Type 58
North Korean State Arsenals · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1958
Also known as: North Korean AK-47, 58-nyeon-sik
Overview
The Type 58 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, produced by North Korean State Arsenals since 1958. Safety features include manual safety selector, hammer notch, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. As a recognized participant in the global firearms industry, North Korean State Arsenals applies modern manufacturing technology and quality control processes to deliver products that compete effectively in a market where reliability and performance are non-negotiable requirements for both civilian and professional end users.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3810 g (134.4 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 4210 g (148.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 890 mm (35.04") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| 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 | Wood |
| 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, Milled Receiver, Accessory Rail, Ambidextrous Slide Stop, Textured Grip, Reversible Magazine Release
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Korean People's Army · adopted 1958
- North Vietnamese Army · adopted 1960
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Korean DMZ Conflict (1966-1969)
Production
Production years: 1958-present
Production numbers are unknown due to North Korean state secrecy. Believed to have been produced in large quantities for the 1.2 million-strong Korean People's Army.
Origin
Country of origin: North Korea
Notes
The Type 58 predates the Chinese Type 56 in North Korean service and represents one of the earliest AK production lines outside the Soviet Union. It retains the heavier milled receiver of the original AK-47 rather than the stamped receiver of the later AKM. While largely superseded by the Type 68 (AKM copy) and Type 88 (AK-74 copy) in front-line North Korean service, the Type 58 remains in widespread reserve use given the KPA's policy of maintaining massive small arms stockpiles. Manufacturing quality of early examples is reported as comparable to Soviet production; later quality is uncertain. The rifle was exported to Vietnam, various African nations, and non-state actors throughout the Cold War.
Background
The Type 58 was one of the earliest AK production lines established outside the Soviet Union, predating even some Warsaw Pact nations' domestic AK manufacturing. North Korea supplied large quantities of Type 58 rifles to North Vietnam during the Vietnam War, and captured examples were frequently encountered by US forces alongside Chinese Type 56 rifles.