Chinese Warlord Rifles: Hanyang Type 88, aka Type Han

Published on June 7, 2021
Duration: 12:37

The Hanyang Type 88, or Type Han, was a crucial Chinese bolt-action rifle produced from 1895 to 1944, with nearly 1.1 million units made. Initially based on the German Gewehr 88, it featured modifications like the removal of the barrel jacket and an updated rear sight. It fired the 8mm Mauser cartridge and used a distinctive Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip for its 5-round internal magazine.

Quick Summary

The Hanyang Type 88, or Type Han, is a Chinese bolt-action rifle based on the German Gewehr 88, produced from 1895-1944. It fired the 8mm Mauser cartridge and used a 5-round en-bloc clip, serving through major Chinese historical conflicts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Hanyang Type 88 & Books
  2. 01:06Hanyang Arsenal History & Gewehr 88 Copy
  3. 02:39Design Modifications: Barrel Jacket & Sights
  4. 04:16Mechanical Operation: Bolt Action & En-bloc Clip
  5. 06:16Markings: 21st Arsenal & Republican Date
  6. 10:31Production Numbers & Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hanyang Type 88 rifle?

The Hanyang Type 88, also known as the Type Han, is a Chinese bolt-action rifle produced from 1895 to 1944. It was based on the German Gewehr 88 design and served through multiple Chinese historical periods, including the Qing Dynasty, Warlord Era, and WWII.

What caliber does the Hanyang Type 88 use?

The Hanyang Type 88 rifle consistently used the 8mm Mauser cartridge throughout its production life. Specifically, it fired the early variant with a .318 inch bore diameter.

How was the Hanyang Type 88 loaded?

The Hanyang Type 88 is a bolt-action rifle that feeds from an internal 5-round magazine using a Mannlicher-style en-bloc clip. The clip is inserted from the top, and once the last round is fired, the empty clip automatically ejects through the bottom of the magazine well.

When was the Hanyang Type 88 rifle produced?

Production of the Hanyang Type 88 rifle began in 1895 at the Hanyang Arsenal and continued until 1944. Approximately 1.1 million units were manufactured during this period.

More General Videos You Might Like

Q&A 34: Brought to you by Scotch

This Q&A session from Forgotten Weapons, sponsored by its patrons, covers a wide range of firearms-related topics. Ian McCollum addresses viewer questions on video posting strategy, filming logistics, self-cocking revolvers, surplus rifle acquisition costs, magazine safeties, the "right gun at the right time," revolver carbines, "the one that got away," simultaneous development of tilting bolt semi-autos, favorite Lee Enfields, the USSR's potential benefit from more SVT-40s, his favorite modern pistol, vz.58 magazine compatibility, the hypothetical impact of Germany inventing smokeless powder first, future publications, disconnecting mainsprings from bolts, Britain's prolonged use of military revolvers, the M1E5 Garand, books on British top-break revolvers, thoughts on the Gewehr 88, the potential reopening of the machine gun registry, straight pull vs. turnbolt actions, hearing protection choices, books for collecting Japanese rifles, modern red dots on WWII rifles, NFA registry public access, 45-degree ejection ports, rifle AA sights, the popularity of the 9x19mm cartridge, HK VP70 vs. Mauser M712, modern toggle-lock pistols, favorite .22 plinkers, post-WWII nations abandoning arms manufacturing, WWII firearm books, underappreciated firearms, Franklin Armory straight rifling, potential adoption of the G30/WAR if WWII extended, Japanese Type 64 performance, the PSG-1 and WA-2000 as ultimate German sniper rifles, using the M1 left-handed, guns he wants to shoot, Project Lightning origins, plans to visit Russia, fan support, the future of bullpups, single-shot military rifles without handloading, odd 9x19mm pistols he'd like to own, writing a book without resources, reloading for .32 French Long, and modern stocked pistols like the B&T USW and P320 Flux.

Category:General
Date: Oct 24, 2019
Duration: 1:24:51

More from Forgotten Weapons

View all →