Back in the late 1980's the Chinese sent in lots of unwanted old guns and ammo to this country, of which I benefited. I remember all those Chang Kai Shek Mausers, basically a Chinese made, or purchased European made copy of the Mauser 98. At the time I was thinking of buying one, the specimens that I saw were pretty well handled, and as they did see alot of combat in the 1930's with the warlords, the fighting against Japan, and later in the Korean war, I was not surprised.
But, the major gun wholesalers warned that they were "not to be shot, decorator only" with an attached tag, or disclaimer in the advertisements. If these rifles were all not to be fired, then why is it that they saw so much shooting in combat and were still intact? :? Some were even made by either FN, or CZ at BRNO. And those rifle makers are high grade, even today in their quality control.
Also, where are all those Chang Mausers? I have not seen one at a gunshow since the early 1990's. And remember the Hanyangs, they have dried up too, and with the older style bore in 8 MM (.318 J-bore), I wonder how many of those got shot with the newer .323 bore diameter bullet accidently, here and in China?
