RARE PreBan Norinco 56S Chinese AK-47 AKM 7.62×39 16” Type 56 Early Import
SOLD FOR: $2,125
WOA#: WY231213LM009
Make: Norinco, Factory 66
Model: 56S
Serial Number: 56S 406219
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989
Caliber: 7.62×39
Action Type: Semi-Automatic, Long Stroke Gas Piston
Markings: Left side of the trunnion is marked with the factory “66” inside a triangular outline with “56S 406219” next to it. The dust cover is marked, “6219” on the left side. The right side of the receiver is marked, “S F”. The right side of the trunnion is marked, “B”. The dust cover release is marked with “6219”. The rear of the front sight is marked, “V / 1” with some other proofs. The left side of the bolt carrier is marked “6219”. The bolt is marked “6219”. The top left of the trunnion is marked “39”. The left side of the barrel is marked “CO SAC CA”. The right side of the barrel is marked “NORINCO 7.62mm CHINA”.
Barrel Length: 16.5” threaded. 17” with removable slant muzzle brake.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable hooded pin. The rear sight is a “U” tangent notch marked from “1 – 8” and “D”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is wood with steel buttplate with trap door for storage compartment (kit included) and sling ring. The handguard is two piece wood. The pistol grip is smooth wood. The furniture is an original matching set. The LOP measures 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There are some light scratches and compression marks in the wood along with a few minor nicks. There are no chips or cracks. The stocks rate in about Fine overall condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: None/
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no visible erosion in the chrome bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10. There is some fouling in the grooves.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows minimal wear for a preban rifle of its origin. There are scattered light scratches throughout the receiver and dust cover. There is some minor oxidation as well as some light rust inside the piston tube. The piston itself has some light dusted rust on it that should clean up nicely. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The markings are clear. There is some wear around the receiver where the dust cover sits. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with its original green canvas sling in Very Good condition.
Our Assessment: If you look at the tag on a Chinese import from the retail store you might think, “chintzy, cheap, junk.” As true as that can be said about furniture and electronics, nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to Chinese firearm imports. What’s the difference? Well, I am glad you asked. At heart, Chinese import made weapons were produced on the same manufacturing lines as their military – simply modified to meet the semi auto requirement to be sold in the U.S. This means the quality is still the same quality produced and needed to fight in war. If you didn’t know why Chinese AK’s are the most sought after AK platform on the AK market, now you know. Coming from a company steeped with infamy selling missiles to Iran and attempting to smuggle 2,000 automatic AK47 rifles into the U.S., Norinco is one of the greatest state owned defense organizations and is one of those Chinese icons you can’t get enough of. The 56S was among the first wave of AKs ever imported into the US. The Norinco and Poly Tech surge of imports rode upon the shoulders of the first Valmet and Maadi Ak’s. Valmet came first because it was coming from our Finnish buddies, a Non-Soviet-Good-For-Nothin-Commie country. Maadi then came to us from exotic Egypt but were way too expensive. Unsatisfied with the Valmet AK that didn’t fit the classic look and the Egyptian AK as expensive as a car back then when gas prices were desirable, the US firearms market was hungry for an AK that truly fit the bill for the famous Kalashnikov Rifle. Like Manna from heaven given to the Israelites, Chinese imports hit the shores of the U.S. and the market boomed and gun loving citizens of the United States were satisfied. This particular 56S is a classic example of an early import with few markings, if any, on the receiver outside of the trunnion marks. Has it risen to Ultra-Rare status, perhaps. This is like the First Edition Holographic Charizard of all pokemon cards. Ok, maybe that’s a tad too far. But this really is a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be missed by no means. This 56S is built with a beautiful stamped receiver, lacking any of the many markings that later receivers would receive and the lack of x y stamps. Win this rifle and make her the safe queen that all safes in the world need and deserve. Please see our photos and good luck! -L.S.
