Type 68 (North Korea)
North Korean State Arsenals · Assault Rifle · In Service · 1968
Also known as: Type 68 AKM, Type 68A, Type 68B
Overview
The Type 68 is a North Korean assault rifle, a license-produced clone of the Soviet AKM chambered in 7.62x39mm. Manufactured at Factory 61/65 from 1968 onward, the Type 68 succeeded the earlier Type 58 (an AK-47 clone) as the standard infantry rifle of the Korean People's Army. While externally similar to the AKM, the North Korean version uses a distinct double-hook trigger design and lacks the AKM's rate-reducer (anti-bounce) device. The rifle features a stamped sheet-steel receiver, catalpa wood furniture on early examples, and is compatible with rifle grenades and the standard AK bayonet.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3600 g (127.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 880 mm (34.65") |
| Barrel Length | 415 mm (16.34") |
| 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 | 1000 m (1094 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 | Phosphate |
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
- Features: Select Fire, Stamped Receiver, Fixed Stock, Double Hook Trigger, Rifle Grenade Capable, Bayonet Lug
Variants
- Type 68-1 — Underfolding Stock
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Korean People's Army · adopted 1968 · as Type 68
- Viet Cong
Conflicts
- Vietnam War (1955-1975)
- Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990)
- Syrian Civil War (2011-present)
Production
Production years: 1968-present
Produced primarily for KPA service; significant numbers exported to allied states and non-state actors during the Cold War
Origin
Country of origin: North Korea
Designer: Mikhail Kalashnikov
Notes
The Type 68 should not be confused with the Chinese Type 68 designated marksman rifle (a wholly different SKS-derived weapon). The underfolding stock variant is designated Type 68-1 and features lightening cuts to compensate for stock weight.
Background
Captured Type 68 rifles are prized identification samples by Western intelligence agencies because telltale North Korean machining marks (a distinctive milled selector lever and unique double-hook trigger group) can confirm clandestine arms shipments from Pyongyang to embargoed clients across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.