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Description
During the early post-WW2 period, the newly established Peoples Republic of China was a close "friend" to the Soviet Union, so it was natural for the much less advanced country to adopt the weapons of a more advanced ally. In 1956, the Chinese military adopted two Soviet designs, both carrying the same Type 56 designation, and both being chambered for Soviet 7.62 x 39 ammunition. One was the semi-automatic Simonov SKS carbine, the other was the Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. The Type 56 assault rifle was an almost exact copy of the Soviet AK-47, with its milled receiver. Later on, Chinese designers switched to AKM-type stamped receivers, under the same Type 56 designation. The only notable differences were the markings in Chinese instead of Russian, and the folding non-detachable spike-shaped bayonets, which replaced the original detachable knife-bayonets of Soviet origin. It remained in service with the PLA until it was replaced by the Type 81 in the 1980s.

Type 56:
Type: Assault rifle
Country of Origin: People's Republic of China
Caliber: 7.62×39 mm
Length: 874 mm
Barrel length: 414 mm
Weight: 3.80 kg
Rate of fire: 650 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds

More information: Modern Firearms: Type 56

Description
During the early post-WW2 period, the newly established Peoples Republic of China was a close "friend" to the Soviet Union, so it was natural for the much less advanced country to adopt the weapons of a more advanced ally. In 1956, the Chinese military adopted two Soviet designs, both carrying the same Type 56 designation, and both being chambered for Soviet 7.62 x 39 ammunition. One was the semi-automatic Simonov SKS carbine, the other was the Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle. The Type 56 assault rifle was an almost exact copy of the Soviet AK-47, with its milled receiver. Later on, Chinese designers switched to AKM-type stamped receivers, under the same Type 56 designation. The only notable differences were the markings in Chinese instead of Russian, and the folding non-detachable spike-shaped bayonets, which replaced the original detachable knife-bayonets of Soviet origin. It remained in service with the PLA until it was replaced by the Type 81 in the 1980s.

Type 56:
Type: Assault rifle
Country of Origin: People's Republic of China
Caliber: 7.62×39 mm
Length: 874 mm
Barrel length: 414 mm
Weight: 3.80 kg
Rate of fire: 650 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds

More information: Modern Firearms: Type 56