how to tell the difference between norinco type 56 and russian ak

[Hamza]

hi guys


how do u tell the difference between russian ak and norinco type 56?

[Wanderin' Zero]

386 in a circle or 26 in a triangle or 36 in a triangle or 66 in a triangle or 416 in a triangle or marked "Norinco" = Chinese

An arrow marking (one of which appears like a triangle or a pair of triangles in a circle) or a star (sometimes within a triangle or a shield) or an H or a Y within a circle or a square = Russian

[Craig]

Here you go, this should help.

[shark_za]

Quickest way is by the size of the stock and the bayonet configuration on the Type 56.

[Doublefeed]

Typically, true Type 56's have characteristic retractable bayonets(Russian AKs never did), fully hooded front sights, and no angle compensator . Earlier models were milled and actually of high quality. Over the years several variants have appeared and, at least as far as US imports go, quality has decreased.

From Wiki-

Differences from and similarities to the AK-47 and AKM


Type 56-1 (left), Type 84S (center), and Type 56 (right). Note that the Type 56 rifles in this image have been fitted with the distinctive slant compensator of the AKM, a feature not found on the original Type 56

• The Type 56 has a 1.5mm stamped receiver (like the RPK, although it lacks the reinforced trunnion of the RPK) versus the 1mm stamping of the AKM.
• The barrel on the Type 56 is similar to the AK-47 and heavier than that of the AKM.
• The front sights are fully enclosed, compared to the AKM and AK-47 which are partially opened.
• Has the double hook disconnector of the AK-47 rather than the single hook disconnector of the AKM.
• Has a smooth dust cover like the AK-47 and unlike the ribbed dust cover of the AKM.
• May have a folding spike bayonet (nicknamed the "pig sticker") as opposed to the detachable knife bayonets of the AK-47 and AKM. There are three different types of spike bayonets made for Type 56 rifles. Type 56 assault rifles are the only AK-pattern assault rifles that use spike bayonets.
• Most Type 56s do not have the threaded muzzle found on the AK-47 and AKM.
• Has a blued finish like the AK-47 and unlike the AKM, which has a black oxide finish or a parkerized finish.
• Like the AK-47, sights will only adjust to 800 metres, whereas AKM sights adjust to 1000 metres.
• Most Type 56s lack the AKM scope mount plate on the left side of the receiver.
• Lacks the hammer release delay device of the AKM. The thicker receiver improves overall rigidity, making a higher rate of fire acceptable.
• The gas relief ports are located on the gas tube like the AK-47, unlike the AKM which had the gas relief ports relocated forward to the gas block.
• The Type 56 has a pressed and pinned barrel like the AKM, opposed to the AK-47 barrel which is threaded at the receiver end.

[edit] Type 56 variants


Bolivian Marines sitting on inflatable boats, carrying Type 56 rifles and scuba equipment during the military parade in Cochabamba.

• Type 56 – Basic variant introduced in 1956. Copy of AK-47 with fixed wooden stock and permanently attached spike bayonet. Beginning in the mid-1960s, the guns were manufactured with stamped receivers, mimicking the improved (and cheaper) Russian AKM, while the permanently attached bayonet became optional. The weapon is still used by Chinese reserve and militia units.
• Type 56-I – Copy of the AKS-47, with an under-folding steel shoulder stock and the bayonet removed. Like the original Type 56, milled receivers were replaced by stamped receivers in the mid-1960s, which made the Type 56-1 an equivalent to the Russian AKMS.
• Type 56-II – Improved variant introduced in 1980, with a side-folding stock. Export only.
• Type 56C (QBZ-56C) – Shortened barrel version introduced in 1991 for domestic and export market. The QBZ-56C began development in 1988, shortly after it was discovered that the Type 81 assault rifle was too difficult to shorten. The QBZ-56C as it is officially designated in China, is a shortened, carbine variant of the Type 56-II. The barrel length has been reduced to 280mm and overall length of the rifle is reduced, to 557mm long with the stock folded and 764mm long with the stock extended. The QBZ-56C weighs only 2.85 kg and has an effective range of up to 300m. The QBZ-56C is used by the People's Liberation Army Navy on both surface and submersible ships and with the People's Liberation Army Special Operations Forces as a limited issue weapon, the QBZ-56C is also in limited use by PLA reserve forces and militia stationed in Tibet, as the thinner air at higher altitudes strains soldiers' ability to carry heavy objects. In order to further lighten the total weight of the weapon 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. ^[2]
• Type 56S or Type 56 Sporter – civilian version with only semiautomatic mode.^[3]
• Type 84S - A civilian version of the Type 56 rifle chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO round.

[Hamza]

thanks guys for all the info!really came in handy...

[spiggs]

sorry for the Necro posting! Here is a pic of a Russian AK47 next to a chinese type 56.

AK x 2.jpg

[Wanderin' Zero]

sorry for the Necro posting! Here is a pic of a Russian AK47 next to a chinese type 56.

AK x 2.jpg

That's a 56-1. 56-2 has no bayonet and is a side folder.

[spiggs]

56-1 is an under folder, its a regular type 56, i put the akm furniture on the gun because the old furniture was rotten

[Wanderin' Zero]

56-1 is an under folder, its a regular type 56, i put the akm furniture on the gun because the old furniture was rotten

You are correct.