This Rifle Will Never Go To The Range -- Norinco Type 56S

Published on September 1, 2024
Duration: 12:53

This video provides an in-depth review of the Norinco Type 56S, a Chinese variant of the AKM rifle. The presenter, Mark, shares its personal significance as a family heirloom and discusses its historical context, including its appearance in popular 1980s action films. The review details key differences between the Type 56S and its Russian AKM counterparts, focusing on receiver construction, bluing versus painting, front sight design, gas block sling swivel placement, rear sight limitations, and trigger guard rivet count. It also highlights the unique, non-ribbed magazines that came with the rifle and its original import status prior to the 1989 ban.

Quick Summary

The Norinco Type 56S is a Chinese variant of the AKM, notable for its thicker receiver (1.5-1.6mm), blued finish, and unique features like a gas block sling swivel and non-ribbed magazines. Its import status prior to the 1989 ban, coupled with its appearance in 1980s action films, makes it a historically significant firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction and Personal Significance
  2. 01:03Influence of 1980s Action Movies
  3. 01:48Introducing the Norinco Type 56S
  4. 02:32Purchase Date and Import Ban Context
  5. 03:21Importer: SLE (Interarms)
  6. 04:04Deep Dive Recommendation
  7. 04:45AKM Adaptation and Chinese Differences
  8. 06:07Receiver Differences: Rivets and Thickness
  9. 06:56Blued Finish vs. Painted
  10. 07:06Front End Features: Slant Brake and Sights
  11. 07:33Gas Block and Sling Swivel
  12. 07:59Gas Tube and Furniture
  13. 08:10Rear Sight Details
  14. 08:31Trigger Guard Rivets and Trigger Type
  15. 09:17Magazine Differences
  16. 10:07Buttstock and Pistol Grip
  17. 10:39Included Accessories: Magazines, Kit, Sling, Oil Can, Bayonet
  18. 11:14Conclusion and Personal Value
  19. 11:45Moisture Absorber Explanation
  20. 11:55Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Norinco Type 56S different from a standard AKM?

The Norinco Type 56S differs from the AKM in several ways, including a thicker receiver (1.5-1.6mm vs 1mm), different front trunion rivet placement, a blued finish instead of paint, a 45-degree gas block with an integrated sling swivel, and a rear sight limited to 800 meters. It also features unique, non-ribbed magazines.

Why is the Norinco Type 56S significant in relation to import bans?

The Norinco Type 56S is significant because rifles with standard pistol grips and non-thumbhole stocks, like this one, were imported before the March 1989 executive order by President George H.W. Bush. This order banned the import of certain firearms, making pre-ban examples like this highly sought after.

What historical context surrounds the Norinco Type 56S?

The Type 56S is a Chinese adaptation of the AKM. It gained popularity in the 1980s, famously appearing in action films like Red Dawn, Commando, Predator, and Rambo 3, where its distinct look with wood furniture and a large magazine made it recognizable.

What are some key visual identifiers of a Norinco Type 56S?

Key visual identifiers include its blued finish, wood furniture, a hooded front sight with an elevation adjustment hole, a 45-degree gas block with a sling swivel, and a trigger guard secured by three rivets. The non-ribbed magazines are also a distinctive feature.

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