BrandWikiReturn

Type 56 assault rifle

The Type 56 [12] is a Chinese 7.62×39mm assault rifle and Kalashnikov rifle variant.

History

In 1955, the Soviet Union provided China with information and production equipment for the AK and SKS.[13]

Production started in 1956 at State Factory 66 but was eventually handed over to Norinco and PolyTech, who continue to manufacture the rifle primarily for export.

Design

Originally, the Type 56 was a direct, licensed copy of the AK's final iteration, and featured a milled receiver.[14]

The Type 56 features a fixed wooden stock and folding spike bayonet. Starting in the mid-1960s, the guns were manufactured with stamped receivers, much like the then new Soviet AKM.

Visually, most 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).

Many versions also feature a folding bayonet attached to the barrel just aft of the muzzle. There are three different types of bayonets made for Type 56 rifles.

Adoption

China

The Type 56 was adopted to replace various WWII-era weapons, including the Mosin-Nagant, Type 38 rifle and M1903 Springfield, as the standard issue rifle in the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

The Type 56 rifle was designated as the "Type 1956 Submachine Gun", as the Type 56 took the role of SMG rather than infantry service rifle in the PLA in its early service years.[15]

Export

During the Cold War period, the Type 56 was exported to many countries and guerrilla forces throughout the world.

Many of these rifles found their way to battlefields in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East and were used alongside other Kalashnikov pattern weapons from both the Soviet Union as well as the Warsaw Pact nations of Eastern Europe.

Chinese support for North Vietnam before the mid-1960s meant that the Type 56 was frequently encountered by American soldiers in the hands of either Viet Cong guerrillas or PAVN soldiers during the Vietnam War. The Type 56 was discovered far more often than the original Russian-made AK-47s or AKMs.The Type 56 was used extensively by Iranian forces during the Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s, with Iran purchasing large quantities of weapons from China for its armed forces. During the war, Iraq also purchased a small quantity, despite them being a major recipient of Soviet weapons and assistance during the conflict. This was done in conjunction with their purchasing of a large number of AKMs from Eastern Europe.

During the Soviet–Afghan War in the 1980s, many Type 56 rifles were supplied to Afghan Mujahideen guerrillas to fight Soviet forces. The rifles were supplied by China, Pakistan and the US who obtained them from third party arms dealers.[16] There is photographic evidence from Soviet/Russian sources where captured Type 56 rifles were utilized by Soviet soldiers in lieu of their standard-issue AKM and AK-74 rifles.

Use of the Type 56 in Afghanistan also continued well into the early 21st century as the standard rifle of the Taliban such as when Taliban forces seized control of Kabul in 1996 (a majority of the Chinese small arms used by the Taliban were provided by Pakistan).[17]

Variants

Norinco production

Type 56-1

Copy of the AKS, with an under-folding steel shoulder stock and the bayonet removed to make the weapon easier to carry.

As with the original Type 56, milled receivers were replaced by stamped receivers in the mid-1960s, making the Type 56-1 an equivalent to the Russian AKMS.

Civilian semi-auto versions (Type 56S-I) may have the spike bayonet added, though it is worth noting that this is not the original military configuration.

Type 06

The Type 06 is an assault rifle manufactured by Poly Technologies to be chambered in 5.56mm NATO.

Type 56-2

Improved variant introduced in 1980, with a side-folding stock and dark orange bakelite furniture. The stock also houses a cleaning kit, which both underfolding AKs (all nations) and other sidefolding AKs lacked, instead requiring a separate pouch. It also allows a traditional detachable bayonet, both AK-47 and AKM styles, as an option in addition to the folding spike style.

Mainly manufactured for export and rare in China as the Type 81 was already in production by the time of conception.

7.62 RK 56 TP

Modified Type 56-2 in China for Finnish use, with a new hammer spring that allows firing of Finnish 7.62x39.[18]

7.62 RK 56 TP

Modified Type 56-2 in China for Finnish use, with a new hammer spring that allows firing of Finnish 7.62x39.[18]

Type 56C

Short-barrel version, introduced in 1991 for the domestic and export market.

The QBZ-56C as it is officially designated in China, is a carbine variant of the Type 56-2 and supplied in limited quantities to some PLA units. The Chinese Navy is now the most prominent user. Development began in 1988, after it was discovered that the Type 81 assault rifle was too difficult to shorten.

In order to further reduce weight, the bayonet lug was removed. The QBZ-56C is often carried with a twenty-round box magazine, although it is capable of accepting a standard Type 56 thirty-round magazine.[19] It also has a sidefolding stock in addition to a muzzle booster, giving it a similar appearance to the AKS-74U.[20]

Type 56S

The Type 56 Sporter, also known as the AK47S, AKS-762 and MAK-90 (Modified AK-1990) is the semi-automatic only civilian version of the Type 56[21]

Later versions were modified to meet the requirements of a 1989 Executive Order by President George H. W. Bush prohibiting importation of certain 'assault rifle' configurations of military-style semi-automatic rifles such as the Norinco AKM/AK-47.

These modifications included a one-piece U.S.-made thumbhole stock to replace the separate Chinese-made buttstock and pistol grip of the original AK rifle and the inclusion of a rivet on the receiver preventing use of standard AK-47, RPK, or AKM magazines.

56S Galil sidefolder

Special version of the 56S/MAK-90 with an IMI Galil style side folding stock. Was exclusive to the US market.

The Legend

Another version of the 56S/MAK-90 except configured to look like the Type 3 AK-47.

It is extremely faithful to the Type 3 design, even having a milled receiver and original AK-47 style bayonet lug, but does retain some manufacturing differences from the Type 56 such as the pinned in barrel, lack of vent cuts on the gas tube heat guard, only 3 rivets on the trigger guard, the stamped recoil guide rod, spring loaded firing pin and variance in machining such as on the receiver and lightening cuts. Like the previous, US market only.

56S Galil sidefolder

Special version of the 56S/MAK-90 with an IMI Galil style side folding stock. Was exclusive to the US market.

The Legend

Another version of the 56S/MAK-90 except configured to look like the Type 3 AK-47.

It is extremely faithful to the Type 3 design, even having a milled receiver and original AK-47 style bayonet lug, but does retain some manufacturing differences from the Type 56 such as the pinned in barrel, lack of vent cuts on the gas tube heat guard, only 3 rivets on the trigger guard, the stamped recoil guide rod, spring loaded firing pin and variance in machining such as on the receiver and lightening cuts. Like the previous, US market only.

Type 56M

RPK style LMG version of the Type 56.[22]

Utilizes a standard Type 56 stamped receiver and front trunnion, likely due to their rigidity, and its bi-pod is more RPD like then RPK, being tubular.

It seems to have two configurations with only minor cosmetic changes, one with standard AK-47/M open sights with "ears" and the bi-pod directly behind the front sight base, and a second configuration with typical Type 56 enclosed "hooded" sights and the bi-pod in front of the front sight base near the muzzle.

The latter version usually is seen with a birdcage flash hider or AK-74 style muzzle brake. Like the Type 56-2, it was only made for export as the Type 81 LMG was selected for military service instead.

Sporting variants

Civilian semi-auto sporter versions are known as the Type 87S or NHM 91. The semi-auto versions have also been sold with standard Type 56 stocks instead of the RPD "club foot" style as well as thumbhole variants after 1989. A rare version known as the "National Match" was once sold with a milled receiver and scope and scope mount.[23]

Sporting variants

Civilian semi-auto sporter versions are known as the Type 87S or NHM 91. The semi-auto versions have also been sold with standard Type 56 stocks instead of the RPD "club foot" style as well as thumbhole variants after 1989. A rare version known as the "National Match" was once sold with a milled receiver and scope and scope mount.[23]

Type 84

Export version of the Type 56 rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO round. The lineup also featuer underfolder (Type 84-1) and sidefolder (Type 84-2) versions.[24] Civilian semi-auto version known as Type 84S and AKS-223.

Special matte black synthetic versions were also available as the Type 84-3,[24] Type 84-4 (underfolder) and Type 84-5 (sidefolder).[25]

Type 86S

Semi automatic bullpup version.

Type 56-1

Copy of the AKS, with an under-folding steel shoulder stock and the bayonet removed to make the weapon easier to carry.

As with the original Type 56, milled receivers were replaced by stamped receivers in the mid-1960s, making the Type 56-1 an equivalent to the Russian AKMS.

Civilian semi-auto versions (Type 56S-I) may have the spike bayonet added, though it is worth noting that this is not the original military configuration.

Type 06

The Type 06 is an assault rifle manufactured by Poly Technologies to be chambered in 5.56mm NATO.

Type 56-2

Improved variant introduced in 1980, with a side-folding stock and dark orange bakelite furniture. The stock also houses a cleaning kit, which both underfolding AKs (all nations) and other sidefolding AKs lacked, instead requiring a separate pouch. It also allows a traditional detachable bayonet, both AK-47 and AKM styles, as an option in addition to the folding spike style.

Mainly manufactured for export and rare in China as the Type 81 was already in production by the time of conception.

7.62 RK 56 TP

Modified Type 56-2 in China for Finnish use, with a new hammer spring that allows firing of Finnish 7.62x39.[18]

7.62 RK 56 TP

Modified Type 56-2 in China for Finnish use, with a new hammer spring that allows firing of Finnish 7.62x39.[18]

Type 56C

Short-barrel version, introduced in 1991 for the domestic and export market.

The QBZ-56C as it is officially designated in China, is a carbine variant of the Type 56-2 and supplied in limited quantities to some PLA units. The Chinese Navy is now the most prominent user. Development began in 1988, after it was discovered that the Type 81 assault rifle was too difficult to shorten.

In order to further reduce weight, the bayonet lug was removed. The QBZ-56C is often carried with a twenty-round box magazine, although it is capable of accepting a standard Type 56 thirty-round magazine.[19] It also has a sidefolding stock in addition to a muzzle booster, giving it a similar appearance to the AKS-74U.[20]

Type 56S

The Type 56 Sporter, also known as the AK47S, AKS-762 and MAK-90 (Modified AK-1990) is the semi-automatic only civilian version of the Type 56[21]

Later versions were modified to meet the requirements of a 1989 Executive Order by President George H. W. Bush prohibiting importation of certain 'assault rifle' configurations of military-style semi-automatic rifles such as the Norinco AKM/AK-47.

These modifications included a one-piece U.S.-made thumbhole stock to replace the separate Chinese-made buttstock and pistol grip of the original AK rifle and the inclusion of a rivet on the receiver preventing use of standard AK-47, RPK, or AKM magazines.

56S Galil sidefolder

Special version of the 56S/MAK-90 with an IMI Galil style side folding stock. Was exclusive to the US market.

The Legend

Another version of the 56S/MAK-90 except configured to look like the Type 3 AK-47.

It is extremely faithful to the Type 3 design, even having a milled receiver and original AK-47 style bayonet lug, but does retain some manufacturing differences from the Type 56 such as the pinned in barrel, lack of vent cuts on the gas tube heat guard, only 3 rivets on the trigger guard, the stamped recoil guide rod, spring loaded firing pin and variance in machining such as on the receiver and lightening cuts. Like the previous, US market only.

56S Galil sidefolder

Special version of the 56S/MAK-90 with an IMI Galil style side folding stock. Was exclusive to the US market.

The Legend

Another version of the 56S/MAK-90 except configured to look like the Type 3 AK-47.

It is extremely faithful to the Type 3 design, even having a milled receiver and original AK-47 style bayonet lug, but does retain some manufacturing differences from the Type 56 such as the pinned in barrel, lack of vent cuts on the gas tube heat guard, only 3 rivets on the trigger guard, the stamped recoil guide rod, spring loaded firing pin and variance in machining such as on the receiver and lightening cuts. Like the previous, US market only.

Type 56M

RPK style LMG version of the Type 56.[22]

Utilizes a standard Type 56 stamped receiver and front trunnion, likely due to their rigidity, and its bi-pod is more RPD like then RPK, being tubular.

It seems to have two configurations with only minor cosmetic changes, one with standard AK-47/M open sights with "ears" and the bi-pod directly behind the front sight base, and a second configuration with typical Type 56 enclosed "hooded" sights and the bi-pod in front of the front sight base near the muzzle.

The latter version usually is seen with a birdcage flash hider or AK-74 style muzzle brake. Like the Type 56-2, it was only made for export as the Type 81 LMG was selected for military service instead.

Sporting variants

Civilian semi-auto sporter versions are known as the Type 87S or NHM 91. The semi-auto versions have also been sold with standard Type 56 stocks instead of the RPD "club foot" style as well as thumbhole variants after 1989. A rare version known as the "National Match" was once sold with a milled receiver and scope and scope mount.[23]

Sporting variants

Civilian semi-auto sporter versions are known as the Type 87S or NHM 91. The semi-auto versions have also been sold with standard Type 56 stocks instead of the RPD "club foot" style as well as thumbhole variants after 1989. A rare version known as the "National Match" was once sold with a milled receiver and scope and scope mount.[23]

Type 84

Export version of the Type 56 rifle chambered for the 5.56×45mm NATO round. The lineup also featuer underfolder (Type 84-1) and sidefolder (Type 84-2) versions.[24] Civilian semi-auto version known as Type 84S and AKS-223.

Special matte black synthetic versions were also available as the Type 84-3,[24] Type 84-4 (underfolder) and Type 84-5 (sidefolder).[25]

Type 86S

Semi automatic bullpup version.

Foreign production

KL-7.62

Iranian copy of the Type 56.

The original version of the KL-7.62 was indistinguishable from the Type 56, but in recent years DIO appears to have made some improvements to the Type 56 design, adding a plastic stock and handguards (rather than wood) and a ribbed receiver cover (featured on most AKM variants, but missing from the Type 56), as well as picatinny rails on newer versions.

They consist of the KLS (AKM wooden stock) and the KLF (AKM folding stock).[26]

MAZ

Sudanese licensed copy of the Type 56 made by Military Industry Corporation.

ASh78

Albanian licensed copy of the Type 56.[27]

TUL-1

North Vietnamese-made variant, but with stock of an RPK, barrel sights from an RPD.[28]

The TUL-1's body was thin, only 1 mm compared to the 1.5 mm of an RPK. It was also heavier and had an inferior rate of fire compared to the RPK. However, the firing rate and effective range of the weapon was better than an AK-47-based rifle.[28] They're known to use 30-round magazines from AK-47-based rifles with the occasional 40-round magazine.[28]

The TUL-1s were manufactured between 1970–1974 and ended after Vietnam obtained production rights to the RPK itself.[29][30]

KA2-5

Clone made in Myanmar by the Kachin Independence Army.[31]

KL-7.62

Iranian copy of the Type 56.

The original version of the KL-7.62 was indistinguishable from the Type 56, but in recent years DIO appears to have made some improvements to the Type 56 design, adding a plastic stock and handguards (rather than wood) and a ribbed receiver cover (featured on most AKM variants, but missing from the Type 56), as well as picatinny rails on newer versions.

They consist of the KLS (AKM wooden stock) and the KLF (AKM folding stock).[26]

MAZ

Sudanese licensed copy of the Type 56 made by Military Industry Corporation.

ASh78

Albanian licensed copy of the Type 56.[27]

TUL-1

North Vietnamese-made variant, but with stock of an RPK, barrel sights from an RPD.[28]

The TUL-1's body was thin, only 1 mm compared to the 1.5 mm of an RPK. It was also heavier and had an inferior rate of fire compared to the RPK. However, the firing rate and effective range of the weapon was better than an AK-47-based rifle.[28] They're known to use 30-round magazines from AK-47-based rifles with the occasional 40-round magazine.[28]

The TUL-1s were manufactured between 1970–1974 and ended after Vietnam obtained production rights to the RPK itself.[29][30]

KA2-5

Clone made in Myanmar by the Kachin Independence Army.[31]

Users

  • 🇦🇫 Afghanistan[32]
  • 🇦🇱 Albania[33] Locally produced as the ASh-78 Tipi-1 under small modification of the Albanian Army needs. Standard issue rifle of the army.
  • 🇩🇿 Algeria[34]
  • 🇧🇩 Bangladesh[35]
  • 🇧🇯 Benin
  • 🇧🇴 Bolivia[36]
  • 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • 🇧🇷 Brazil: Limited numbers seized from criminals and issued to the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro[37]
  • 🇧🇮 Burundi: Burundian rebels.[38]
  • 🇰🇭 Cambodia[39][40]
  • 🇨🇫 Central African Republic[41]
  • 🇹🇩 Chad
  • Congo-Brazzaville[42]
  • Congo-Kinshasa[43][44]
  • 🇩🇯 Djibouti
  • East Timor[45]
  • 🇪🇨 Ecuador[46]
  • 🇪🇪 Estonia[47]
  • 🇬🇲 Gambia
  • 🇮🇷 Iran: Type 56 and Type 56-1[48]
  • 🇮🇶 Iraq[6]
  • Iraqi Kurdistan[49]
  • Ivory Coast[50]
  • Kosovo[51]
  • Laos[33]
  • 🇱🇷 Liberia
  • 🇱🇾 Libyan National Army: Type 56-1[52]
  • 🇲🇱 Mali[33]
  • 🇲🇹 Malta[33][53]
  • 🇲🇲 Myanmar[54]
  • 🇳🇵 Nepal: Used by the Nepalese Army and formerly by the People's Liberation Army rebels[55]
  • [56]
  • 🇰🇵 North Korea[33]
  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan[33]
  • 🇶🇦 Qatar[57]
  • 🇷🇺 Russia[58]
  • 🇷🇼 Rwanda[59]
  • 🇸🇱 Sierra Leone[60]
  • 🇸🇴 Somalia[61]
  • 🇸🇸 South Sudan: South Sudan Liberation Movement, South Sudan Democratic Movement, Sudan People's Liberation Army and Lou Nuer militias.[62]
  • 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka[33]
  • 🇸🇩 Sudan[63]
  • Syria[64]
  • 🇹🇯 Tajikistan[65]
  • 🇹🇿 Tanzania
  • 🇺🇦 Ukraine[8][66]
  • 🇺🇬 Uganda[67]
  • Vietnam
  • 🇾🇪 Yemen: Supplied by Iran to Houthi rebels.[68]
  • 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe[69]

Former Users

  • 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan: Used during First Nagorno-Karabakh War and retired in favor of more modern Russian rifles.
  • 🇭🇷 Croatia: Used by Croatia in its war of independence.[70]
  • Chechen Republic of Ichkeria[71]
  • 🇨🇳 China[72]
  • 🇫🇮 Finland: Purchased in the 1990s and used by Finnish Army reserve personnel. Now in long-term storage.[73][74]
  • 🇱🇾 Libya: Passed into successor state.
  • South Vietnam: Captured from Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War.[75]
  • 🇺🇸 United States: Captured rifles issued to MACV-SOG.[76]
  • Zaire: Passed into successor state.

Non-state users

  • Ambazonia Defence Forces[77]
  • Boko Haram − Type 56 and Type 56-1[78]
  • Contras[79]
  • Free Aceh Movement[80]
  • Hamas[81]
  • Hezbollah[82]
  • Kachin Independence Army − Locally produced copies; some with M203-like UBGLs.[83]
  • Khmer Rouge[84]
  • Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam
  • Lord's Resistance Army[67]
  • New People's Army[85]
  • Official Irish Republican Army[86]
  • Oromo Liberation Army[87]
  • People's Defence Force[88]
  • Flag of UNITA.svg UNITA[89]
  • Viet Cong[90]

Criminal activities

In 1987, Michael Ryan used a legally owned Type 56 rifle, and two other firearms, in the Hungerford massacre in the United Kingdom, in which he shot 32 people, 17 of whom died. The attack led to the passage of Firearms (Amendment) Act 1988, which bans ownership of semi-automatic centre-fire rifles and restricts the use of shotguns.[91]

In the United States, a Type 56 rifle, purchased in Oregon under a false name,[92] was used in the 1989 Stockton schoolyard shooting in which Patrick Purdy fired over 100 rounds to shoot one teacher and 34 children, killing five. The shooting led to the passage of California's Roberti-Roos Assault Weapons Control Act of 1989.[93]

A Type 56S, along with a Type 56S-1, were used by Larry Phillips, Jr. and Emil Mătăsăreanu during the 1997 North Hollywood shootout.[94]

See also

Bibliography

External links

References

  1. Rifle - Chinese Type 56 Assault, circa 1960s^
  2. x.com X (formerly Twitter), retrieved 11 June 2024^
  3. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2012: Moving Targets Cambridge University Press, 2012, retrieved 2018-08-30^
  4. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2005: Weapons at War Oxford University Press, 2005, retrieved 2018-08-29^
  5. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2015: weapons and the world Cambridge University Press, 2015, retrieved 2018-08-29^
  6. Iraq: Turning a blind eye: The arming of the Popular Mobilization Units Amnesty International, 5 January 2017, retrieved 26 October 2018^
  7. War Noir. x.com X (formerly Twitter), retrieved 6 June 2024^
  8. The Involuntary Ally: Iranian Arms in Ukraine www.oryxspioenkop.com, Oryx, September 3, 2022^
  9. UK Providing Ukrainian Troops with Chinese Type 56 AKs youtube.com, The Armourer's Bench, September 4, 2022^
  10. Small Arms of the 2025 Thai-Cambodia Border Clash The Armourers Bench, 8 August 2025, retrieved 9 August 2025^
  11. Chinese Type 56 Milled AK 23 September 2016^
  12. Why General Kalashnikov couldn't sell the AK in India India Today, 30 December 2013, retrieved 2021-03-12^
  13. Yan Xu. 中印邊境戰爭：中國56式班用武器大顯威風(圖) ifeng.com, Phoenix Television, 23 August 2009, retrieved 26 December 2023^
  14. Major F. Hobart. Jane's Infantry Weapons, 1975 Jane's Information Group, 1975^
  15. 1956年式突擊步槍 槍炮世界^
  16. Bobi Pirseyedi. The Small Arms Problem in Central Asia: Features and Implications United Nations Publications UNIDIR, 1 January 2000, retrieved 16 July 2013^
  17. Gordon Rottman. The AK-47: Kalashnikov-series assault rifles Osprey Publishing, 24 May 2011, retrieved 16 July 2013^
  18. Adoption of Type 56^
  19. 詳解中國首款QBZ56C型短突擊步槍(組圖) Sina.com, 2007-08-28, retrieved 2008-08-26^
  20. 中國新步槍名字實錘！為什麼還有一個192型自動步槍？輕武專欄 NetEase News, 28 September 2021, retrieved 30 September 2021^
  21. . Chicom47.net. Retrieved on 2012-05-20.^
  22. Light Machine Gun Type 56M (RPK)_Rifle_Weapon_Products_Jing an retrieved 2018-07-30^
  23. WipedOut chicom47.com, retrieved 2021-03-12^
  24. https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/i-have-this-old-gun-norinco-84s/^
  25. https://www.forgottenweapons.com/norinco-84s-china-makes-a-5-56mm-ak-specifically-for-the-us/^
  26. Archived copy^
  27. Martin J Brayley. Kalashnikov AK47 Series: The 7.62 x 39mm Assault Rifle in Detail Crowood, 2013^
  28. TUL-1 light machine gun still in use in Vietnamese army www.armyrecognition.com, 25 June 2020, retrieved 2021-03-12^
  29. Súng trung liên "made in Vietnam" uy lực cực mạnh khiến thế giới thán phục Kienthuc, 19 June 2020^
  30. Khám phá súng trung liên TUL-1 "made in Vietnam" Báo điện tử Tiền Phong, 2015-03-06, retrieved 2021-03-12^
  31. The Long War Pt. 4; the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) - Military History - Military Matters 30 November 2020^
  32. Michael Vinai Bhatia, Mark Sedra. Afghanistan, Arms and Conflict: Armed Groups, Disarmament and Security in a Post-War Society Routledge, May 2008, retrieved 2018-09-01^
  33. Jones, Richard D. Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010. Jane's Information Group; 35 edition (January 27, 2009). ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.^
  34. World Infantry Weapons: Algeria 2008^
  35. Bangladeshi Soldiers Are Issued A Unique Assault Rifle 1 March 2018, retrieved 10 May 2018^
  36. Carlos E. Hernández. Bolivia posterga la compra de fusiles en favor de simuladores de tiro infodefensa.com, 9 March 2017, retrieved 5 November 2024^
  37. Another look at Brazil's crime weapons 25 June 2018^
  38. Small Arms Survey. The Small Arms Survey 2007: Guns and the City Cambridge University Press, 2007, retrieved 2018-08-29^
  39. Working Papers. Small Arms Survey (2011-12-01). Retrieved on 2012-05-20.^
  40. Chris McNab. 20th Century Military Uniforms Grange Books, 2002^
  41. Laurent Touchard. Centrafrique : le Soudan a-t-il armé les ex-Séléka ? Jeune Afrique, 17 December 2013, retrieved 29 January 2019^
  42. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2003: Development Denied Oxford University Press, 2003, retrieved 2018-08-29^
  43. War Noir. Weapons in Al-Naba (#284) #ISCAP released the photos of captured weapons from Congolese Army in Democratic Republic of #Congo (#DRC). 12x Type 56-1 rifles, T69-1/DZP1C-40 rockets, MG-1M barrel, several 60mm Yugoslavian —likely M73 or derivative—mortar bombs captured 30 April 2021, retrieved 17 October 2022^
  44. François Misser. Rivers of arms gga.org, 31 March 2020, retrieved 5 November 2024^
  45. ForumDefesa.com retrieved 13 November 2014^
  46. Talina Mosquera. FF.AA. analizan usar los AK-47 de China para entrenamientos El Comercio, retrieved 10 May 2018^
  47. 56-2式冲锋枪（原版）详解 – 铁血网 retrieved 2014-06-14^
  48. Chris McNab. Armies of the Iran–Iraq War 1980–88 Bloomsbury Publishing, 2022^
  49. Kevin Knodell, Matt-Cetti Roberts. How Much Does a Gun Cost in Kurdistan? War is Boring, August 21, 2014^
  50. Savannah de Tessières. Enquête nationale sur les armes légères et de petit calibre en Côte d'Ivoire: les défis du contrôle des armes et de la lutte contre la violence armée avant la crise post-électorale UNDP, Commission Nationale de Lutte contre la Prolifération et la Circulation Illicite des Armes Légères et de Petit Calibre and Small Arms Survey, April 2012, retrieved 2018-08-30^
  51. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2009: Shadows of War Cambridge University Press, 2009, retrieved 2018-08-30^
  52. Stijn Mitzer, Joost Oliemans. Tracking Arms Transfers By The UAE, Russia, Jordan And Egypt To The Libyan National Army Since 2014 Oryx Blog, 23 March 2021^
  53. Matthew Agius. Personnel reveal shortcomings inside Maltese armed forces Malta Today, 14 July 2018, retrieved 26 April 2019^
  54. Paul Scarlata. The military rifle cartridges of Burma/Myanmar Shotgun News, May 2012, retrieved 2018-11-27^
  55. Legacies of War in the Company of Peace: Firearms in Nepal Nepal Issue Brief, Small Arms Survey, May 2013, retrieved 2019-01-08^
  56. Measuring Illicit Arms Flows: Niger Small Arms Survey, March 1, 2017^
  57. Stijn Mitzer, Joost Oliemans. Qatar's Purchase of BP-12A SRBMs: A Guppy Sprouts Teeth Oryx Blog, 6 March 2021^
  58. Russian Forces Began Using Chinese-Made Type 56-1 Assault Rifles Militarnyi, retrieved 8 March 2026^
  59. Rwanda.^
  60. World Infantry Weapons: Sierra Leone 2013^
  61. Louis Charbonneau. Exclusive: Somalia army weapons sold on open market – U.N. monitors Reuters, 10 October 2014, retrieved 4 April 2018^
  62. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2014: Women and guns Cambridge University Press, 2014, retrieved 2018-08-29^
  63. MAZ Military Industry Corporation, retrieved 2009-02-08^
  64. Syrie: les ISIS Hunters, ces soldats du régime de Damas formés par la Russie France-Soir, 30 May 2017, retrieved 10 October 2018^
  65. Tajikistan Arms Its Soldiers With Chinese Rifles 21stcenturyasianarmsrace.com, retrieved 12 January 2021^
  66. UK Providing Ukrainian Troops with Chinese Type 56 AKs youtube.com, The Armourer's Bench, September 4, 2022^
  67. Small Arms Survey. Small Arms Survey 2006: Unfinished Business Oxford University Press, 2006, retrieved 2018-08-29^
  68. Stijn Mitzer, Joost Oliemans. List of Iranian Arms and Equipment Supplied to Houthi Militants in Yemen since 2015 Oryx Blog, 25 September 2019^
  69. Tony Cullen, Ian Drury, Chris Bishop. The Encyclopedia of World Military Weapons Crescent Publications, 1988^
  70. Vojničke puške – mup.hr 16 March 2014, retrieved 10 May 2018^
  71. Exotic species of the North Caucasus (Pt 1) 22 December 2021, retrieved 29 March 2025^
  72. Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN 1-84065-245-4^
  73. 散布在世界各個角落里的中國輕兵器！（圖片） – 鐵血網 retrieved 2014-06-14^
  74. Mosin.fi - Provenance Research Service for Finnish Firearms www.mosin.fi, retrieved 31 July 2023^
  75. Gordon L. Rottman. Army of the Republic of Vietnam 1955–75 Osprey Publishing, 2010^
  76. John L. Plaster. Behind Enemy Lines: Guns of Vietnam's SOG Warriors American Rifleman, National Rifle Association, 7 April 2020, retrieved 2022-10-18^
  77. Conway Waddington. Brief imagery analysis: 'Ambazonia Defence Forces' propaganda picture African Defence Review, 2019-06-19, retrieved 2024-02-11^
  78. Savannah de Tessières. At the Crossroads of Sahelian Conflicts: Insecurity, Terrorism, and Arms Trafficking in Niger Small Arms Survey, January 2018, retrieved 2018-06-05^
  79. Carlos Caballero Jurado. Central American Wars 1959–89 Osprey Publishing, 1990^
  80. Capie, David. Small Ams Production and Transfers in Southeast Asia Australian National University, 2002^
  81. A Look Inside Hamas's Weapons Arsenal – The Cipher Brief www.thecipherbrief.com, retrieved 2025-12-02^
  82. Second Lebanon War gallery www.lebanonwar2.idf.il, retrieved 2025-12-02^
  83. The Kachin Kalashnikov in Myanmar. Miles Vining. The Firearm Blog. July 24, 2018.^
  84. A member of the Khmer Rouge sits on the window sill of an abandoned building close to the Turtle ... Australian War Memorial, retrieved 14 October 2024^
  85. Bong S. Sarmiento. Duterte's peace try falls to pieces Asia Times, 2017-11-27, retrieved 2024-06-14^
  86. Brian Hanley, Scott Millar. The Lost Revolution: The Story of the Official IRA and the Workers' Party Penguin Ireland, 2009^
  87. War Noir. x.com X (formerly Twitter), retrieved 6 June 2024^
  88. Anthony Davis. Myanmar PDFs getting the guns to turn the war Asia Times, 19 May 2023, retrieved 14 October 2024^
  89. Unita attack east of Luanda 22 May 2001, retrieved 30 November 2025^
  90. Tom Laemlein. Small Arms of the Viet Cong The Armory Life, 2021-10-26, retrieved 2024-06-14^
  91. Warlow, Tom. Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistic CRC Press, 2004, retrieved 2015-11-14^
  92. King, Wayne. Weapon Used by Deranged Man Is Easy to Buy The New York Times, January 19, 1989, retrieved 21 November 2014^
  93. Ingram, Carl. Governor Signs Assault Weapon Legislation Los Angeles Times, May 25, 1989, retrieved 21 November 2014^
  94. Doug Smith. Chilling Portrait of Robber Emerges Los Angeles Times, 10 March 1997, retrieved 2017-03-28^