When I was a licenced Firearms Dealer here in NZ - I was buying Norinco Type 56s five at a time and they were sold before I unpacked them. It was evident that we all knew that design was the best for rough usage and 3-Gun IPSC Competition - but many chose to buy anything else than the "commie terrorist gun". I used an ex NZ Army L1A1 'SLR' .308" which was fine - but really 'too much gun' for me, - I tried a Ruger Ranch Rifle in 7.62x39 and much preferred it to the SLR 7.62x51, then I shot a SKS for a while - before giving in, and then I loved competition shooting with the banana mag Norinco AK - it was built for it - it worked! - but it drew plenty of funny looks too.
CHINESE Norinco Type 56 Sporter
Some of the better-off shooters had AR15 (M16) type 'black rifles' that looked the full package - and they shot fast and well - but they also payed big money for their rifles and ammo and they seemed to be stripping and lubing then at every break. The Chinese 7.62x39 stuff came by the caseload in cheap cardboard packs and was - cheap!
The AK has basically proved to be the single most battle-worthy and effective arm out there. - But has also gained its image as the dope-dealers, terrorists choice. - It will prove a hard act to follow, but that has been done - Enter the Izhmash AN-94
The work of Top Designer Gennady Nikonov - the AN-94 fires its first two shots so quickly (1,800 rounds per minute) that they have left the gun and are on their way before the rifle begins to react to recoil. These two rounds fire like one shot and arrive on target in a bullet-proof-vest and armour defeating double shot in the same hole. - subsequent rounds follow at a slower rate of 600 rpm. when fired in this mode. The standard rear sight is a peep-sight and the gun is chambered for the AK-74 5.45x39mm round (M74 cartridge).
The AN-94 banana mag is slightly canted to the right from the shooters view-point and the gun is MORE RELIABLE than the AK series !! However it is expensive and has so far been issued only to Spetsnaz GRU soldiers.
I do note though that Wikipedia says that the Provisional IRA used the AN-94 during 'The Troubles' - How the hell did they get their hands on them - mind you, it's now TWENTY YEARS since the AN-94 was aproved for issue - where does time go?
The AN-94 uses a feed system that loads that second 'lightning' shot by a 'pulley and cable' system that shoves the second round into the chamber and reverses the bolts rearward motion rapidly. The whole barrel assy. chugs back'n'forth too.
- Faster than the eye can follow,- and too quick for my head to catch the idea either ! - time will tell how good this rifle proves to be in combat conditions - but I repeat - It is more reliable than the AK !
Marty K
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