88 commission rifle?

[GBEAR1]

I have an unusual rifle that I am not sure what it is. It looks like an 88 commission rifle with no barrel jacket. The only markings on the visible exterior metal is the serial number. The only other marking I see are what appears to be Japanese or Chinese markings on the rear side of the stock. They are very faint and hard to see. They appear to be written in red paint that is very faded. Anyone have any ideas what this rifle may be. It is in rough condition. Thanks in advance.

Information

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[UNPROFOR1994]

It could be a Hanyang type 88? That is a Chinese copy of the German Gewehr 1888. Can't you post some pictures?

[Aragorn243]

Yes, probably a Hanyang 88. Most are in very well used condition. Bullets will most likely drop right on through with no resistance.

[browningautorifle]

That means they come out faster...

[mtoms]

That means they come out faster...

....end over end

[Calif-Steve]

The Chinese bought an entire Gew88 production package from the Germans early 1900's. The Chinese then made the Gew88 in China for 30+ years. You have a later model w/o the barrel jacket. I would not fire this rifle.

[Aragorn243]

Nothing wrong with firing it, it's been fired a million times and hasn't blown up. You simply won't be able to hit anything with it so there's no real point in firing it. I wouldn't recommend any hot ammo in it like the Turk stuff. I have one in the same condition, probably won't ever fire it. Really makes you wonder how many times it was fired to get into that condition.

[gew8805]

................. Really makes you wonder how many times it was fired to get into that condition.

With corrosive ammunition and heavy use - the last few years of life by one of the Communist militias whose discipline was not good - it doesn't take too much.