Albania's Rather Odd Grenade Launching AK

Published on October 27, 2025
Duration: 8:54

This guide details the unique features and disassembly steps for the Albanian Grenade Launching AK variant, as presented by Ian McCollum. It covers the relocated rear sight, specialized top cover, grenade spigot, gas cut-off mechanism, and Albanian-specific markings. The analysis highlights its origins as a modified Chinese Type 56 and its specialized function for launching rifle grenades.

Quick Summary

The Albanian Grenade Launching AK, based on the Chinese Type 56, features unique modifications for rifle grenade deployment, including a relocated rear sight on a stabilized top cover, a specialized grenade spigot with a spring clip, and a crucial gas cut-off lever to protect the action when firing blanks.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and History
  2. 01:43Rear Sight and Top Cover Modifications
  3. 02:54Chinese Type 56 Influence
  4. 03:29Grenade Launcher Spigot and Barrel
  5. 05:20Gas Cut-off Mechanism
  6. 06:35Markings and Design Speculation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key modifications on the Albanian Grenade Launching AK?

The Albanian Grenade Launching AK features a relocated rear sight on a flattened, stabilized top cover, a grenade launcher spigot with a unique retaining clip, and a gas cut-off lever on the gas block for firing grenade launching blanks.

What is the origin and base design of the Albanian Grenade Launching AK?

This Albanian variant, produced around 1982, is primarily a copy of the Chinese Type 56 rifle. The Type 56 itself is a hybrid design influenced by the Sino-Soviet split, incorporating elements from both milled AK and AKM patterns.

Why is the gas cut-off lever important on this rifle?

The gas cut-off lever prevents the rifle's action from cycling when firing specialized blank cartridges used for launching rifle grenades. This protects the mechanism from the high pressures involved and ensures reliable grenade projection.

What distinguishes the grenade spigot on this Albanian AK?

Unlike many grenade launching systems, the Albanian AK's spigot utilizes a spring-loaded retaining clip to secure the grenade, rather than a more common wire ring. The barrel also extends the full length of the spigot.

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