Rare PreBan Norinco 84S-1 AK-74 Underfolder 5.56×45 16” Rifle w Accessories
SOLD FOR: $2424
WOA#: WY231017JB001
Make: Norinco, Factory 66
Model: AK-74
Serial Number: 314871
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989 Ban, 1989 (Imported for half a year only)
Caliber: 5.56×45/.223
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of the receiver is marked “84S-1 322061 5.56mmx45 MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO CSI CA.L.A.USA”. The left side of the dust cover is marked “2061”. Right side of the receiver is marked “S” and “F” near the safety lever. The rear of the front sight is marked, “1”. There is an Arsenal 66 Triangle Logo next to the serial number. There is a “B” proof mark on the right side of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 16.34”. 17.25” with birdcage flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable hooded post. The rear sight is a “U” tangent notch leaf sight marked from “1 – 8” and “D”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The buttstock is a metal underfolder stock. The pistol grip is smooth wood. The handguard is a two piece wood handguard. The muzzle device is a removable “BirdCage” style flash hider screwed onto the threaded barrel. It has the cleaning rod underneath the barrel along with the bayonet lug. The left side of the buttstock fold button has a sling ring. The left side of the gas block has a sling loop. The LOP measures about 12.5” from the front of the trigger to the back of the fixed buttstock. The stock rates in about Excellent overall condition.There are some minor compression marks and light scratches on the handguard and grip. Other than that the surfaces are clean of any nicks, chips, or cracks.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: Three 30rd Original Chinese 5.56mm AK Magazines in Very Good-Excellent condition.
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 bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some minor wear including typical import marks on the receiver. There is old oil on the bolt and carrier along with some of the internal components. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The mag release has some slight wear where the mag slides and on the paddle. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent 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: Factory Box with Styrofoam inserts, Sling, 3 Mags, Original Bayonet, and Cleaning Kit
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. These same factories, particularly Norinco – a conglomerate of about 150 factories, produced everything from military rifles and small arms to artillery, tanks and missiles. This means the quality of Chinese imports are still the same quality produced and needed to fight and win wars. If you didn’t know why Chinese AK’s are the most sought after AK platform on the AK market, now you know. The Norinco 84S-1 was among the first wave of AKs ever imported into the US. The Norinco and PolyTech 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. The 84S-1 came a little bit later in the import craze because Chinese markets saw how well and loved their initial batch of AK type rifles were received and they decided that they were going to create an AK chambered in a more U.S. friendly caliber, the 5.56 through reverse engineering. It was such a HUGE success that even the Nigerian Police adopted this rifle as their standard rifle for a time. The 84S-1 was the only underfolding variant of its kind and was only imported from the beginning of 1989 to when the 1989 import Ban was imposed in July later that same year. This particular 84S-1 was made in Factory 66 and is still in its factory box and still shining in all its Preban glory making it all the more rare. 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 84S-1 was built on the military spec type 56 receiver from stamped sheet metal. Win this rifle and make her the safe queen that all safes in the world need. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
