Type 56 Carbine (SKS)

History of the Type 56 Carbine (SKS)

The Type 56 Carbine (not to be confused with the Type 56 Assault Rifle) is nothing more than a native Chinese replica of the Soviet-era Simonov SKS Carbine Self-Loading Rifle, and as such shares many similarities with the original design, combining form and function incl. Like the SKS before it, the Type 56 uses the Soviet 7.62x39mm M1943 "Medium" cartridge introduced during World War II - the same cartridge that eventually powered the ubiquitous AK-47 series of assault rifles. The original Soviet SKS itself proved to be a reliable and low-maintenance self-loading rifle that required little training in use and was internally based on the Simonov PTRS anti-tank rifle seen during the war.

The SKS's military rifle-style wooden body made it heavier than expected, but that proved tolerable in the field given its hasty development during World War II. The original Soviet brand was the first automatic weapon to be developed using the new 7 62x39mm M1943 cartridge, millions of which entered circulation - possibly as many as 15 million according to sources. Despite close ties to the Soviet Empire and the SKS, which entered service in 1949, the Chinese production of the SKS series - hence the Chinese name for the rifle - did not begin until 1956, with local factories established only with the support of Soviet advisers .

Externally, the Type 56 was little different from the Soviet version it mimicked, save for the necessary Chinese production markings. The fuselage is a single piece of wood that forms the shoulder rest and forearm, and all the metal inner workings are concentrated on the exposed top of the receiver. The grip blends into the shape of the stock, while the curved trigger assembly hangs below the receiver, protected by a thin ring guard. Integrated ammunition boxes are built into the shelter at the bottom of the receiver.

The front end of the gun is controlled by a protruding barrel assembly, placed under the gas cylinder. The gas system can be quickly removed for cleaning and servicing, and is partially encased in a wooden cover with three protruding perforations on the side - making it look very much like an AK-style assault rifle. Iron sights are mounted on the front of the receiver top and behind the muzzle. Like the Soviet SKS, the Chinese version features a novel collapsible bayonet mechanism that folds back and along the bottom of the barrel for a more compact shape. Early production versions featured a blade design, while later production forms featured a more typical "spiky" bayonet.

The charging handle is usually mounted on the right side of the body and provides loop slings for the shoulder straps. The standard ammo box (notable for its sloping lower base) holds 10 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, which can be fed individually or by means of a "removal clip" (loader). The magazine is accessed for emptying through a simple hinged lid located on the bottom of the box. On the original production model, firepower was limited to semi-automatic, and muzzle velocity was rated at 2,411 feet per second.

Overall length is 40 inches and empty weight is 8 lb 8 oz. The barrel is 20.5 inches long and features a right-handed 4-slot design.

After gaining experience in the production and operation of the Type 56 carbine, Chinese engineers eventually developed several derivatives based on the Soviet SKS design, including a compact paratrooper model, a curved 30-round magazine AK- Carbine 47 (Type 63) and fully automatic/semi-automatic select fire models. By all accounts, the Type 56 Carbine performed as well as the original Soviet model.

The Chinese army no longer uses the Type 56 carbine. Some are reserved for ceremonial duties. About 18 million copies are believed to have been produced.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes