Type 56 Assault Rifle

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	Weapon: Type 56 Assault Rifle Type: Assault Rifle Country of Origin: China Year Adopted: 1956 Caliber: 7.62x39mm Action: Select Fire Overall Length (mm): 1020.0 Overall Length (in): 40.16 Weight (kg): 3.80 Weight (pounds): 8.38 Effective Range (m): 400 m Effective Range (yards): 437.45

The Type 56 assault rifle is a Chinese-produced variant of the Soviet AK-47 and AKM, developed by Norinco in 1956. It retains the gas-operated, rotating bolt design of its Soviet predecessors and is chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. Early models closely resembled the original AK-47, featuring a milled receiver, while later versions adopted the stamped receiver design of the AKM. The Type 56 is distinguished by its integral folding spike bayonet on some variants, a feature not commonly found on other AK-pattern rifles. Both fixed-stock and underfolding-stock variants were produced to suit different operational needs. While the Type 56 is closely modeled off of the AK-47 and AKM, it does not have complete parts interchangeability, and the dimensions are not exactly the same, particularly on the stamped varieties. The Type 56 from site has a complete hood, unlike the AK-47 and AKM open hoods, and standard AKM stock furniture does not fit because there is a difference in the dimensions of the stamped receiver. This was because by the time the Soviet Union had switched to the stamped AKM, relations with China had soured. The Chinese back-engineered the stamped design, resulting in a close but not exact copy.

Production of the Type 56 began in the late 1950s, with millions manufactured over several decades. It was widely exported and saw service in numerous conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Iran-Iraq War, the Gulf War, and various insurgencies across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Many communist and non-aligned nations adopted the rifle due to its affordability, reliability, and ease of use. While China later introduced newer rifles like the QBZ-95, the Type 56 remained in production for export and continued to be used by various military and paramilitary forces worldwide.

The Type 56 has gained notoriety for its widespread use in global conflicts, often being associated with revolutionary movements, guerrilla warfare, and terrorist organizations. Its durability, simplicity, and massive production numbers have made it one of the most common assault rifles in history. Though sometimes viewed as a lower-quality copy of the AK-47, many soldiers and fighters have relied on its rugged performance in harsh conditions. Today, the Type 56 remains in service with many armed groups and continues to be a symbol of 20th and 21st-century warfare.