North Vietnam set up a small arms factory north of Hanoi (12km north of Yên Bái, to be specific) with the assistance of Chinese factory #296, starting in 1959. The goal was for this to become a substantial arsenal for both repair and production of arms, including barrel-making and forging capabilities. It would never reach this potential, but it was able to assemble about 6,000 SKS rifle between 1962 when it opened and 1965 (when it was shut down by American strategic bombing.
Maybe I can buy one from Jane Fonda.
ReplyDeleteThat is not even funny. Piss on her! When she does finally croak I plan to set up a free beer booth. Donations accepted but the elixir will be free flowing. Maybe 5 lbs bags of salt included with every tenth beer.
DeleteGet two !!
DeleteI have one I bought for $75 in 1995. Brand new still has the cosmoline in it. 1000 rds of chinese sardine can ammo and now it literally shoots a 6 foot group. But was a tack driver with the chinese ammo. I think there is a discrepancy with the slug size. Wish I knew more.
DeletePicked up a ‘68 Chinese SKS a couple of years ago for 150 bucks. Ain’t a bad rifle.
ReplyDelete-Dano
When her day comes, my bladder will be ready. Just sayin'.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but when I retired from the Air Force, I vowed to never stand in line again. I may have to rethink that.
DeleteJim Gates, MSgt, USAF (Retired)
North Vietnam wanted its own factory like any other "small nation fighting for its independence." North Vietnam became independent from France in 1954. So, building an arms factory five years later seems somewhat redundant, except...South Vietnam was the North's focus for capture. So maybe the North built the factory intending to supply "liberators" in the South?
ReplyDeletebeing the resident "gun guy" folks bring in guns to fix or refinish, whatever. many times they come with stories like "my uncle brought it back from 'nam." but a glance at the marking etc prove otherwise real quick. until about a year ago. an alumni and vet brought one in w/the same story. i had an inner chuckle and looked it over. then i about crapped myself as it was a bona fide nva model, all original with correct stamps. if they only made 6k, how rare does that make his? hen's teeth comes to mind.
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