Type 56
China North Industries (Norinco) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1956
Also known as: Chinese AK-47, 56 Chongfeng Qiang, Norinco Type 56
Overview
The Type 56 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by China North Industries (Norinco) since 1956.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4030 g (142.2 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4510 g (159.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 874 mm (34.41") |
| Barrel Length | 414 mm (16.30") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 45 mm (1.77") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Long 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 | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 625 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 | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Chrome Lined Chamber, Curved Magazine, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Hooded Front Sight, Integral Spike Bayonet
Variants
- Type 56-1 — Folding Stock
- Type 56-2 — Side Folding Stock
- Type 56C (QBZ-56C) — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1956
- Vietnam People's Army · adopted 1960
- Sri Lanka Armed Forces · adopted 1985
- Pakistani Armed Forces
- North Korean People's Army
- Ethiopian Armed Forces
- Albanian Armed Forces
- Sudanese Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Sino-Vietnamese War (1979-1979)
- Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009)
- Afghan Civil War (1978-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 15,000,000 · Production years: 1956-present
Estimated 10-20 million units produced across all variants, making it the most widely manufactured AK variant outside the Soviet Union/Russia.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The Type 56-1 features an under-folding metal stock similar to the Soviet AKMS. The Type 56-2 introduced in 1980 has a right-side folding stock with integral cleaning kit storage. The QBZ-56C (Type 56C) is a compact carbine variant primarily used by PLA Navy units. Licensed copies were produced in Albania, Sudan, and other countries. Iran reverse-engineered the design as the KL-7.62. North Vietnam produced a variant designated TUL-1. Early milled-receiver Type 56 rifles are prized by collectors.
Background
The Type 56's permanently attached folding spike bayonet became its most recognizable visual feature, distinguishing it from all other AK variants worldwide. China exported Type 56 rifles so prolifically during the Cold War that in many African and Asian conflicts, the 'Chinese AK' became more common than the Soviet original.