The Russian Mosin Nagant Forum

Just picked up my first Mosin, it’s a 1960s Arsenal 26 type 53. I was told it was a Vietnam bring back (no papers) because there isn’t an import mark. Serial numbers don’t match. My question is mainly about the lack of cross bolt or sling holes on the stock. Just wondering how uncommon that is or if it helps or hurts it’s case for being a Vietnam bring back. Don’t really know much about Mosins.

That is a nice way to begin an addiction! Congrats! Can you show us the import markings?

There aren’t any import markings that I know of, that’s why the guy who I got it from said it was a bring back from Vietnam.

Generalludd wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 9:57 am There aren’t any import markings that I know of, that’s why the guy who I got it from said it was a bring back from Vietnam.

That stock has been replaced. A VC carbine stock would be oily, dark and rough with possible spots of jungle rot, and would have holes for dog collars.

Stock looks exactly like those I've seen on a few other Vietnam bringbacks. Nice carbine!

racerguy00 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 7:34 pm Stock looks exactly like those I've seen on a few other Vietnam bringbacks. Nice carbine!

Did North Vietnam make replacement stocks for T-53's to replace rot and damage ?

steelbuttplate wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 2:27 am

racerguy00 wrote: ↑Sat Jul 08, 2023 7:34 pm Stock looks exactly like those I've seen on a few other Vietnam bringbacks. Nice carbine!

Did North Vietnam make replacement stocks for T-53's to replace rot and damage ?

Not that I am aware of but, if your were in Vietnam when the rifle came in and grabbed, it would look like that. Before it was handled and "drug through the jungle".
Not common.

Darryl

Where did the stock come from ? Every picture of every T 53 googled has the sling holes . And there is no cross bolt.

steelbuttplate wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 4:17 pm Where did the stock come from ? Every picture of every T 53 googled has the sling holes . And there is no cross bolt.

Good question..... The only stock I've seen without the cross bolt and with no sling slots was an early M91....

ffuries wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 5:18 pm

steelbuttplate wrote: ↑Sun Jul 09, 2023 4:17 pm Where did the stock come from ? Every picture of every T 53 googled has the sling holes . And there is no cross bolt.

Good question..... The only stock I've seen without the cross bolt and with no sling slots was an early M91....

If thats not a NVA stock then where, the US ? It's not standard Chinese. Any markings on the stock ? looked inside ? The stock don't match the rifle condition either, you can see the rifle is worn, been pitted, buffed and blued.

The stocks I've seen like that have always been attributed to the VC in "jungle workshops". Not sure how accurate that is but similar stocks have been posted on French MAS36 and other confirmed Vietnam bringbacks. I'll looks for pics of other t53s like this one. I have them saved somewhere. One was on a presentation plaque.

Found a couple of photos of t53 bringbacks with similar stocks but not sure where I saw these.

Wow, it's cool to see the inconsistencies in the hump in the stock right before the rear barrel band.

Plus I learned something today, that these stocks are out of Vietnam. Now I have something else to look for at gunshows.

T53's were generally made from "chu" wood for the jungle environment. There are a few in Mosin stocks that came with the machinery when Russia gave it all to the Chinese.

Beautiful rifle, thanks for sharing!