Norinco Type 79
China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) · Submachine Gun · In Service · 1979
Also known as: Type 79 SMG, 1979 Type
Overview
The Norinco Type 79 is a Chinese gas-operated submachine gun chambered in 7.62x25mm Tokarev. Developed through the 1970s and certified for service in 1979, it is unusual among submachine guns in firing from a closed bolt via a short-stroke gas piston and rotating bolt, giving it improved single-shot accuracy. Compact and light at around 1.75 kg with a folding metal stock, it was issued to People's Liberation Army reconnaissance units, the People's Armed Police, and public security forces for close-quarters use.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1750 g (61.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 740 mm (29.13") |
| Folded Length | 470 mm (18.50") |
| Barrel Length | 250 mm (9.84") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 515 m/s (1690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 729 J (538 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1000 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x25mm Tokarev · primary — also known as 7.62x25mm, 7.62 Tokarev, Type 51
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Folding Stock, Gas Operated Action, Closed Bolt Firing, Compact Carbine Layout, Fixed Front Post Sight
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1983 · as Type 79
- People's Armed Police · as Type 79
- Chinese Public Security Police · as Type 79
Production
Estimated total produced: 200,000 · Production years: 1981-1992
At least 200,000 produced by Norinco and other Chinese state factories before production wound down
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: Liu Zhitong
Discontinued: 1992
Notes
Fed from a 20-round box magazine and cycling at roughly 1000 rounds per minute, the Type 79's very high rate of fire and light weight make it difficult to control in full-automatic fire. It was partly succeeded by the simpler blowback Type 85 submachine gun, also in 7.62x25mm.
Background
Uniquely for a submachine gun, the Type 79 fires from a closed bolt using a short-stroke gas piston borrowed from rifle design, trading the simplicity of blowback for better first-round accuracy - a choice that made it prized by Chinese reconnaissance and special police units.