The Type 56 and its family.One of the most produced Kalashnikovs in the world.
1The Chinese Kalashnikov
China began building the AK as the Type 56 in 1956, first with milled receivers and later stamped. The Type 56 is easy to spot by its folding spike bayonet on many models. Rifles came from several state arsenals, marked with factory numbers such as 26, 36, 66, 386 and 416 in a triangle or circle.
Norinco and Polytech were the export companies. Chinese rifles sold well in the United States until 1989, when thumbhole sporters like the MAK-90 replaced them, and Chinese rifle imports ended in 1994. Polytech Legends, NHM-90s and Norinco Hunters are now collector items.
2Rifles in the Archive
From the original AK-47.us rifle pages, 2005 to 2008.
BWK-92
receivers that had heat treating problems they are 100% made in China.
Hunter -Type I
The Hunter rifle has a milled receiver that is marked with a 386 in a oval.
Hunter -Type II
The Hunter rifle has a milled receiver that is marked with a 386 in a oval.
Hunter -Type III
The Hunter rifle has a milled receiver that is marked with a 386 in a oval.
MAK-90 (milled)
threads turned off the end of the barrel and bayonet lug ground down. They were only imported in 7.62x39mm caliber.
MAK-90 (stamped)
MAK-91
MAK-90 stands for Modified AK rifle-model of 1990 MAK-91 has a 19" heavy barrel.
NDM-86 Chinese Dragunov
NHM-90 (5.56×45)
They were imported in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm(223)calibers. Stamped receivers with 16" barrels that were threaded with a muzzle nut tack welded on.
NHM-90 (7.62×39)
They were imported in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm(223)calibers. Stamped receivers with 16" barrels that were threaded with a muzzle nut tack welded on.
NHM-91 (5.56×45)
imported in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm(223) calibers. The 223 caliber rifles are pretty rare as very small numbers were imported.
NHM-91 (7.62×39)
imported in 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm(223) calibers. The 223 caliber rifles are pretty rare as very small numbers were imported.
Norinco 84-S
Norinco Type 56S
7-62×39 Stamped Receiver.
Norinco Type 56S Fiberglass Stock
7.62×39 Stamped Receiver.
Norinco Type 56S Long Barrel
7.62×39 Stamped Receiver.
Norinco Type 56S-1
7.62×39 Stamped Receiver.
Norinco Type 56S-2
7.62×39 Stamped Receiver.
Norinco Type 86S
The Type 86 is a modular design as it is known that there is a sniper rifle design which does come equipped standard with a bipod and optical sight.
| Model | Years | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polytech Legend | – | approx 415 mm | approx 4,300 g with empty magazine, 4,876 g loaded |
3Factory Markings
Single circle 386 mark ( Polytech )
reported on receivers / trunnion of Polytech AKs.
26 in triangle
RPC/China
36 in triangle
RPC/China
66 in triangle (Norico/North China Industries)
reported on reciever / trunnion of Norico AKs. 66 – reported on chinese origin metal magazines.
/416\ 416 in triangle
RPC/China
4Military Model List
Models listed on the 2014 AK-47.us Kalashnikovs by Country page.
5Bayonets, Kits and Buying
Bayonets
Chinese spike and blade bayonets. In the archive: AK-47 Chinese Clamp On Spike Bayonet, AK-47 Chinese Folding Spike Bayonet, AK-47 First Model Chinese – Red, AKM Type II Chinese – Black, AKM Type II Chinese – Red, AKM Type II Chinese – NDM 86, AKM Type II Chinese – Red w/ Brass Pin.
AK47 Bayonets