How good is the Chinese Type 56 rifle?

R

rauke

New member
I am currently considering acquiring a Norinco Type 56 assault rifle for rural property defense, and would appreciate hearing from forum members who have owned/used this particular weapon.

What I would like to know is, how does it compare to the Russian original? What is its reliability like? What kind of accuracy can I expect it to deliver?

This is going to be the selective-fire version, with both semi- and full-auto modes, using regular 30-round magazines.

Your expertise on the matter will be seriously considered prior to actual purchase.
 
You're probably not going to see a discernible difference between Type 56 and a Russian AKM. Assuming the option is legal where you're located, it really wouldn't be a bad choice rural home defense weapon. In all likelihood, reliability will be flawless. As far as accuracy goes, they're all pretty much designed to be able to hit a man-sized target in the chest at 300 meters or less, which to me is far more than adequate for any realistic self-defense situation, and I don't imagine too many places in Australasia being much more dangerous than over here. I don't see a full-auto option as being particularly beneficial however, you'll use more ammo and fire less accurately, and since a bullet that misses still hits something eventually, it's best to cut down on how many times you miss.
 
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Hi, tobnpr!

I can only state the prices in this neck of the woods.

Just under USD1,500 for a brand-new specimen. Full wood stock with pivoting bayonet permanently attached. Two mags included.
 
Edit: didn't see you weren't in the USA...must be nice to be able to own a MG for what we pay for a semi-auto...
 
Actually, full-auto is over-rated

Personally, I tend to agree with raftman---there is very little justification for using the full-auto mode on a rifle like the Type 56. You waste too much ammo, you miss a lot, and those misses have to hit something, eventually.

The only real benefit occurs in "fire and maneuver" situations, where you use fully automatic fire to cover the advance (or retreat) of your colleagues. Although many of those who have "been there, done that" will argue that "fire and maneuver" can be handled just as efficiently with semi-auto fire.

The only reason I'm getting a selective-mode Type 56 is, they don't make them any other way over here.

Remember one of Col. Cooper's favourite blessings? He said, "May all your enemies be on full auto" (!)
 
Yeah, I understand the practical downsides...
I've only had one opportunity behind the trigger on full auto ( an AR with a full-auto sear conversion), and I will say it was fun to shoot...and it would be even more fun on a gun with ammo as cheap as 7.62x39.

Is it possible to convert the sear somehow for a three-round burst capability? From what I've read (and I'm certainly no expert) this is the best compromise for maintaining control of the weapon and keeping rounds on target?
 
Norinco AK type rifles are great. I have 4 of them
and have had no problems with them. Mine are
semi-auto, though. Hope you enjoy your new gun !:D
 
3-round bursts would be just about perfect...

...on a rifle of this type!

Thanks for pointing that out, tobnpr! I'll have a word with my favourite gunsmith and see if that can be done. Would actually prefer a 3-round burst option to full-auto mode.

Carne Frio, thanks for the reassurance! Rifle arrives in two weeks (some paperwork involved, as usual) and I'm looking forward to breaking it in.
 
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