Chinese Type 81 Shooting (Not Quite An AK, SKS, or SVD)

Published on May 20, 2016
Duration: 4:26

The Chinese Type 81 EM356 is an extremely rare prototype variant chambered in .223 Remington, with only about 20 Type 81s existing in the US. Imported for the 1989 SHOT Show, further shipments were halted by an import ban. It features a short-stroke gas piston system, distinct from the AK's long-stroke system, and utilizes modified Beryl magazines due to a lack of dedicated ones. Despite its prototype status and a loosening front sight, it demonstrated good performance at 300 meters with a pleasant recoil impulse.

Quick Summary

The Chinese Type 81 EM356 is an extremely rare prototype rifle chambered in .223 Remington, with only three known examples in the US. It features a short-stroke gas piston system and a unique rear sight adjustable from 100-500 meters, demonstrating good performance despite its prototype status.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Type 81 EM356
  2. 00:20Import History and Rarity
  3. 00:40Design and Action
  4. 01:25Recoil and Shooting Impressions
  5. 02:42Sights and Long Range Performance

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Chinese Type 81 EM356 rifle so rare?

The EM356 variant is exceptionally rare because it was imported for the 1989 SHOT Show, but an import ban halted further shipments. Only about 20 Type 81s exist in the US, with just three being the EM356 model, making them essentially tool-room prototypes.

What is the operating system of the Chinese Type 81 rifle?

The Type 81 features a short-stroke gas piston system, which is similar to the Dragunov (SVD) rifle's design, rather than the long-stroke system found in the AK-47.

What caliber is the Chinese Type 81 EM356 variant chambered in?

The specific EM356 variant discussed is chambered in .223 Remington (5.56x45mm), which was intended for the US market. Other Type 81 variants typically use 7.62x39mm.

How are the sights on the Chinese Type 81 rifle designed?

The Type 81 is equipped with a hooded front post and a unique rear sight knob. This knob is adjustable for range, marked from 100 to 500 meters, allowing for precise elevation adjustments.

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