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Type 81 assault rifle

From Alfawiki
Type 81
Company typeAssault rifle
IndustryFirearms
Founded1981
Headquarters
China
ProductsAssault rifles, light machine guns

The Type 81 (; "Type 81 Automatic Rifle") is a Chinese-origin selective-fire, gas-operated assault rifle chambered in 7.62×39mm. It was introduced in the 1980s to replace the semi-automatic (Type 56 carbine) as the primary infantry weapon of the People's Liberation Army. Serving as an advancement over both the Type 56 assault rifle and Type 63 assault rifle, the Type 81 marked a notable evolution in design. Additionally, it provided the foundation for the Type 87 during PLA trials of new 5.8x42mm rifles such as the QBZ-95.

This series of firearms encompasses the Type 81, Type 81-1, and a Type 81 Light machine gun variant. Its deployment was most prominent throughout the mid to late 1980s, particularly during the Sino-Vietnamese border clashes.

History

The People's Liberation Army initially attempted to replace its aging arsenal of Type 56 carbines (Chinese-produced SKS variants) and Type 56 assault rifles (Chinese-manufactured AK-47 copies) with the Type 63 assault rifle. However, due to multiple shortcomings, this model was ultimately unsuccessful, leading to continued reliance on older weapons. The limitations of the Type 56 platform became evident during the 1979 Sino-Vietnamese War, which spurred government-backed development of a modernized service rifle that merged features from both predecessors.

The Type 81 entered PLA service in 1981 and became widely issued by the late 1980s, effectively replacing both the Type 56 carbine and assault rifle. It overcame the deficiencies encountered with the Type 63 and was actively utilized during mid-1980s border conflicts with Vietnam. Although most Type 81 rifles have since been supplanted by the Type 95 or Type 03 series, they remain in reserve stockpiles and are still employed by armed police forces.

A variant of this rifle is also adopted by the Bangladesh Army, designated as the BD-08.

Design

The Type 81 blends design elements from several rifles, including the Dragunov sniper rifle, SKS, and various models within the Kalashnikov rifle family. Its development aimed to achieve an R50 accuracy at , enhanced controllability during fully automatic fire, reliability on par with AK-pattern rifles with an expected service life near 20,000 rounds, and compatibility with existing manufacturing equipment used for AK and SKS firearms. Wang Zi Jun led its design efforts following experiences from the Sino-Vietnamese conflict.

While maintaining the general layout reminiscent of the AK-47 and Type 56, it incorporates an SKS-style short-stroke gas piston system along with modifications that reduce recoil and muzzle climb, thereby improving shooting precision. The Type 81 can be distinguished from the Type 56 by differences in stock configuration, length of action, bayonet type, placement of front sight, and a more exposed barrel muzzle designed to accommodate launching of 22mm rifle grenades through a spigot-type launcher.

To address glare issues observed in earlier models, a horizontal crossbar was added over the rear sight notch. This T-shaped aperture also functions as an alternate rear sight option.

Another identifying feature is a gap between the trigger guard and magazine on Type 81 rifles, contrasting with the magazine abutting directly against the trigger guard on Type 56 rifles.

The fixed spike bayonet found on previous models was replaced by a detachable knife bayonet for increased versatility on the Type 81.

The family comprises fixed-stock versions (Type 81) and folding-stock variants (Type 81-1), both chambered for 7.62×39mm cartridges with standard 30-round magazines. Additionally, there is a heavier light machine gun variant equipped with a 75-round drum magazine designed to function as a squad automatic weapon. This LMG retains its front sight mounted on the barrel.

Various accessories such as Picatinny rails, bipods, foregrips, and tactical flashlights can be attached. Notably, Bao Wa—a Hong Kong-based supplier—has offered Picatinny rail systems to enhance tactical adaptability.

Domestic

  • Type 81: The original production model, chambered in 7.62×39mm with a fixed wooden stock. Around 400,000 units were manufactured before being succeeded by the Type 81-1.
  • Type 81-1: The primary production variant featuring a 7.62×39mm caliber and a side-folding buttstock initially designed for airborne troops; later adopted as the standard rifle of the PLA. It includes bakelite stock panels that contain a cleaning kit.
  • Type 81 LMG: A squad automatic weapon chambered in 7.62×39mm, resembling the RPK; the front sight was moved to the muzzle to enhance accuracy following the removal of the grenade launcher spigot.
  • Type 87: A developmental platform for PLA small arms utilizing new 5.8×42mm DBP87 ammunition, equipped with plastic furniture and an L-shaped folding stock. This model did not reach mass production and was replaced by the Type 87A. The design was completed in 1987.
    • Type 87A/QBZ87: An updated prototype of the Type 87 created between 1987 and 1989 ("Project 8910"), featuring a two-piece polymer handguard, polymer magazines, and a pistol grip. Limited numbers entered production in 1989; it was employed by PLA special forces but never mass-produced.
    • Type 87 LMG/QJB87: A prototype light machine gun derived from the Type 87 design.
  • Type 81 Tactical: An unofficially modified version used by the People's Armed Police, fitted with Picatinny rails.
  • NAR-10: A battle rifle chambered in 7.62×51mm introduced by Norinco in 2014 ("Norinco Assault Rifle"), equipped with a Picatinny-railed dust cover, quadrail handguard, muzzle brake, and rear sight mounted at the back of the dust cover.
    • CS/LR-14: The export version of the NAR-10.
  • Type 81A: An enhanced model featuring a redesigned stock and Picatinny rails, unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in 2018.

Civilian export

  • T81S: An early semi-automatic fixed-stock version intended for the U.S. civilian market. Only twenty units were imported in January 1989 before import restrictions were imposed by executive order. Military elements such as grenade launcher spigots and bayonet lugs were removed. The rotary dial safety was replaced with a flag-style safety located within the trigger guard, similar to that of the SKS.
    • T81S-1: A variant similar to the T81S but equipped with a side-folding stock derived from the Type 81-1.
    • T81S-2: Similar to T81S but fitted with an under-folding stock taken from the Type 56-1 assault rifle.
  • EM355: A 5.56×45mm version of the T81S intended for U.S. civilian sales. Only three prototypes were imported for display at the 1989 SHOT Show before importation was prohibited alongside the T81S. No magazines were produced for this model, requiring modified AK magazines instead. Manufactured by Emei, a subsidiary of State Factory No.296 (Jianshe Industries Group).
    • EM356: Similar to EM355 but featuring a side-folding stock like that of the Type 81-1.
    • EM3511: Similar to EM355 but fitted with an under-folding stock derived from the Type 56-1 assault rifle.
  • Norinco M313: A semi-automatic adaptation of the Type 81 LMG designed for U.S. civilian use. Limited quantities were imported prior to bans affecting T81S and EM355 models. Produced by State Factory No.356 (Kunming Southwest Instrument Factory), marked Norinco M313.
    • Norinco M313A: A straight-pull bolt-action hunting rifle based on the M313 platform, featuring simplified sights, a thumbhole stock, and a modified magazine well accommodating either five or eight-round AK magazines.
    • Norinco M313B: A semi-automatic hunting model equipped with a thumbhole stock, LMG-style sights, and an altered magwell for AK magazines.
  • T81SA: A semi-automatic version chambered in 7.62×39mm sold in Canada through Tactical Imports and manufactured by Jianshe Industries (formerly State Factory No.296). The barrel length was extended to 18.7 inches to comply with Canadian regulations for non-restricted firearms, incorporating an additional gas ring segment that affects bayonet compatibility.
    • T81-1SA: A comparable model featuring a side-folding stock from the Type 81-1; marked as T81SA.
    • T81SA LMG: Semi-auto variant of the Type 81 LMG with a barrel length of 20.5 inches; marked T81SA but marketed under the name T81LMG in Canada.
    • Type 81SR: A commercial semi-automatic design exclusive to Canada, incorporating a heavy barrel, SVD-style stock, and lighter trigger pull; stamped as T81SA but sold as T81SR.
    • Type 81M: Resembling the T81SA but fitted with a heavy barrel and front sight post from the Type 81 LMG, shortened to an overall length of 18.7 inches; available only in Canada; stamped T81SA.
    • Type 81M Underfolder: The Type 81M equipped with an under-folding stock sourced from the Type 56-1 assault rifle; marked T81SA.

Foreign Production

  • The Kachin Independence Army manufactures variants of the Type 81 known as the M23, distinguished by polymer components adorned with a Sun emblem. Due to the secretive nature of their production, detailed information is scarce, and occasional reports mention reliability concerns. The handguard, pistol grip, and buttstock are crafted from military green polymer; the stock features a curved design tailored to the shorter height typical of Kachin personnel.
    • Kachin K09: Equipped with black or plum-colored polymer furniture.
    • Kachin K010: Features green polymer furniture.
    • Kachin K011: A locally developed variant incorporating a 45mm rifle grenade launcher.
  • Additionally, the United Wa State Army manufactures Type 81 rifles.

Operators

  • : The BD-08 rifle is included within the national military inventory.
  • : Deployed primarily by reserve or secondary units.
  • : Utilized across both army and naval forces.
  • : Issued to Iraqi Police units.
  • :
  • :
  • :
  • : The Niger Armed Forces employ these weapons, including Type 81 machine gun variants.
  • : Licensed production is conducted by the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
  • :
  • :
  • : Operated by the Syrian Arab Army, frequently acquired through capture from rebel factions.
  • : In service since 2014.
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Non-state Groups

External links

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