The Chinese AK-47 Blog: April 2016

The Type 56 Chinese Full Auto AK-47 Identification and selector markings. FA Carrier Identification too.

There do seem to be some Full Auto Chinese AK Type 56 here in the US. It is also possible to purchase one, but I hear that there may only be a handful of them.
Prices for a pre-ban full auto transferable amnesty gun start at $25,000 or more.

Their prices are very very high, beginning with 5 digits, and you will have to file paperwork with the ATF to own and purchase a full auto machine gun.

The most recognizable difference is that there is a smaller safety lever stop than on the semi-autos, and there are also two notches, both with Chinese markings, indicating full auto and semi-auto.

The next difference is that there is a third hole that is part of the FCG (Fire Control Group). Yes, a Third hole. Sounds fun.

Well, the third hole has a pin that attaches to the Full Auto Sear in the Full Auto Type 56 Machine gun. This allows the sear to be held back in order not to re-lock as it would during semi-auto firing.

The 56 were made on Milled receivers and on 1.5mm stamped receivers.

Thanks for taking a look. Please check out the other posts on semi-auto Chinese Variations.

This is Type 56 Chinese De-milled Parts kit. Full auto, but still a stamped receiver. With a European ribbed dust cover.

This is a Full auto Milled Chinese Spiker.

That's the way we like it.
Obviously staged, but with a nice Vietnamese mama san posing with a Type 56 Milled Spiker.

Full Auto Sear Cut Original Chinese Bolt Carrier.

Full Auto Bolt Carriers have an extra cut out for the automatic sear to operate.
Here is picture of a FA carrier.
Picture courtesy of Jopokk.

Chinese AK-47 Magazines and Pouches, including Type 63, RPK, and Drums Mags

As I search online, I find threads with only parts of magazine pouch collections, and I always wonder what they look like in context with other mags, and other pouches. I want to introduce the different Types of Chinese made AK-47 Magazine Pouches, as well as Type 63 Mag Pouches, with their Type 63 - 20 round magazines. Please review my photos. I have your typical 30 round "flat back" Chinese Military magazines, some rare 20 round mags, RPK magazines, and Tanker Magazines. Including Type 56 Magazine vests, Type 81 Magazine vests, Type 63 Magazine vests, and RPK Mag Pouches and AK-47 Magazine Drums.

Here is my Type 56 Chinese PLA (People's Liberation Army) Magazine Vest, complete with 3 x 30 round Chinese flat back mags, 3 x 10 round mags, and one one green "star" oil bottle.

That is Red Bakelite Chinese Bayonet, with chrome bayonet hanger.

My friend picked up the vest in Baghdad a few years ago and gave it to me. No blood.

Here is my Type 56 Bakelite magazine vest, with 3 x 30 round Red Bakelite mags, left is a Norinco, then a Russian Tula, and on the right is an Ivishichek. There are 2 x 10 round mags in the side pockets, and green and white "star" oil bottles.

Top right are two Chinese Type 1 AK-47 Bayonets. One blond, one dark red.

Here is my battle pack. This is a Chinese PLA Type 81 Magazine vest, which holds 4 x 30 round AK magazines, and 2 rare 15 round Chinese mags. The 15 round mags are difficult to find. I have bought every one I have seen for sale.

That is Red Bakelite Brass Pin Chinese AK-47 Bayonet on top.

Here is my Type 63 Magazine vest. It was created for the Chinese predecessor of the AK-47, which became obsolete almost as soon as it reached the troops. Those are 5 Type 63 single bar magazines, that fit in each pouch. There are 2 x 15 round Chinese AK magazines that fit snugly into the two side pockets.

Above the vest is Rare Green Chinese Bakelite bayonet with black belt hanger, and below is Black bayonet.

Here is my second Type 63 Magazine vest. There are 5 x 20 Round Black Phonelic / Bakelite Magazines.

There are extremely difficult to come across.

That is a 15 round magazine in the left side pocket and no-bar 10 round magazine in the right side pocket.

The RPK pouch is Romanian, as the Chinese don't seem to make one.
If they do, please mail me one.

There are 4 x 40 round Chinese flat back magazines in the pouch, and one 10 round mag in the front pocket.

The pouch is comfortable and the mags fit in like a dream. I love this set. It is easy to carry around.
it is even comfortable to watch a movie with on, while reclining on a sofa.

Here is a 5 cell Chinese PLA magazine pouch. I have it filled with 5 x 30 round Polytech Chrome Follower Magazines.

These are the most costly Chinese 30 round mags online today.

That is 10 round Poly marked Chrome Follower magazine, in its unopened original plastic wrapper in the side pocket.

YES, THEY DID MAKE THEM.

Here is my 5 cell Chinese mag pouch, with 5 x 30 round Chinese Military Magazines, in new unopened wrappers.

And a 10 round unopened Chinese mag in the side pocket.

Here is my third and final 5 cell Chinese Magazine pouch.

It is filled with 5 x 30 round flat back magazines, which are in great shape, but actual shooters, with a green "star" oil bottle in the side pocket.

Add caption

This mag pouch is not Chinese. This is a Hungarian Tanker Mag Pouch. It is filled with 3 x 20 round Hungarian Tanker mags. I do not know that they are called this because they were originally made for tankers, but the legend seems true that Tankers needed a shorter and more maneuverable magazine, as they came in and out of tanks. Either way, these mags make bench rest shooting a pleasure, and they do not get in the way when you shoot prone either. That is a major tactical advantage too. I love these mags, they are solid and durable. These are my shooters.

Here are my Chinese Type 1 Polytech Bayonets. One is blond, and the other has a deep dark red hue to it. That is a Romanian 75 round drum on the right. It shoots flawlessly.

Below is a Type 53 Chinese Pouch. On the right is a Chinese Pouch, that I keep my 1918 WWI Trench Knife in. It is a perfect fit!

Add caption

Here are 2 x 4 cell Type 79 Machine gun pouches. You can find them for sale online some times. I put 4 x Colt .45 mags into them. They hold the colt mags fine, and are very useful. Also, the wooden toggles are silent, when opening them for another mag!

These are my Chinese drum magazine pouches. The top one has a 100 Round Drum, new inside its original wrapper.

The lower drum is a Factory 6396 Chinese PLA Drum Magazines. I keep 2 x 10 round stripper clips in the side pocket of my drum pouch.

My Type 63 Magazine pouches together. They are a great set! Very useful too!

Here is the magazine collection together with some of my rifles. Please check out my other posts for more information on specific rifles.

This is a Viet Nam /NVA made original 1960's AK chest rig. It is certainly patterned after the Chinese Type 56 rig, but made differently. The tan color with three mag and two smaller pockets is a give away.

Here are two pictures of each of the 10 varieties of Chinese 20 round magazine.
Look closely, each magazine is different, and each of the 4 star magazines are different variations.