Norinco Type 59
Norinco · Pistol · Discontinued · 1959
Also known as: Type 59 Makarov, Type 59 pistol, Chinese Makarov
Overview
The Norinco Type 59 is a Chinese semi-automatic pistol, a licensed copy of the Soviet Makarov PM chambered in 9x18mm Makarov. Adopted by the People's Liberation Army in 1959, it retains the Makarov's simple fixed-barrel blowback action, double-action/single-action hammer-fired trigger, and 8-round single-stack magazine. Chinese examples differ from Soviet originals through a blued finish, Chinese factory markings, a widened sight rail and a revised safety lever. It served as a standard Chinese officer and police sidearm for decades.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 730 g (25.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 162 mm (6.38") |
| Barrel Length | 93 mm (3.66") |
| Height | 127 mm (5.00") |
| Width | 34 mm (1.34") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 8 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 314 m/s (1030 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 312 J (230 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | 4 Grooves, Right-Hand Twist |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Slide Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Bakelite |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 9x18mm Makarov · primary — also known as 9mm Makarov, 9x18 PM, 9x18mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Decocker
- Features: Fixed Sights, Single Stack Magazine, Slide Mounted Safety
Production
Production years: 1959-1980s
Manufactured at Chinese state ordnance factories; superseded in PLA service by the Type 64 and later pistols.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: Nikolai Makarov (original design)
Notes
Produced at Chinese state arsenals (including Factory 66) and later marketed for export through Norinco. A faithful Makarov derivative rather than an indigenous design.
Background
Adopted the same year as China's Type 56 rifle program, the Type 59 gave PLA officers a compact Makarov-pattern sidearm that remained in widespread service well into the late 20th century.