Type 56 assault rifle Country China Type Assault rifle Introduction 1956 Specifications Weight Type 56 3.8 kg (8.38 lb), 3.70 kg (8.16 lb) for Type 56-1, 3.94 kg (8.69 lb) for Type 56-2 Length Type 56: 874 mm (34.4 in), Type 56-1/56-2: 874 mm (34.4 in) / 654 mm (25.75 in) Barrel length 414 mm (16.3 in) Cartridge 7.62x39mm M43 Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt Rate of fire ~ 600 round/min Muzzle velocity 735 m/s (2,411 ft/s) Effective range 400 m Feed system 30 round standard Sights Adjustable iron sights

The Type 56 assault rifle is a Chinese copy of the Kalashnikov AK-47, which has been manufactured since 1956. It was produced by state factory 66 from 1956-73, then by NORINCO from 1973 onwards. Originally, the Type 56 was a direct copy of the AK-47, and featured a milled receiver, but starting in the mid-1960s, the guns were manufactured with stamped receivers, a change intended to copy the Soviet AKM. Visually, all versions of the Type 56 are distinguished from the AK-47 and AKM by the fully-enclosed hooded front sight (all other AK pattern rifles, including those made in Russia, have a partially open front sight). Some versions of the Type 56 also have a folding \"spike\" bayonet attached to the barrel just aft of the muzzle, and others have a rounded pistol grip similar in design to that of the Czech Sa 58. Also, the receiver metal is thicker than the AK-47, which increases the durability of the Type 56 series rifles.

The Type 56 was replaced by the Type 81 in PLA service during the 1980s, but it remains in production by Norinco for export customers.

The Type 56 is believed to be one of the most widely proliferated AK-47 copies in the world, having shown up on battlefields in Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America, etc. While exact production figures are not known, it is commonly estimated that as many as 10-15 million Type 56 rifles have been produced since the 1950s, which means they may account for nearly one-fifth of the world\'s AK production.