Chinese T-53 vs M-44

[dapefley]

Ok, I know (at least I think I know) that everyone prefers the M-44 for the collectability, over the Chinese T-53. My question is why is the T-53 rated just as rare, if not more so than the M-44 in certain instances? We all know that the M-44 commands a premium over the T-53, but for the Chinese to have such a hi rarity number (5-7) on 54r.net, it just perplexes me a little bit.

Thoughts on this?

I know a lot has to do with year of production/condition/matching... I am speaking in general terms however.

 

[psoyring]

From what I can tell, the 54r.net rarity chart was produced years ago, before the T-53s were imported in large numbers.

 

[why2kmax]

and getting a T53 with matching numbers seems to be pretty RARE.

 

[iH8DemLibz]

and getting a T53 with matching numbers seems to be pretty RARE.

Not completely rare.

 

[Alphabrew]

and getting a T53 with matching numbers seems to be pretty RARE.

I got a matching one from Shooter's Discount

It's an older Navy Arms import, much more discreetly marked than the ones now.

 

[Machodoc]

Also, finding a T53 in excellent, original, condition is still pretty rare.

 

[toolness1]

Out of four T53's ordered from Budsgunshop, I got one that was all-matching. The rest had everything matching but the bolt (think that's pretty common...)

All 4 had nice bores, one looked like it had hardly been shot (yet the outside looked just as rough as the rest). The one with the roughest bore shoots the best groups, and is dead nuts at 100 yards with surplus ammo. LOVE my Type 53's. My M44 sits in the safe and looks pretty.

 

[cestrella13]

I have both, T53 strikes me as a better shooter; definitely more "character" than my M44 lol..

 

[toolness1]

I have both, T53 strikes me as a better shooter; definitely more "character" than my M44 lol..

I like how they are nice and broken in. MUCH lighter triggers and smoother actions. I can flick open the bolt with my pinky instead of having to slam the dang thing. I put a Finn sear spring in one and makes it almost like a 2 stage trigger. I just bought some shims to accurize the best shooter of the bunch. I just like them more than the M44. Maybe I need more M44's to compare?

 

[toolness1]

Speaking of..... Has anyone ordered one of the 80 dollar cracked stock specials from SOG?

I'm thinking about grabbing one... I have an extra stock. Besides, it says they are repairable and I need to learn how to repair a stock anyways!

I got all four of my Type 53's from buds back when they had them for 119 shipped.

 

[cestrella13]

I like how they are nice and broken in. MUCH lighter triggers and smoother actions. I can flick open the bolt with my pinky instead of having to slam the dang thing. I put a Finn sear spring in one and makes it almost like a 2 stage trigger. I just bought some shims to accurize the best shooter of the bunch. I just like them more than the M44. Maybe I need more M44's to compare?

Haha, maybe so; nothing satisfies the C&R appetite! I like my T53 for that exact reason; action moves so smooth. A real noticeable difference really!

 

[Alphabrew]

Speaking of..... Has anyone ordered one of the 80 dollar cracked stock specials from SOG?

I'm thinking about grabbing one... I have an extra stock. Besides, it says they are repairable and I need to learn how to repair a stock anyways!

I got all four of my Type 53's from buds back when they had them for 119 shipped.

Is the $20 savings worth it for a cracked stock? I'm thinking no.

 

[Machodoc]

Is the $20 savings worth it for a cracked stock? I'm thinking no.

I agree. You end up with a repaired stock and a lot of time invested.

 

[toolness1]

I agree. You end up with a repaired stock and a lot of time invested.

Right, but I have an extra stock in fine shape, and need the learning expereicne

 

[toolness1]

I was thinking about starting a thread where we all can post our random range pics of the day and pics of targets where we shot decent groups with our C&R firearms, does one already exist or do you think that's a good idea?

Speaking of the T53 I have one I did some NON permanent modifications to just for grins. It's all reversible and the bolt body was an extra that I sent off and had a turned down handle put on. This thing shoots pretty good, I still am going to bed the action and free float the barrel. I found out today it actually shoots better without the bayonet extended. I had been extending it every time...

This is 10 rounds with Surplus silver tip light ball

 

[toolness1]

And the rifle (be gentle and remember it's only temporarily BUBBA'D!)