SKS Paratrooper (Type 56 PARA)

Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) · Carbine · Out Of Production · 1956

Weight (empty)3500 g (123.5 oz)
Overall Length905 mm (35.63")
Barrel Length419 mm (16.50")
Magazine Capacity10 rounds
Action TypeGas Operated Short Stroke
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Muzzle Velocity685 m/s (2247 fps)
Muzzle Energy1865 J (1376 ft·lbf)
Effective Range300 m (328 yd)
Frame MaterialSteel

Primary Caliber: 7.62x39mm

The SKS Paratrooper, also known as the Type 56 PARA, is a shortened-barrel variant of the Chinese Norinco-produced Type 56 SKS carbine. Featuring a 419mm (16.5-inch) barrel — approximately 102mm shorter than the standard Type 56's 521mm tube — the paratrooper variant was produced primarily for export to the US civilian market in the 1980s and early 1990s, with the barrel length deliberately set to clear the US National Firearms Act's 16-inch rifle barrel minimum. Despite the 'Paratrooper' nickna...

Country of Origin: China

Designer: Sergei Gavrilovich Simonov