Norinco Type 81 and Type 81-1 Assault Rifle By China Technology System

Norinco Type 81 Assault Rifle Made China or Chinese

The Type 81 Assault Rifle was originally designed specifically for export, but was later produced in large numbers to become the Chinese Army’s primary assault rifle, replacing their aging Type 56 assault rifles. Though appearing to be a modification and modernization of the Type 56-1, the Type 81 in fact bears a closer relationship to the Type 63 series of rifles. The gas operating system is essentially an updated version of that used in the Type 73 above; however, a cover now protects the formerly open part of the rear of the operating mechanism. The fire selector switch is on most of the Type 81 series on the left side of the receiver above the pistol grip, though the late production Type 81S also has a secondary safety in the same place as the safety would be found on the SKS, just behind the trigger; this automatically disengages when the trigger is pulled back fully and prevents the Type 81S from being accidentally fired if dropped or bumped.

Very early production Type 81s could not accept the AKM/AK-47 magazines of any other country, due to a radically different feed mechanism; however this was corrected early in production and most Type 81s can Kalashnikov-type magazines and drums of virtually any origin, as well as the 15-round magazines of the Type 63 series. Very early production models also had a three-round burst mechanism in addition to a full
automatic setting, but this was also quickly deleted. The sights are standard Type 56-type sights, though modified for use with the longer barrel.

The Type 81 Assault Rifle uses high-impact plastic furniture and steel construction, and has a mount for a knife-type detachable bayonet. The 17.52-inch barrel is tipped by a flash suppressor which is of the right size for the launching of Chinese, Russian, former Warsaw Pact, or Pakistani rifle grenades. The Type 81-1 Assault Rifle is a Type 81 with a folding plastic stock instead of a fixed one. Note that for game purposes, the Type 81 Assault Rifle, Type 81-1 Assault Rifle, Type 81S, and Type 81S-1 Assault Rifle are identical. Twilight 2000 Notes: The Type 81 was not initially intended to replace the Type 56, but as millions of troops were raised to fight off the Russian invasion, most Type 81 production was diverted to native Chinese use. It is still not nearly as prevalent as the Type 56 series.