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

Trend Forget A Single
Trend Forget A Single

The Great Firearm Sales Tax Holiday Trend—Will More States Join Florida?

Many states schedule a day, or a weekend, for residents to purchase arms and ammunition without the need to pay sales tax. Florida, however, is taking the savings to another level. Will more states follow?

Preview: DeSantis Horsehide Holster Upgrades

Horse leather often has a distinctive grain pattern and is generally even more durable, breathable and water-resistant than cowhide.

New For 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke In .375 H&H & .450 Bushmaster

The Christensen Arms Evoke is an affordable, bolt-action rifle platform that is now chambered for two unique big-game chamberings.

Preview: Thacha L-1 Lightweight Hooded Pullover

Thacha’s three distinct clothing lines allow sportsmen to adapt their apparel to the environment in which they will be hunting, and the L-1 Lightweight Hooded Pullover serves as the outermost component in the company’s L-1 warm-weather layering system.

Gun Of The Week: Wilson Combat Division 77 Project 1

Join American Rifleman staff on the range in this video to get a closer look at Wilson Combat’s somewhat cryptically named “Division 77 Project 1.” 

The Armed Citizen® July 18, 2025

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

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.