The Type-56 Assault Rifle is a Chinese copy of the Kalashnikov AK-47. While early Type-56s were copies of the third generation milled receiver AK-47, later Type-56s were patterned after the improved AKM with stamped receivers. Visually, all versions of the Type-56 are distinguished from the AK-47 and AKM by the fully-enclosed hooded front sight (Russian-made rifles have a partially open front sight) and the smooth receiver cover, a characteristic of only the earliest Russian AKs. 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 thinner than the AK-47 in order to reduce costs, though this also reduces durability.
The Chinese Type-56 assault rifle has been the standard issue assault rifle of the Chinese military from the late 1950's until the 1980's when it was replaced by the newer Type 81 assault rifle and the rifles were sent to second-line Chinese forces. During the Cold War period, the Chinese Type-56 assault rifle was exported by the Chinese to communist forces in the Third World that were loyal to Maoism and Beijing. During the Soviet war in Afghanistan in the 1980's, many Chinese Type-56 assault rifles were given to Afghan guerrillas to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan by both the Chinese and the Americans. When the Taliban took control of Kabul in 1996, the Chinese Type-56 assault rifle were seen in the hands of Taliban forces while the Afghan Northern Alliance forces were exclusively armed with Russian-made Kalashnikovs e.g. the AKM and the AK-74.

Type: Assault Rifle Place of Origin: People's Republic of China In Service: 1958 to 1986 Used By: People's Republic of China, Sri Lanka, Republic of Croatia Wars: Vietnam War, Sri Lankan Civil War, Soviet War in Afghanistan, Croatian War of Independence. Designed: Unknown Produced: 1956 to present Number Built: Millions. Weight: 3.8Kg Length: 874 mm (34.4 in) Barrel Length: 414 mm (16.3 in). Cartridge: 7.62 mmx39 mm Soviet M1943 Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt Rate of Fire: 600r/min Muzzle velocity: 735 m/s (2,411 ft/.s) Effective Range: 400 m Feed System: 30 round standard Sights: Adjustable iron sights