Video: Chinese Type 56 Rifle (AK-56)

by
posted on March 2, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
The Chinese Type 56 is the most prolific version of rifles in the AK family—about 20 percent of AK-type rifles today is a Type 56—having been exported by the Chinese to communist movements throughout the world. The rifle was especially prevalent in the hands of the North Vietnamese during the presence of U.S. forces. Watch this "I Have This Old Gun" segment from a recent episode of American Rifleman TV as the experts discuss one of the most popular AK-47 variants, the Chinese Type 56 (AK-56) rifle.

Latest

Ruger Mini-14 Upgrades
Ruger Mini-14 Upgrades

5 Must-Have Ruger Mini-14 Accessories

In production since 1973, the Ruger Mini-14 has spawned a rather healthy aftermarket of parts and accessories. Here are five that you really can't live without if you're a true Mini-14 fan.

New For 2026: U.S. Palm Eye of the Storm (EOS) Suppressors

Earlier this year, U.S. Palm promised to offer its own line of firearms and suppressors. Now, its line of suppressors, the Eye of the Storm (EOS) series, is finally here.

Gun of the Week: Taylor's & Co. TC73

The Taylor's Firearms TC73 has classic lines and a classic appearance, but unlike other lever-actions, this one has a few unique features.

The Armed Citizen® June 26, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Wolford v. Lopez Decision is Striking

In Wolford v. Lopez, the Supreme Court ruled that “Hawaii’s law prohibiting licensed concealed-carry permit holders from carrying handguns on private property open to the public without the property owner’s express authorization violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments.”

The Fighting Shotgun: Myths, Legends & Facts

For a host of reasons, the Winchester Model 1897 "trench gun" probably never really made it into combat on the Western Front. But, the fact remains that Americans have always revered the shotgun as the ultimate fight-stopper.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.