Type 56 assault rifle
The Type 56 assault rifle is more than just a weapon; it's a global icon of conflict and a testament to the enduring influence of Soviet design. Often mistaken for its famous Russian cousin, the AK-47, this Chinese-made rifle has silently armed countless forces and factions across the world for over half a century. Its remarkable journey from a licensed copy to a widespread symbol of insurgency and resilience is a fascinating tale of geopolitics, engineering, and enduring combat effectiveness. The Type 56 began as a direct, licensed copy of the Soviet AK-47, becoming China's primary infantry rifle for decades. Despite its specific Chinese origin, the Type 56 became one of the most widely distributed and utilized assault rifles in global conflicts, often overshadowing original Russian AKs. Distinct visual cues, like its hooded front sight and integrated folding bayonet, help differentiate many Type 56 models from other Kalashnikov variants.
AI Summary
The Type 56 assault rifle is more than just a weapon; it's a global icon of conflict and a testament to the enduring influence of Soviet design. Often mistaken for its famous Russian cousin, the AK-47, this Chinese-made rifle has silently armed countless forces and factions across the world for over half a century. Its remarkable journey from a licensed copy to a widespread symbol of insurgency and resilience is a fascinating tale of geopolitics, engineering, and enduring combat effectiveness.
- The Type 56 began as a direct, licensed copy of the Soviet AK-47, becoming China's primary infantry rifle for decades.
- Despite its specific Chinese origin, the Type 56 became one of the most widely distributed and utilized assault rifles in global conflicts, often overshadowing original Russian AKs.
- Distinct visual cues, like its hooded front sight and integrated folding bayonet, help differentiate many Type 56 models from other Kalashnikov variants.
A Chinese Icon is Born
In 1956, China officially adopted a new infantry weapon, designating it the 'Type 1956 Submachine Gun'—even though it was very much an assault rifle. This designation reflected its intended role, filling a gap for a compact, rapid-fire weapon within the People's Liberation Army. It marked the beginning of a legendary career.
Production began at State Factory 66, meticulously replicating the Soviet AK-47, specifically its robust Type 3 variant. Later, major state-owned arms manufacturers like Norinco and PolyTech took over, continuing to produce the Type 56 for a ravenous export market long after it left frontline Chinese service.
From Soviet Blueprints to Global Proliferation
The Type 56's very existence is rooted in a significant shift in Soviet foreign policy. When Nikita Khrushchev came to power, Soviet aid to China transitioned from providing obsolete weaponry to sharing cutting-edge equipment and crucial production technology. This paved the way for the Type 56.
In 1955, a pivotal moment arrived: the Soviet Union provided China with the complete blueprints and manufacturing tools for both the AK-47 and the SKS carbine. This knowledge transfer was invaluable, empowering China to indigenously produce modern small arms on a massive scale.
Vietnam: A Defining Battlefield
During the tumultuous Cold War, the Type 56 became a symbol of communist solidarity and proxy conflicts. It was exported en masse to countless countries and guerrilla movements across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, often fighting alongside—or against—its Soviet and Eastern Bloc cousins.
Nowhere was its presence more profoundly felt than in the jungles of Vietnam. Chinese support for North Vietnam meant that American soldiers frequently encountered the Type 56 in the hands of Viet Cong guerrillas and PAVN soldiers. It was, in fact, discovered far more often than original Russian-made AK-47s or the modernized AKMs.
The rifle's story took an ironic turn when relations between China and Vietnam soured. During the Sino-Vietnamese War of 1979, both Chinese and Vietnamese forces found themselves on opposing sides, armed with the very same Type 56 rifle—a stark illustration of its widespread adoption.
A Constant on the Global Stage
The Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s further cemented the Type 56's global reach. Iran purchased vast quantities from China, arming its forces for the brutal eight-year conflict. Curiously, even Iraq, a major recipient of Soviet arms, acquired a smaller number of Type 56s alongside their Eastern European AKMs.
Later, during the Soviet-Afghan War, Type 56s were funnelled to Afghan Mujahideen guerrillas by China, Pakistan, and even the United States. Its reliability and abundance made it a preferred weapon for those fighting Soviet forces—and photographic evidence even shows some Soviet soldiers using captured Type 56s instead of their standard-issue rifles.
The rifle's legacy in Afghanistan continued into the 21st century, becoming a standard weapon for the Taliban. When they seized Kabul in 1996, many of the Chinese small arms they wielded had been supplied by Pakistan, highlighting how the Type 56 persisted as a tool in ongoing regional conflicts.
Distinguishing the Chinese Dragon
While a direct copy, many Type 56s possess distinctive visual characteristics that set them apart from their Russian counterparts. Early models, like the original AK-47, featured a heavy, milled receiver. However, by the mid-1960s, China transitioned to the more cost-effective stamped receiver design, much like the Soviet AKM.
The most iconic differentiator for many Type 56 variants is its fully enclosed, hooded front sight—a feature rarely seen on other Kalashnikov patterns. Many also sport a unique folding bayonet, either a spike or a blade, permanently attached to the barrel.
Key distinguishing features include: Fully enclosed hooded front sight (unlike the partially open sights on most other AKs) Integrated folding spike or blade bayonet attached just aft of the muzzle
Beyond the Battlefield
In the United States and the United Kingdom, the Type 56 has found an unexpected role: a movie star. Due to the rarity of authentic Russian AK-47s, the Type 56 and its derivatives are frequently modified and used in films and television shows to stand in for various Kalashnikov-pattern weapons, becoming a ubiquitous presence in popular culture.
However, the Type 56 also has a darker legacy. In unfortunate incidents like the 1987 Hungerford massacre in the UK and the 1989 Stockton schoolyard shooting in the US, legally owned Type 56 rifles were used in tragic mass shootings. These events significantly contributed to the passage of stricter firearms legislation in both countries.
Enduring Legacy
Though replaced in frontline PLA service by more modern designs like the Type 81, Type 95, and Type 03, the Type 56 remains a stalwart within China's reserve and militia units. Its rugged reliability ensures it still serves a purpose in national defense.
Globally, the Type 56's story continues. Norinco still manufactures these rifles for export, meeting ongoing demand from various nations and non-state actors who value its simplicity, durability, and proven combat record. It's a true workhorse that shows no signs of fully retiring.
A Family of 'Type 56' Weapons
The 'Type 56' designation wasn't exclusive to the assault rifle. China also produced licensed variants of other Soviet small arms under the same umbrella. These included the Type 56 carbine, which was their version of the SKS, and the Type 56 light machine gun, a localized RPD.
While the Type 56 assault rifle perseveres, its carbine sibling, the Type 56 SKS, has largely faded from military service. Save for a few ceremonial roles and local militia use, most Type 56 carbines have been retired, making the assault rifle's continued prevalence all the more remarkable.
Article
Type 56 assault rifle
The Type 56 (Chinese: 56式自動步槍, lit. 'Type 56 automatic rifle') is a Chinese 7.62×39mm assault rifle and Kalashnikov rifle variant.
History
Type 56 assault rifle
In 1955, the Soviet Union provided China with information and production equipment for the AK and SKS.
Production started in 1956 at State Factory 66 but was eventually handed over to Norinco and PolyTech, who continue to manufacture the rifle primarily for export.
Design
Type 56 assault rifle
Originally, the Type 56 was a direct, licensed copy of the AK's final iteration, and featured a milled receiver.
The Type 56 features a fixed wooden stock and folding spike bayonet. Starting in the mid-1960s, the guns were manufactured with stamped receivers much like the Soviet AKM.
Visually, most versions of the Type 56 are distinguished from the AK-47 and AKM by the fully enclosed hooded front sight (all other AK pattern rifles, including those made in Russia, have a partially open front sight).
Many versions also feature a folding bayonet attached to the barrel just aft of the muzzle. There are three different types of bayonets made for Type 56 rifles.
Adoption
China
The Type 56 was adopted to replace various WWII-era weapons, including the Mosin-Nagant, Type 38 rifle and M1903 Springfield, as the standard issue rifle in the People's Liberation Army (PLA) .
The Type 56 rifle was designated as the "Type 1956 Submachine Gun" (Chinese: 56式衝鋒槍), as the Type 56 took the role of SMG rather than infantry service rifle in the PLA in its early service years.
Export
During the Cold War period, the Type 56 was exported to many countries and guerrilla forces throughout the world.
Many of these rifles found their way to battlefields in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and were used alongside other Kalashnikov pattern weapons from both the Soviet Union as well as the Warsaw Pact nations of Eastern Europe.
Chinese support for North Vietnam before the mid-1960s meant that the Type 56 was frequently encountered by American soldiers in the hands of either Viet Cong guerrillas or PAVN soldiers during the Vietnam War. The Type 56 was discovered far more often than the original Russian-made AK-47s or AKMs.
The gas-operated mechanism of a Type 56 rifle.
The Type 56 was used extensively by Iranian forces during the Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s, with Iran purchasing large quantities of weapons from China for its armed forces. During the war, Iraq also purchased a small quantity, despite them being a major recipient of Soviet weapons and assistance during the conflict. This was done in conjunction with their purchasing of a large number of AKMs from Eastern Europe.
During the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s, many Type 56 rifles were supplied to Afghan Mujahideen guerrillas to fight Soviet forces. The rifles were supplied by China, Pakistan and the US who obtained them from third party arms dealers. There is photographic evidence from Soviet/Russian sources where captured Type 56 rifles were utilized by Soviet soldiers in lieu of their standard-issue AKM and AK-74 rifles.
Use of the Type 56 in Afghanistan also continued well into the early 21st century as the standard rifle of the Taliban such as when Taliban forces seized control of Kabul in 1996 (a majority of the Chinese small arms used by the Taliban were provided by Pakistan).
Variants
Type 56-1
Copy of the AKS, with an under-folding steel shoulder stock and the bayonet removed to make the weapon easier to carry.
As with the original Type 56, milled receivers were replaced by stamped receivers in the mid-1960s, making the Type 56-1 an equivalent to the Russian AKMS.
Civilian semi-auto versions (Type 56S-I) may have the spike bayonet added, though it is worth noting that this is not the original military configuration.
Type 06
The Type 06 is an assault rifle manufactured by Poly Technologies to be chambered in 5.56mm NATO.
Type 56-2
Improved variant introduced in 1980, with a side-folding stock and dark orange bakelite furniture. The stock also houses a cleaning kit, which both underfolding AKs (all nations) and other sidefolding AKs lacked, instead requiring a separate pouch. It also allows a traditional detachable bayonet, both AK-47 and AKM styles, as an option in addition to the folding spike style.
Mainly manufactured for export and rare in China as the Type 81 was already in production by the time of conception.
7.62 RK 56 TP
A Type 56-2 rifle with stock folded.
Modified Type 56-2 in China for Finnish use, with a new hammer spring that allows firing of Finnish 7.62x39.
Type 56C
Short-barrel version, introduced in 1991 for the domestic and export market.
The QBZ-56C as it is officially designated in China, is a carbine variant of the Type 56-2 and supplied in limited quantities to some PLA units. The Chinese Navy is now the most prominent user. Development began in 1988, after it was discovered that the Type 81 assault rifle was too difficult to shorten.
In order to further reduce weight, the bayonet lug was removed. The QBZ-56C is often carried with a twenty-round box magazine, although it is capable of accepting a standard Type 56 thirty-round magazine. It also has a sidefolding stock in addition to a muzzle booster, giving it a similar appearance to the AKS-74U.
Type 56S
The Type 56 Sporter, also known as the AK47S, AKS-762 and MAK-90 (Modified AK-1990) is the semi-automatic only civilian version of the Type 56
Later versions were modified to meet the requirements of a 1989 Executive Order by President George H. W. Bush prohibiting importation of certain 'assault rifle' configurations of military-style semi-automatic rifles such as the Norinco AKM/AK-47.
These modifications included a one-piece U.S.-made thumbhole stock to replace the separate Chinese-made buttstock and pistol grip of the original AK rifle and the inclusion of a rivet on the receiver preventing use of standard AK-47, RPK, or AKM magazines.
56S Galil sidefolder
Special version of the 56S/MAK-90 with an IMI Galil style side folding stock. Was exclusive to the US market.
The Legend
Another version of the 56S/MAK-90 except configured to look like the Type 3 AK-47.
It is extremely faithful to the Type 3 design, even having a milled receiver and original AK-47 style bayonet lug, but does retain some manufacturing differences from the Type 56 such as the pinned in barrel, lack of vent cuts on the gas tube heat guard, only 3 rivets on the trigger guard, the stamped recoil guide rod, spring loaded firing pin and variance in machining such as on the receiver and lightening cuts. Like the previous, US market only.
Type 56M
RPK style LMG version of the Type 56.
Utilizes a standard Type 56 stamped receiver and front trunnion, likely due to their rigidity, and its bi-pod is more RPD like then RPK, being tubular.
It seems to have two configurations with only minor cosmetic changes, one with standard AK-47/M open sights with "ears" and the bi-pod directly behind the front sight base, and a second configuration with typical Type 56 enclosed "hooded" sights and the bi-pod in front of the front sight base near the muzzle.
The latter version usually is seen with a birdcage flash hider or AK-74 style muzzle brake. Like the Type 56-2, it was only made for export as the Type 81 LMG was selected for military service instead.
Sporting variants
Civilian semi-auto sporter versions are known as the Type 87S or NHM 91. The semi-auto versions have also been sold with standard Type 56 stocks instead of the RPD "club foot" style as well as thumbhole variants after 1989. A rare version known as the "National Match" was once sold with a milled receiver and scope and scope mount.
Type 84
Export version of the Type 56 rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO round. The lineup also featuer underfolder (Type 84-1) and sidefolder (Type 84-2) versions. Civilian semi-auto version known as Type 84S and AKS-223.
Special matte black synthetic versions were also available as the Type 84-3, Type 84-4 (underfolder) and Type 84-5 (sidefolder).
KL-7.62
The original version of the KL-7.62 was indistinguishable from the Type 56, but in recent years DIO appears to have made some improvements to the Type 56 design, adding a plastic stock and handguards (rather than wood) and a ribbed receiver cover (featured on most AKM variants, but missing from the Type 56), as well as picatinny rails on newer versions.
They consist of the KLS (AKM wooden stock) and the KLF (AKM folding stock).
MAZ
Sudanese licensed copy of the Type 56 made by Military Industry Corporation.
ASh78
Albanian licensed copy of the Type 56.
TUL-1
North Vietnamese-made variant, but with stock of an RPK, barrel sights from an RPD.
The TUL-1's body was thin, only 1 mm compared to the 1.5 mm of an RPK. It was also heavier and had an inferior rate of fire compared to the RPK. However, the firing rate and effective range of the weapon was better than an AK-47-based rifle. They're known to use 30-round magazines from AK-47-based rifles with the occasional 40-round magazine.
The TUL-1s were manufactured between 1970–1974 and ended after Vietnam obtained production rights to the RPK itself.
KA2-5
Clone made in Myanmar by the Kachin Independence Army.
Users
Former Users
• Azerbaijan: Used during First Nagorno-Karabakh War and retired in favor of more modern Russian rifles. • Croatia: Used by Croatia in its war of independence. • Chechen Republic of Ichkeria • China • Finland: Purchased in the 1990s and used by Finnish Army reserve personnel. Now in long-term storage. • Libyan Arab Republic of Jamahiriya: Passed into successor state. • South Vietnam: Captured from Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. • United States: Captured rifles issued to MACV-SOG. • Zaire: Passed into successor state.
Non-state users
• Ambazonia Defence Forces • Boko Haram − Type 56 and Type 56-1 • Contras • Free Aceh Movement • Hamas • Hezbollah • Kachin Independence Army − Locally produced copies; some with M203-like UBGLs. • Khmer Rouge • Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam • Lord's Resistance Army • New People's Army • Official Irish Republican Army • Oromo Liberation Army • People's Defence Force • UNITA • Viet Cong
Criminal activities
Type 56 assault rifle
In 1987, Michael Ryan used a legally owned Type 56 rifle, and two other firearms, in the Hungerford massacre in the United Kingdom, in which he shot 32 people, 17 of whom died. The attack led to the passage of Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, which bans ownership of semi-automatic centre-fire rifles and restricts the use of shotguns.
In the United States, a Type 56 rifle, purchased in Oregon under a false name, was used in the 1989 Stockton schoolyard shooting in which Patrick Purdy fired over 100 rounds to shoot one teacher and 34 children, killing five. The shooting led to the passage of California's Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989.
A Type 56S, along with a Type 56S-1, were used by Larry Phillips, Jr. and Emil Mătăsăreanu during the 1997 North Hollywood shootout.