~ Chinese AK-56 With Original Sling ~
Our example is serial numbered 17039508. The sling bears a Chinese stamp as well.
The “AK-56” is not a widely recognized or official term in firearms history. It’s possible that you are referring to the Chinese Type 56 rifle, which is a copy of the Soviet AK-47. Here’s a brief history of the Chinese Type 56 rifle:
Origin: The Chinese Type 56 rifle is a variant of the Soviet AK-47, which was designed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the late 1940s. The Type 56 was produced in China starting in the late 1950s and throughout the 1960s.
Design and Features: The Type 56 closely resembles the AK-47 in terms of design and functionality. It is a gas-operated, selective-fire rifle chambered for the 7.62x39mm cartridge. It has a distinctive milled receiver, though later variants, designated Type 56-1, 56-2, and 56-3, featured stamped receivers.
Military Use: The Type 56 rifle became the standard issue firearm for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and various other military and paramilitary forces. It has also been widely exported to other countries and used by insurgent groups and militias.
Production: China produced a large number of Type 56 rifles for both military and export purposes. These rifles have been manufactured in various state-owned arsenals and factories in China.
Variants: In addition to the standard Type 56, there are several variants and versions of the rifle. The Type 56-1 is a folding-stock version, the Type 56-2 is a short-barreled carbine, and the Type 56-3 is a civilian semi-automatic version.
Clones and Copies: The Type 56 design has been copied and produced in various countries, often with slight modifications. For example, the North Vietnamese used their version during the Vietnam War, and it influenced the design of rifles in other communist countries.
Legacy: The Type 56 and its variants have played a significant role in various conflicts and insurgencies around the world. They are known for their ruggedness and reliability, which has contributed to their enduring popularity.
It’s important to note that the term “AK-56” is not a standard designation and may be a colloquial or regional reference to the Type 56 or other AK-47 variants produced in China. The Type 56 remains an iconic and historically significant firearm in the realm of military small arms.
~ Condition ~
The piece is in excellent condition. It cocks and dry fires.
