Type 77 Heavy Machine Gun
Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) · Machine Gun · In Service · 1977
Also known as: Type 77 HMG, QJZ-77
Overview
The Type 77 is a Chinese 12.7x108mm heavy machine gun developed by NORINCO during the mid-1970s to replace the heavier Soviet-derived Type 54 (DShKM) in the anti-aircraft and anti-materiel roles. Adopted in 1977 with mass production from 1980, it pairs a hybrid short-recoil and direct gas-impingement action with a 60-round metal link belt and a lightweight tripod, making it considerably lighter than its predecessor. It fulfills a role comparable to the American M2 Browning and Soviet DShK.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 28000 g (987.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 2150 mm (84.65") |
| Barrel Length | 1016 mm (40.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Magazine Capacity | 60 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Belt |
| Muzzle Velocity | 825 m/s (2707 fps) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 675 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Phosphate |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7 Soviet, 12.7mm DShK, 12.7x108mm Russian
Features
- Firing modes: Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Metal Link Belt
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Tripod Mounted, Quick Change Barrel, Anti Aircraft Capable, Spade Grips, Belt Fed
Variants
- Type 85 Heavy Machine Gun — Lightened Refinement
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1980 · as Type 77
- Royal Cambodian Armed Forces
- Djibouti Armed Forces
Conflicts
- Cambodian Civil War (1967-1975)
Production
Production years: 1980-present
PLA service weapon with limited export to Cambodia and Djibouti
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The Type 77 was a significant weight reduction over the Type 54, achieved partly through its hybrid recoil/gas-impingement operating system. It was later refined into the Type 85.
Background
Designed to drag the bulky Soviet DShK lineage into a lighter era, the Type 77 used an unusual hybrid of short recoil and direct gas impingement so a crew could relocate it without the punishing weight of the older Type 54.