Chinese Mystery Pistol

Published on September 3, 2014
Duration: 8:01

This review delves into a Chinese mystery pistol, a Mauser 1914 type, produced during a period of firearm import sanctions in China. The pistol features numerous counterfeit markings, including 'Browning' and 'Mauser,' and non-functional decorative elements like the rear sight and a frame screw. Despite its deceptive appearance, the machining is noted as surprisingly smooth, and it's likely chambered in .32 Auto.

Quick Summary

This Chinese mystery pistol is a Mauser 1914 type, likely chambered in .32 Auto, produced during China's 1920s-1930s firearm import sanctions. It features counterfeit 'Browning' and 'Mauser' markings, a non-functional rear sight, and a decorative frame screw, showcasing a blend of copied designs and mechanical misunderstandings.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Historical Context: Chinese Mystery Pistols
  2. 01:54Design Styles & Mechanical Basis
  3. 02:54Counterfeit Markings & Aesthetic Quirks
  4. 03:43Mechanical Features & Caliber (.32 Auto)
  5. 04:46Non-Functional Decorative Elements
  6. 06:21Control Anomalies: Slide Stop vs. Safety

Frequently Asked Questions

What historical period led to the production of Chinese mystery pistols?

Chinese mystery pistols, like the Mauser 1914 type discussed, surged in production during the 1920s and 1930s. This era was marked by international sanctions prohibiting firearm imports into China, prompting local manufacturing that ranged from high-quality to rudimentary copies of popular Western designs.

What are the common design bases for Chinese mystery pistols?

Chinese pistols generally follow three main Western design lineages: the Browning 1900 (recoil spring above the barrel), the Browning 1910 (recoil spring around the barrel), and the Mauser 1914 (recoil spring under the barrel). This specific example is identified as a Mauser 1914 type.

What notable counterfeit features are present on this Chinese mystery pistol?

This pistol features numerous counterfeit stamps, including 'Browning,' 'Mauser,' and Belgian proof marks. Additionally, the rear sight is entirely non-functional, machined into the slide with fake pins, and the front sight is obscured by the rear assembly, making aiming impossible.

What is the likely caliber and operating system of this mystery pistol?

Based on its bore size and magazine dimensions, the pistol is likely chambered in .32 Auto. It operates as a single-action-only pistol, utilizing a blowback action, and incorporates aesthetic elements from the Mauser C96.

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