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

001 HP15CC W Cover 01
001 HP15CC W Cover 01

Review: Hi-Point HP-15 Carbine

In 2025, Hi-Point Firearms surprised the firearm community with the news that it would offer a complete line of HP-15 carbines and pistols. Since then, the company has expanded their offerings.

New for 2026: Springfield Armory Saint Victor .300 BLK 9.5” Pistol

Springfield Armory’s Saint Victor family now has a pistol in .300 BLK.

Preview: Lee Precision 7 mm Backcountry Reloading Dies

Lee Precision is now backing Federal’s 7 mm Backcountry cartridge with an all-inclusive kit, along with load data to reload once-fired Federal Premium cases.

Rimfire Resurgence Trend?

With suppressor sales booming, are shooters rediscovering their love of rimfire firearms?

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.