Norinco Type 81
China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) · Assault Rifle · In Service · 1981
Also known as: Type 81, T81
Overview
The Type 81 is a Chinese select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, developed by Norinco/China North Industries as a replacement for the Type 56 and Type 63/68 rifles in People's Liberation Army service. It operates via a short-stroke gas piston system with an AK-pattern rotating bolt and a two-position gas regulator that allows a gas cut-off for launching rifle grenades. Fielded from the early 1980s, it was noted for improved accuracy and controllability over the Type 56 and served as the PLA's standard rifle until the adoption of the 5.8mm QBZ-95.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 955 mm (37.60") |
| Barrel Length | 445 mm (17.52") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 735 m/s (2411 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2153 J (1588 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, 7.62mm M43, .30 Russian Short
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Fire Selector
- Features: Short Stroke Gas Piston, Two Position Gas Regulator, Gas Cutoff For Rifle Grenades, Bolt Hold Open, Flip Up Night Sights
Variants
- Type 81-1 - Folding Stock
- Type 81 LMG - Squad Automatic
- Type 81S - Export
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1983 · as Type 81
- Bangladesh Armed Forces
- Myanmar Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Sino-Vietnamese Border Conflicts (1984-1989)
Production
Production years: 1981-present
Produced in large numbers for the PLA and widely exported; exact totals not published
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The Type 81 family shares roughly 30% parts commonality with the Type 63 while introducing a short-stroke piston and improved sights. The Type 81-1 replaces the fixed wooden stock with a side-folding metal stock for airborne troops.
Background
The Type 81 earned a reputation among Chinese troops as more accurate and controllable than the Type 56 (a Kalashnikov copy), thanks to its short-stroke piston and refined balance, and it remains a favorite of many PLA reservists even after the bullpup QBZ-95 became standard.