AK47 / Type 56 - Saigon Report Ep. 06

Big thanks to Century Arms!

The Soviet Union adopted the “Avtomat Kalashnikova” (Kalashnikov’s Automatic Gun) in 1949 and dubbed it the AK-47. The self-loading, select-fire battle rifle was chambered in 7.62x39mm with a standard magazine loading of 30 rounds. Standard issue rifles were made with stamped steel receivers and hardwood stocks and forends.

The empty weight is 7.7 pounds and the standard barrel length is 16.3 inches. Steel, 30 round magazines weigh 0.73 lbs. Elevation and Windage can be adjusted at the front sight and the rear sight can be adjusted for elevation. A detachable bayonet can be attached to the barrel.

In 1956 the Chinese adopted their own version of the AKM rifle and named it the Type 56. Type 56 rifles mirror the original rifle in most ways. The Type 56 is distinguished by the addition of an under-folding bayonet that remains attached to the rifle.

Both machined (milled) and stamped receiver Type 56 rifles were produced. The manual safety, charging handle and bolt/bolt carrier are traditional Kalashnikov design. Again, standard capacity magazines hold 30 rounds, 20 and 40 round models were available.

The curved 30 round magazine of the North Vietnamese Type 56 / AK rifle became known as “banana clips” by American GIs. Many historians believe that the existence of 30 rounds mags on enemy rifles spurred the US Army to adopt 30 round magazines for the M-16A1.

All Kalashnikov-style rifles, regardless of country of origin, earned a stellar reputation of stout and robust firearms. While feared, they were also respected. Many US Special Operations troops chose to carry the AK, particularly during deep insertion and recon missions.
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