's there were a number of 1903 rifles imported (none were 03A3) that I remember, the dealers bought them in "bales" of 12 rifles sorted by hi number or low number rifles. These were all very well used and the bores were shot out, the actions were slick as a Krag. Most had Chinese markings that were very deep in the buttstock and a few had "Chinese stocks" that were not US produced. I had a stock with the Chinese markings at one time. These rifles with the hi number receivers were rebarreled and refinished and sold off by some dealers

[Chuckindenver]

iv seen, 1917,s 1903,s 1903A3s and a 1903A4 with Aisian markings..saw a 1917 Smith pistol with Aisian police markings as well. i also owned a nice Krag with a Thai marking on the stock as well.

[wolf10851]

Sorry to bring back an old thread but
here are 2 pics of mine however this rifle is in MUCH better condition than it sounds like you guys are talking about. The furniture may have some nicks in it however this is 1 straight shooting rifle and the lands and grooves look good in the barrel




I am curious if anyone knows the value on weapons like this? Are these rare and command a higher price than a normal 03 or do these go for the same price as normal 03s.

[RCS]

I do not think they would command a higher price but would be of interest to a Chinese Mauser collector. There are some rare variations of Chinese Mausers that have a solid collector interest and these 1903's from China would be of interest to them.

I have seen Chinese stock markings that are different from your stock

[Calif-Steve]

Not an Army Gun. More like "Militia Property"