Rare PreBan Norinco 84S AK-47 5.56×45/.223 16” Semi-Auto Rifle AKM Classic
SOLD FOR: $2500
WOA#: WY221216JT001
Make: Norinco
Model: 84S
Serial Number: 84S 400065
Year of Manufacture: Pre-1989, 1985-1988
Caliber: 5.56/.223
Action Type: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Left side of the receiver is marked “84S-400065.56×45 MADE IN CHINA CSI L.A CA USA” with the Norinco Logo. The left side of the receiver cover is marked “0065”. Right side of the receiver is marked “S” and “F” near the safety lever. The rear of the front sight is marked, “2” and “H”. There is an Arsenal 66 Triangle Logo next to the serial number. There is a “B” proof on the right side of the receiver.
Barrel Length: 16.5” threaded. 17.25” with birdcage flash hider.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an adjustable hooded pin. The rear sight is a “U” tangent notch leaf sight marked from “1 – 8” and “D”.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is an original classic wood stock and a smooth wood pistol grip. The forestock is a two piece handguard handguard with two vent ports on each side. The LOP measures 12.25” from the front of the trigger to the back of the fixed stock. The stock rates in about Fine overall condition with minor surface wear on the wood surface. There is a bit of discoloration on the left side of the handguard around the pin and some small nicks in the front of the pistol grip. The buttstock has some impression marks mainly on the left side.
Magazine Quantity and Condition: Three 30rd Chinese 5.56 AK Steel Magazine in Fine 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 97% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows very light scratches on the left and right side of the receiver as well as some finish loss on the rear of the dust cover. The barrel has some light loose storage and import marks. There is some wear on the flash hider. The screw heads are sharp and the pins are unmarred. The mag release has some slight wear where the mag slides. There is some corrosion on the bolt mainly on the rear of the charging handle. The markings are clear. 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 a total of 3 magazines and a Bayonet in Fine condition. There is some sheathing wear on the face of the blade as well as some light spots of corrosion. The sheath has light scratches as well as on the bakelite handle. The bayonet rates 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. 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 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 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. This particular 84S was made in Factory 66 and is 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 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.
