Type 64 Silenced Pistol

Norinco · Pistol · In Service · 1964

Also known as: Type 64 Silenced, Type 64 Besshumnyj

Overview

The Type 64 is a Chinese integrally suppressed semi-automatic pistol adopted in 1964 for clandestine military and special operations use. Unlike most silenced pistols, it was designed from the ground up as a suppressed weapon rather than adapted from an existing design, using an integral suppressor with wire mesh and baffles around a 95mm barrel. It fires a proprietary subsonic 7.65x17mm Type 64 cartridge, and the breech can be locked closed to eliminate the sound of the action cycling for the quietest possible shot.

Specifications

Weight (empty)1880 g (66.3 oz)
Overall Length222 mm (8.74")
Barrel Length95 mm (3.74")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismSingle Action
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity9 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity205 m/s (673 fps)
Muzzle Energy101 J (74 ft·lbf)
Effective Range20 m (22 yd)
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Frame MaterialSteel
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
FinishBlued

Calibers

Features

Service history

Operators

Conflicts

Production

Production years: 1964-present

Exact production figures not publicly disclosed; issued in limited numbers to special units

Origin

Country of origin: China

Notes

The proprietary 7.65x17mm Type 64 cartridge is loosely based on the .32 ACP (7.65x17mm Browning SR) but is true rimless and not interchangeable with Western ammunition. The Type 64 was later supplemented by the lighter, more compact Type 67 silenced pistol.

Background

To make the Type 64 truly silent, an operator can lock the breech shut before firing so the action never cycles - trading the next automatic shot for a report quiet enough to be inaudible past 10 to 20 meters.