Type 56-1
China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1963
Also known as: Chinese AK, Type 56 Folding Stock, 56-1 Chongfeng Qiang
Overview
The Type 56-1 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) since 1963.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3800 g (134.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 874 mm (34.41") |
| Folded Length | 645 mm (25.39") |
| 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 | 715 m/s (2346 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2037 J (1502 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 600 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62mm Soviet, 7.62x39mm M43
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Underfolding Metal Stock, Riveted Stock Hinge
Variants
- Type 56-2 — Side Folding Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1963
- North Vietnamese Army · adopted 1965
- Cambodian Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Cambodian Civil War (1967-1975)
- Sino-Vietnamese War (1979-1979)
Production
Production years: 1963-present
Production numbers for the Type 56-1 are not tracked separately. Combined Type 56 production (all variants) is estimated at 10-15 million units.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The Type 56-1 can be identified from the Soviet AKMS by the riveted (rather than pinned) stock hinge arms. A later Type 56-2 variant introduced a side-folding stock instead of the underfolding design. Combined Type 56 production (all variants) is estimated at over 10-15 million units, making it the most produced AK variant outside the Soviet Union. The Type 56-1 was the primary weapon of the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese forces alongside the standard Type 56, and has since appeared in virtually every conflict zone globally.
Background
The Type 56-1 can be distinguished from the visually similar Soviet AKMS by its riveted stock hinge arms -- a uniquely Chinese manufacturing detail. During the Vietnam War, the Type 56-1's underfolding stock made it the preferred weapon for Viet Cong tunnel fighters operating in the Cu Chi tunnel network.