Norinco Type 86S
| Industry | Firearms manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Firearms, including the Type 86S rifle |
The Norinco Type 86S () represents a bullpup-style rifle modeled after the AKM platform and manufactured by Norinco. It shares a high degree of parts compatibility with conventional Kalashnikov firearms.
Its development targeted the export market in the United States, addressing restrictions on civilian possession of short-barreled rifles.
History
During the early 1980s, Norinco explored bullpup rifle configurations, producing the WTC-1 and WTC-2 prototypes in 1983. These early models incorporated design features that would later appear in the Type 86S.
Design
Distinct from the AK-47, the Type 86S relocates the trigger-sear-hammer assembly into an extended rear receiver positioned behind the pistol grip. The internal operating system remains consistent with that of the AK-47/AKM, except for a connecting rod linking the trigger to the sear. Its design lineage traces back to the Type 56 assault rifle.
Instead of the conventional AK selector lever, this rifle employs a thumb-operated safety selector located on the right side above the pistol grip, providing safe and semi-automatic firing modes.
The carrying handle integrates iron sights influenced by those found on the FAMAS rifle. Beneath the barrel, a bayonet lug is installed.
A folding foregrip made from spring-loaded plastic is attached to the front receiver and folds down under the barrel when not deployed. Positioned behind the pistol grip, the magazine well accommodates magazines with capacities of 10, 20, or 30 rounds as well as drum magazines.
The rear aperture sight features adjustable settings for 100, 200, and 300 meters through a cam-actuated knob. Both front and rear sights are mounted on a combined gas tube and handguard unit firmly clamped to the receiver.
Two versions of the Type 86S exist: one fitted with a straight charging handle and another equipped with a curved variant.
Status
China Sports, Norinco’s import/export division, brought the Type 86S into the US civilian market. Under 2,000 units were imported during the late 1980s before semi-automatic rifle imports were prohibited in 1989. The firearm was designated as an assault weapon and subject to a decade-long manufacturing ban in the United States under the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which concluded in 2004.