Type 64 SMG
China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) · Submachine Gun · Limited Production · 1966
Also known as: Type 64 Silenced SMG, Type 64 Suppressed SMG
Overview
The Type 64 is a Chinese integrally suppressed submachine gun chambered in 7.62x25mm Type 51 (the Chinese variant of the 7.62x25mm Tokarev cartridge). Designed from the outset as a silenced weapon rather than an adaptation of an existing arm, it combines a closed-bolt blowback action borrowed from the Soviet PPS-43 with a trigger group and selector influenced by the Kalashnikov pattern, all wrapped around an integral suppressor with a slotted barrel that bleeds gas to reduce muzzle velocity to subsonic levels. Used primarily by Chinese special forces and reconnaissance units for covert close-quarters operations, the Type 64 fires from a folding-stock platform fed by a detachable box magazine.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 843 mm (33.19") |
| Folded Length | 635 mm (25.00") |
| Barrel Length | 244 mm (9.61") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Closed Bolt |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 293 m/s (961 fps) |
| Effective Range | 135 m (148 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 1000 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x25mm Tokarev · primary — also known as 7.62 Tokarev, 7.62x25mm, 7.62x25mm Type 51, 7.63x25mm Mauser
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Integral Suppressor, Folding Stock, Selective Fire
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1966 · as Type 64
- People's Army of Vietnam
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
Production
Production years: 1966-present
Issued in limited numbers to Chinese special operations and reconnaissance forces
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The integral suppressor uses a barrel ported with gas-bleed holes to keep the projectile subsonic; a non-dedicated full-power cartridge raises both the muzzle velocity and the cyclic rate (toward roughly 1,300 rpm) at the cost of louder report and faster suppressor wear. Magazine capacity is reported as both 20 and 30 rounds across sources.
Background
Unlike most suppressed firearms of its era, which were standard guns retrofitted with cans, the Type 64 was engineered as a purpose-built silent weapon from the start, blending the PPS-43's blowback receiver with Kalashnikov-style fire controls.