Norinco 84S: China Makes a 5.56mm AK Specifically for the US

Published on September 4, 2020
Duration: 10:05

The Norinco 84S is a Chinese 5.56mm AK variant specifically developed for the US market in the late 1980s. It features a hybrid design, reverse-engineered from the AKM but incorporating AK-74 elements due to a lack of official data. Notable features include proprietary magazines, a unique bolt with a 5.56mm face and 7.62mm stem, and various furniture options across its six variants. Its collectibility is high due to a short import window before the 1989 ban.

Quick Summary

The Norinco 84S is a Chinese 5.56mm AK variant developed for the US market, featuring a hybrid design based on the AKM but with AK-74 elements. It uses proprietary magazines and is highly collectible due to its limited import window before the 1989 ban.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Norinco 84S
  2. 01:51Development for the US Market
  3. 03:03Design and Reverse Engineering
  4. 04:01External Features
  5. 06:02Markings and Variants
  6. 07:31Proprietary Magazines
  7. 08:15Internal Mechanics
  8. 09:12Collectibility and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Norinco 84S unique among AK variants?

The Norinco 84S is unique as it's a Chinese 5.56mm AK variant specifically designed for the US market. It features a hybrid design, reverse-engineered from the AKM but incorporating some AK-74 elements, and uses proprietary magazines.

Why is the Norinco 84S considered collectible?

The 84S is highly collectible due to its limited import window into the United States, roughly from 1988 to 1989, before the federal assault weapons import ban took effect.

What are the key external features of the Norinco 84S?

Key external features include a fully hooded front sight, a birdcage-style flash hider (removable on pre-ban models), gas vents on the gas tube, a wire sling swivel, and a functional bayonet lug.

Are Norinco 84S magazines interchangeable with other 5.56mm AKs?

No, the Norinco 84S uses proprietary steel magazines. While they may share stamping patterns with 7.62mm Chinese AK magazines, they are not interchangeable with other 5.56mm AK patterns like the Galil or Valmet.

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