Type 56-2
China North Industries (Norinco) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1980
Also known as: Type 56S-2, Norinco Type 56-2, Chinese AK side-folder
Overview
The Type 56-2 is the side-folding-stock variant of Norinco's Chinese-produced Type 56 assault rifle, introduced as a production model in 1980 and developed primarily as an export product. It replaces the fixed wooden stock of the standard Type 56 with an all-new skeletal metal buttstock that folds to the right side of the receiver, lying flat alongside the weapon. Critically, when folded the stock clears the trigger and pistol grip so the rifle can still be fired from the folded position, making it well suited to vehicle crews, paratroopers, and special units operating in confined spaces. As part of the export-oriented redesign the permanently attached folding spike bayonet of earlier Type 56 rifles was deleted. The Type 56-2 is otherwise mechanically a standard AK pattern: gas-operated long-stroke piston action, rotating bolt, select-fire trigger group, 7.62x39mm chambering, and a 30-round curved magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3900 g (137.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4380 g (154.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 874 mm (34.41") |
| Folded Length | 654 mm (25.75") |
| Barrel Length | 414 mm (16.30") |
| Height | 190 mm (7.48") |
| Width | 60 mm (2.36") |
| 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 | Steel |
| 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, Side Folding Stock, Skeletal Buttstock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1980
- Various Export Customers
Conflicts
- Sri Lankan Civil War (1983-2009)
- Afghan Civil War (1989-1996)
Production
Production years: 1980-present
Produced by Norinco primarily for export from 1980 onward; not documented separately from overall Type 56 production figures.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The Type 56-2 differs from the earlier under-folding Type 56-1 by using a side-folding rather than under-folding stock. Overall length is 874mm with the stock extended and approximately 654mm folded. Many Type 56-2 rifles feature Bakelite or polymer furniture. The bayonet lug was omitted on this variant to streamline it for the export market. It was widely sold to overseas customers during the 1980s and is encountered in numerous regional conflicts.
Background
Unlike the under-folding stocks copied from the wartime German MP 40, the Type 56-2's side-folding skeletal stock was a clean-sheet Chinese design that swings flat against the receiver, and because it leaves the trigger fully exposed the rifle can be fired one-handed straight out of a vehicle window with the stock still folded.