Contents.Service history During the Cold War period, the Type-56 was exported to many countries and guerrilla forces throughout the world. Many of these rifles found their way to battlefields in Africa, and the and were used alongside other Kalashnikov pattern weapons from both the as well the nations of.Chinese support for the before the mid-1960s meant that the Type-56 was frequently encountered by American soldiers in the hands of either guerrillas or soldiers during the Vietnam war. The Type-56 was discovered in enemy hands far more often than the original Russian-made AK-47s or AKMs.When relations between China and the North Vietnam crumbled in the 1970s and the began, the Vietnamese government still possessed vast quantities of Type-56 rifles in its inventory. The still used the Type 56 as its standard weapon during this time as well. Thus, Chinese and Vietnamese forces fought each other using the same rifle.
A pair of Type 56-2 rifles and a.The Type 56 was used extensively by forces during the of the 1980s, with purchasing large quantities of weapons from China for its armed forces. During the war, also purchased a small quantity, despite them being a major recipient of weapons and assistance during the conflict. This was done in conjunction with their purchasing of large number of from Eastern Europe. Consequently, the Iran–Iraq War became another conflict in which both sides utilized the Type 56.Since the end of the, the Type-56 has been used in many conflicts by various military forces.
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During the and the, it was used by the armed forces of. During the late 1990s, the in were also major users of the Type 56, with the vast majority of the weapons originating from, which received Chinese support during much of the.In the United Kingdom and United States, the Type-56 and its derivatives are frequently used in the filming of movies and television shows, standing in for Russian-made AK-47s due to their rarity among Kalashnikov style weapons. Type-56s are oftentimes to resemble other AK variants. In addition, versions of the Type-56 that have had their select fire ability removed (referred to as ' rifles) are also available for civilian ownership in most parts of the United States. A Type 56-2 rifle with stock folded.In the mid-1980s, began to replace their British (SLR) and German with the Type 56-2.
Currently, the side-folding stock variant (Type 56-2) issued as the standard primary firearm.The, and replaced Type 56 in front line service, but the Type 56 remains in use with reserve and militia units. Type 56s are still in production by Norinco for export customers.During the in the 1980s, many Chinese Type 56 rifles were supplied to Afghan guerrillas to fight Soviet forces. The rifles were supplied by China, Pakistan and the US who obtained them from third party arms dealers. The gas-operated mechanism of a Type 56 rifle.Originally, the Type-56 was a direct copy of the AK-47's final iteration, the Type 3 AK-47, and featured a, Starting in the mid-1960s, the guns were manufactured with receivers much like the Soviet. Visually, most versions of the Type 56 are distinguished from the AK-47 and AKM by the fully enclosed hooded front (all other AK pattern rifles, including those made in Russia, have a partially open front sight). Many versions also feature a folding attached to the barrel just aft of the. There are three different types of bayonets made for Type 56 rifles.
The first Type-56s were near identical copies of the Soviet milled AK-47. There is some speculation that the Chinese had to reverse engineer a copy of the AKM with the stamped receiver as they were not given a licence to produce the AKM and RPK by the Soviets because of failing relations after the. The Type 56 has a 1.5mm stamped receiver (like the, although it lacks the reinforced trunnion of the RPK) versus the 1mm stamping of the AKM. Also uses a different riveting pattern that is similar to the RPK. Certain versions of the 56S/MAK-90 have a milled receiver.
The barrel on the Type 56 is similar to the AK-47 and heavier than that of the AKM though is pinned in like the AKM and unlike the AK-47. Military issued versions of the Type-56 also lack the threaded muzzle found on the AK-47 and AKM, this means they cannot use an AKM compensator. Commercial versions of the Type 56 may or may not have a threaded muzzle. The front sights are fully enclosed with a hood, compared to the AKM and AK-47 which have partially opened 'ears'. The front sight base has a shape similar to the AK-47 and may also have a SKS style folding spike bayonet (nicknamed the 'pig sticker') as opposed to the lug for detachable knife bayonets on the AK-47 and AKM. There are three different types of spike bayonets made for the Type-56 and the Type-56 assault rifle is the only AK variant that utilizes a spike bayonet. Has the double hook disconnector of the AK-47 rather than the single hook disconnector of the AKM.
As a result it also lacks the hammer release delay device of the AKM (A.K.A the 'Rate Reducer'). The lack of hammer retarder is perhaps due to a preference of a slightly higher rate of fire, and simplicity.
And did not have anything to do with thickness of the receiver, as the RPK included the hammer retarder also. Has 'in the white' bolt carrier, while the AKM bolt carrier is blued.
Also lacks the various lightening cuts, though has a flat firing pin. Many civilian/export versions have a firing pin spring to prevent possible when used with softer commercial primers as opposed to the original free floating type.
Some were added by importers rather than being a factory equipped part. Has the flat/smooth handguards of the AK-47, with a storage slit underneath on versions equipped with the spike bayonet. Uniquely, it lacks vent cuts on the upper gas tube heatguard. Also retains a metal ferrule that sits between the lower handguard and the front of the receiver that the AK-47 had. The pistol grip is the same kind as the AK-47 being made out of wood with a metal ferrule between it and the receiver instead of the later one piece like the AKM. Certain versions of the 56S/MAK-90 use the AKM style.
The trigger guard is held in place with only three rivets (one on each side and one beneath the pistol grip) where as the AK-47 and AKM have five (two on each side and one beneath the pistol grip). Has a smooth dust cover like the AK-47 and unlike the ribbed dust cover of the AKM. However, it utilizes the simpler dual 'U'-shaped recoil spring guide of the AKM instead of the telescoping rod of the AK-47. Has a blued finish like the AK-47 and unlike the AKM, which has a black oxide finish or a parkerized finish. Like the AK-47, sights will only adjust to 800 metres, whereas AKM sights adjust to 1000 metres.
It also retains the button on the right side. Nearly all Type 56's lack the side mount plate that was featured on many variations of the AK-47 and AKM. The gas relief ports are located on the gas tube like the AK-47, unlike the AKM which had the gas relief ports relocated forward to the gas block.
The gas block is also like the AK-47 in that it has the forward sling loop (instead of the handguard) and a cleaning rod capture. The fixed stock of a Type 56 has a less in-line stock like the AK-47, opposed to the AKM which has a straighter stock.
It however uses the AKM style single upper tang insert type attachment method and has the rear sling mount on the underside of the stock as opposed to the AK-47 dual tang type and receiver side sling mount. It's rear trunnion is also very similar to the AKM, though the distance between the rivets are different.
Certain versions of the 56S/MAK-90 have a angled receiver back wall, though these are typically milled variants with a thumb hole stock. The underfolders have stamped stocks like the AKMS but only lock on the left and are angled downwards like the AKS-47. The stocks are also typically made out of thicker steel, thus have less reinforcing ribs and detents, and they also lack the pistol grip reinforcement plate and true rear trunnion of the AKMS, having a simple pseudo end-cap rear trunnion, likely due to the thicker receiver.Variants. Bolivian Marines sitting on inflatable boats, carrying Type 56 rifles and scuba equipment during the military parade in Cochabamba.
Type 56 – Basic variant introduced in 1956. A copy of the AK-47 with a fixed wooden stock and permanently attached spike bayonet. In the mid-1960s production switched from machined to stamped receivers, mimicking the improved (and cheaper) Russian AKM, while the permanently attached bayonet became optional. Still used by Chinese reserve and militia units. Type 56-I – Copy of the, with an under-folding steel shoulder stock and the bayonet removed to make the weapon easier to carry. As with the original Type 56, milled receivers were replaced by stamped receivers in the mid-1960s, making the Type 56-1 an equivalent to the Russian. Type 56-II – Improved variant and copy of.
Introduced in 1980, with a side-folding stock. Mainly manufactured for export and rare in China. Type 56-4 – Copy of Type 56-1 in 5.56×45mm NATO with under-folding stock. 1/12 barrel rifling twist to stabilize the M193 NATO cartridge.
Folding spike bayonet. Chrome-plated bore and chamber, selective fire.
Barrel is extended past the front sight 3 3⁄ 4 inches. Threaded flush muzzle cap. English fire control markings 'S' and 'F' for export version, no marking on full-auto fire control position. Rear sight calibrated to 800 meters.
Stamped receiver. Serial number is marked on bolt carrier, bolt, receiver cover, receiver. Type 56C (QBZ-56C) – Short-barrel version, introduced in 1991 for the domestic and export market. The QBZ-56C as it is officially designated in China, is a carbine variant of the Type 56-II and supplied in limited quantities to some PLA units. The Chinese Navy is now the most prominent user. Development began in 1988, after it was discovered that the Type 81 assault rifle was too difficult to shorten.
In order to further reduce weight the bayonet lug was removed. The QBZ-56C is often carried with a twenty-round box magazine, although it is capable of accepting a standard Type 56 thirty-round magazine.
Type 56M - LMG version of the Type 56. Type 56S or Type 56 Sporter, also known as the MAK-90 (Model of the AK)-1990 – with only mode. – Sporterized -style version with a stamped receiver and 20' heavy barrel. Type 84S – A civilian version of the Type 56 rifle chambered for the round. KL-7.62 – An unlicensed, reverse-engineered Iranian copy of the Type 56. This section does not any. Unsourced material may be challenged.
( January 2017) The AME-74-KA appears to be an Iranian copy using locally manufactured parts. Manufactured of pressed mild steel and chambered for 7.62×39 mm., it is a curious mix of design features. It has the gas block and sights of a Type 56, but the left-folding stock of an.
The flash hider is of a more western design that appears to be inspired by the open cage flash hider, but with large threading that suggests an intended muzzle attachment such as a grenade launcher or possibly a suppressor. No provision is made for a bayonet. Furniture is of a modern polymer material, but the foregrip is not equipped with heat shields internally, which would almost certainly cause issues in sustained fire. Magazines are identical to those used on a Type 56. Fit and finish is particularly bad, even for Iranian weapons, and it is thought that production was very limited due to scarcity. Examples have been recovered in Somalia, Iraq, and Yemen, all in poor condition.
Markings on the right side of the weapon are conventional and in western characters. On the left side of the weapon appears AME-74-KA in both Latin and script, with no other markings. No manufacturer stamp appears anywhere on the weapon. Users.: Type 56 and Type 56-1.: Burundian rebels.: Used by Croatia in its war of independence.: Used for reserve and only in small amounts.: Used by the and formerly by the rebels.:.: Used by New People's Army and Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.:, and militias. use by enemy ground training only and thran pharn.: Captured from Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. Used by the Zambia National Service.See also.References.