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Bolt-action Rifle

Chiang Kai-shek Rifle

The Chiang Kai-shek rifle was the primary standard military rifle used by Chinese troops during World War II.

China Introduced 1935 Gongxian Arsenal and other Chinese arsenalsRole: Standard infantry bolt-action rifle

Specifications

Weight
9 pounds
Length
43.7 inches
Caliber
7.92x57mm Mauser
Feed System
5-round stripper clip
The Chiang Kai-shek Rifle of China

History

In the 1930s, China wanted a modern standard rifle to replace many different older types. Designers selected the German Mauser Standardmodell, which was very similar to the famous Kar98k rifle. Production began at Chinese arsenals under the name Type 24, named after General Chiang Kai-shek.

The rifle became the backbone of Chinese infantry units fighting the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Chinese soldiers valued its strong bolt action and long firing range. Even when wartime factories had to move deep inland to escape enemy bombers, workers continued building this rifle. It remained in service during the Korean War and the Cold War.

Frequently Asked Questions

Used In

Combat Medals & Awards

August 1 Medal, Valor decoration, China medal
Valor decoration

August 1 Medal

2017

This is the modern People's Liberation Army's highest military award for outstanding heroism and national defense service.

Chinese People's Volunteers Resist America and Aid Korea Memorial Medal, Campaign medal, China medal
Campaign medal

Chinese People's Volunteers Resist America and Aid Korea Memorial Medal

1952

A campaign medal awarded to Chinese troops who deployed to the Korean peninsula to fight in the Korean War.

Medal of Performing Combat Mission, Valor decoration, China medal
Valor decoration

Medal of Performing Combat Mission

2011

A modern Chinese combat medal given to military personnel who carry out dangerous real-world combat operations.

National Defense Service Medal, Service medal, China medal
Service medal

National Defense Service Medal

2007

A service medal awarded to Chinese troops who faithfully protect the nation over long periods of military duty.

Order of Bayi (1955), Distinguished service decoration, China medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Bayi (1955)

1955

A historical military decoration awarded to veterans who fought during the early revolutionary campaigns from 1927 to 1937.

Order of Blue Sky and White Sun, Valor decoration, China medal
Valor decoration

Order of Blue Sky and White Sun

1929

This prestigious medal rewards soldiers who perform heroic feats to save China during dangerous military emergencies.

Order of Independence and Freedom, Distinguished service decoration, China medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Independence and Freedom

1955

This military decoration honored Chinese soldiers and leaders who fought bravely against Japanese forces in World War II.

Order of Liberation, Distinguished service decoration, China medal
Distinguished service decoration

Order of Liberation

1955

A historical military award given to Chinese soldiers who fought during the nationwide civil conflicts from 1945 to 1950.

Order of National Glory, Valor decoration, China medal
Valor decoration

Order of National Glory

1935

This is the highest military award given to Chinese soldiers who defend the nation against major foreign attacks.

Order of the Resplendent Banner, Merit decoration, China medal
Merit decoration

Order of the Resplendent Banner

1935

This military decoration honors Chinese troops for major contributions to national defense or exceptional command in combat.

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Sources

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