Norinco Type 86S
China North Industries Corporation (Norinco) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1986
Also known as: Type 86S, Norinco 86S, 86S bullpup
Overview
The Norinco Type 86S is a Chinese bullpup assault rifle chambered in 7.62x39mm, developed in the mid-1980s by China North Industries Corporation. It reconfigured the gas-operated, rotating-bolt action of the Type 56 (a Chinese Kalashnikov derivative) into a compact bullpup layout inspired by the Finnish Valmet M82, placing the 30-round magazine behind the pistol grip. With an overall length of just 667 mm despite a full-length 438 mm barrel, it featured an integral carrying handle, aperture sights, and a folding front grip. It was marketed almost exclusively for export in a semi-automatic civilian configuration, and only a limited number reached the United States before the 1994 import ban on Chinese small arms.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3590 g (126.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 667 mm (26.26") |
| Barrel Length | 438 mm (17.24") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 710 m/s (2329 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 2010 J (1482 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 240 mm (9.45") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 7.62x39mm · primary — also known as 7.62x39mm Soviet, M43, 7.62mm Kalashnikov
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Bullpup Layout, Rotating Bolt, Integral Carrying Handle, Folding Front Grip, Aperture Sights, Ak Pattern Magazine Compatibility
Service history
Operators
- Civilian export market
Production
Production years: 1986-1994
Export-only commercial production by Chinese state arms factories during the late 1980s and early 1990s; relatively small quantities reached Western markets.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: China North Industries Corporation (Norinco)
Discontinued: 1994
Notes
Most components, including the magazine, are interchangeable with standard AK/Type 56 pattern rifles. Imported examples reaching the US before the 1994 Chinese arms import ban became collector items due to their rarity.
Background
Designed primarily for the export market rather than Chinese military service, the Type 86S blended a Valmet-style bullpup body, a Steyr AUG-inspired folding fore grip, and a FAMAS-like carrying handle around a proven Kalashnikov action. Its scarcity in the United States after the 1994 Chinese small-arms import ban turned it into a sought-after collector's piece.