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(Cutting "manufactured by Norinco" misconception.)
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|image=<tabber>Type 81=[[File:Type 81 x 2.jpg|300px]]|-|Type 81-1=[[File:Type_81-1.jpg|300px]]</tabber>
 
|image=<tabber>Type 81=[[File:Type 81 x 2.jpg|300px]]|-|Type 81-1=[[File:Type_81-1.jpg|300px]]</tabber>
 
|origin=China
 
|origin=China
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|manufact=[[Norinco]]
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|manufact=
 
|maker=
 
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|design=
 
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== History ==
 
== History ==
āˆ’
The People's Liberation Army of China had institutionalized usage of their [[Type 56 carbine]] and [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56 assault rifle's]] to great success. Whilst both weapons remained in active service, and not seen as defective, officials started to notice that it could be possible to find a new alternative firearm to replace both weapons in service. Trials with the [[Type 63 assault rifle]] proved it as this new possible weapon which would be sought after as the requested replacement as the new weapon of the PLA. However, it would soon be realized that the Type 63 was not a viable nor sustainable weapon in actual combat, and was ditched. Due to this, the PLA resorted back to their original Type 56 carbines (A copy of the [[SKS]]) and Type 56 assault rifles. In 1979, which would be the start of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Vietnamese_conflicts_(1979%E2%80%931991) Sino-Vietnamese border conflcits] directly proved that the usage of ageing firearms, such as their SKS and [[AK-47]] derivatives were also not effective during sustained combat. This would lead to the request of the PLA to develop a new assault weapon to tackle their grievances with their firearms. Designers would incorporate influence from other firearms, mainly the [[Dragunov sniper rifle]] and other later [[AK-47|Kalashnikov]]-styled rifles. However, the [[SKS]] would share it's charging-handle and bolt design with the new firearm. The Type 81 would be designed in 1981 as the name suggests, with it entering service with the PLA as the Type 81 in 1983. As the main fighting weapon of the PLA, it would prove successful against belligerents in combat, and would be the main service weapon until the late 1990's. Models with variations would also be produced off of the success of the original Type 81, with some later models being produced with a side-folding stock, directly taken from the previous [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56-2]] assault rifle design. Models serving as [[Light machine gun|light machine guns]] were also produced, effectively known as the Type 81 LMG. During the 1990's, newer more modern weapons such as the [[QBZ-95]] would replace the now aging Type 81 assault rifle. However, the firearm still remains in active service with police forces across China, and even has usage within reserves forces. Foreign nations would also seek the Type 81 as a service rifle, notably Bangladesh with their [[BD-08]] and [[BD-14]] designs. The Kachin Independence Army of Myanmar would also derive their [[Kachin K-09]] rifle series from the Type 81.
+
The People's Liberation Army of China had institutionalized usage of their [[Type 56 carbine]] and [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56 assault rifle's]] to great success. Whilst both weapons remained in active service, and not seen as defective, officials started to notice that it could be possible to find a new alternative firearm to replace both weapons in service. Trials with the [[Type 63 assault rifle]] proved it as this new possible weapon which would be sought after as the requested replacement as the new weapon of the PLA. However, it would soon be realized that the Type 63 was not a viable nor sustainable weapon in actual combat, and was ditched. Due to this, the PLA resorted back to their original Type 56 carbines (A copy of the [[SKS]]) and Type 56 assault rifles. In 1979, which would be the start of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Vietnamese_conflicts_(1979%E2%80%931991) Sino-Vietnamese border conflicts] directly proved that the usage of ageing firearms, such as their SKS and [[AK-47]] derivatives were also not effective during sustained combat. This would lead to the request of the PLA to develop a new assault weapon to tackle their grievances with their firearms. Designers would incorporate influence from other firearms, mainly the [[Dragunov sniper rifle]] and other later [[AK-47|Kalashnikov]]-styled rifles. However, the [[SKS]] would share it's charging-handle and bolt design with the new firearm. The Type 81 would be designed in 1981 as the name suggests, with it entering service with the PLA as the Type 81 in 1983. As the main fighting weapon of the PLA, it would prove successful against belligerents in combat, and would be the main service weapon until the late 1990's. Models with variations would also be produced off of the success of the original Type 81, with some later models being produced with a side-folding stock, directly taken from the previous [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56-2]] assault rifle design. Models serving as [[Light machine gun|light machine guns]] were also produced, effectively known as the Type 81 LMG. During the 1990's, newer more modern weapons such as the [[QBZ-95]] would replace the now aging Type 81 assault rifle. However, the firearm still remains in active service with police forces across China, and even has usage within reserves forces. Foreign nations would also seek the Type 81 as a service rifle, notably Bangladesh with their BD-08 and BD-14 designs. The Kachin Independence Army of Myanmar would also derive their [[Kachin K-09]] rifle series from the Type 81.
   
 
== Design Details ==
 
== Design Details ==
āˆ’
The design of the Type 81 would take direct influence from other various Soviet-issue weapons. Most notably, it draws from the designs of the [[Dragunov sniper rifle]], [[SKS]], and [[AK-47]] series of rifles. Influence from the SKS is present in the somewhat similarly shaped dustcover, and receiver as a whole. The gas block is also incorporated into the front-sight, a design choice synonymous with the AK-47. The general shape of the weapon and the magazine paddle release is entirely based upon Kalashnikov's designs, although altered to meet PLA requirements. Among the changes are the usage of different, newer iron sights, and a unique pistol grip, especially designed to give the user a better grip and comfort whenst using the firearm. Another visible change is the usage of a new fire selector. Unlike the Kalashnikov-styled lever for the fire selector, the one present on the Type 81 is more similar to that of the [[M16 rifle]]. The marks of "1," "2," and "0" denote each firing mode, with "1" being semi-automatic, "2" being fully-automatic, and "0" being the safety. Type 81 models derive laminated furniture from the previous [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56-2]] design, with the side-folding stock synonymous with the Type 56-2 also being present on some models, named the "Type-81-1." A [[light machine gun]] model derived from the Type 81 would also be produced. Known as the Type 81 LMG, various modifications would undergo this design to fit the requirements as a squad support weapon. It would receive a longer, heavier barrel adorned by a [[bipod]]. A carrying handle would also be emplaced atop the firearm's right side of the receiver to allow the user to carry the firearm in combat.
+
The design of the Type 81 would take direct influence from other various Soviet-issue weapons. Most notably, it draws from the designs of the [[Dragunov sniper rifle]], [[SKS]], and [[AK-47]] series of rifles. Influence from the SKS is present in the somewhat similarly shaped dustcover, and receiver as a whole. The gas block is also incorporated into the front-sight, a design choice synonymous with the AK-47. The general shape of the weapon and the magazine paddle release is entirely based upon Kalashnikov's designs, although altered to meet PLA requirements. Among the changes are the usage of different, newer iron sights, and a unique pistol grip, especially designed to give the user a better grip and comfort whenst using the firearm. Another visible change is the usage of a new fire selector. Unlike the Kalashnikov-styled lever for the fire selector, the one present on the Type 81 is more similar to that of the [[M16 rifle]]. The marks of "1," "2," and "0" denote each firing mode, with "1" being semi-automatic, "2" being fully-automatic, and "0" being the safety. Type 81 models derive laminated furniture from the previous [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56-2]] design, with the side-folding stock synonymous with the Type 56-2 also being present on some models, named the "Type-81-1." A [[light machine gun]] model derived from the Type 81 would also be produced. Known as the Type 81 LMG, various modifications would undergo this design to fit the requirements as a squad support weapon. It would receive a longer, heavier barrel adorned by a [[bipod]]. A carrying handle would also be emplaced atop the firearm's right side of the receiver to allow the user to carry the firearm in combat. Models created in attempts to sell overseas in civilian markets would also boast design differences, most of which would be aftermarket conversions and modernizations to appeal to various external modifications such as optics and foregrips. Expanding on this, newer variants such as the Type 81A, which is a remake of the original Type 81, features new polymer furniture, adorned by a [[Rail Interface System]].
   
 
== Ammunition ==
 
== Ammunition ==
āˆ’
The Type 81 is chambered in [[7.62Ɨ39mm]], much alike it's predecessors, such as the [[Type 56 assault rifle]]. Magazines between the two are also compatible, as well as magazines developed for the [[AKM]] and similar weapons of the series. The cartridge was chosen as China had been in production of the round, and also had a large amount already in service due to usage with the Type 56 assault rifle. Another benefit of the caliber is the large size, allowing it to penetrate most outerwear.
+
The Type 81 is chambered in [[7.62Ɨ39mm]], much alike it's predecessors, such as the [[Type 56 assault rifle]]. Magazines between the two are also compatible, as well as magazines developed for the [[AKM]] and similar weapons of the series. The cartridge was chosen as China had been in production of the round, and also had a large amount already in service due to usage with the Type 56 assault rifle. Another benefit of the caliber is the large size, allowing it to penetrate most outerwear. However, later derivatives of the Type 81 would be rechambered to [[5.56Ɨ45mm NATO]], most notably being the EM356, a proposed concept for a rifle designed for civilian usage, but was never further realized due to importation restrictions. Other models such as the CS/LR14 would be chambered in [[7.62Ɨ51mm NATO]] and modernized for export sales and usage.
   
 
== Variants ==
 
== Variants ==
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*[[Kachin K-09]]
 
*[[Kachin K-09]]
   
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==External Links==
+
==References==
  +
āˆ’
* http://pewpewpew.work/china/rifle/1981/81.htm
+
# http://pewpewpew.work/china/rifle/1981/81.htm
  +
# https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/china-assault-rifles/type-81-eng/
  +
 
[[Category:Rifles]]
 
[[Category:Rifles]]
 
[[Category:Assault rifles]]
 
[[Category:Assault rifles]]

Latest revision as of 22:53, 16 February 2023

The Type 81 assault rifle is a Chinese assault rifle adopted by the People's Liberation Army. It incorporates elements of the Dragunov, SKS, and AK series rifles. The weapon was introduced into PLA service in 1981 but did not become widely distributed until the late 1980s. It replaced the Type 56 assault rifle. Its first combat use came during the Sino-Vietnamese border conflicts of the mid 1980s. Unlike its predecessors, the Type 81 is a series of weapons. The Type 81 and Type 81-1 are assault rifles and the heavier Type 81 squad machine gun is used in the squad automatic weapon role.

History[]

The People's Liberation Army of China had institutionalized usage of their Type 56 carbine and Type 56 assault rifle's to great success. Whilst both weapons remained in active service, and not seen as defective, officials started to notice that it could be possible to find a new alternative firearm to replace both weapons in service. Trials with the Type 63 assault rifle proved it as this new possible weapon which would be sought after as the requested replacement as the new weapon of the PLA. However, it would soon be realized that the Type 63 was not a viable nor sustainable weapon in actual combat, and was ditched. Due to this, the PLA resorted back to their original Type 56 carbines (A copy of the SKS) and Type 56 assault rifles. In 1979, which would be the start of the Sino-Vietnamese border conflicts directly proved that the usage of ageing firearms, such as their SKS and AK-47 derivatives were also not effective during sustained combat. This would lead to the request of the PLA to develop a new assault weapon to tackle their grievances with their firearms. Designers would incorporate influence from other firearms, mainly the Dragunov sniper rifle and other later Kalashnikov-styled rifles. However, the SKS would share it's charging-handle and bolt design with the new firearm. The Type 81 would be designed in 1981 as the name suggests, with it entering service with the PLA as the Type 81 in 1983. As the main fighting weapon of the PLA, it would prove successful against belligerents in combat, and would be the main service weapon until the late 1990's. Models with variations would also be produced off of the success of the original Type 81, with some later models being produced with a side-folding stock, directly taken from the previous Type 56-2 assault rifle design. Models serving as light machine guns were also produced, effectively known as the Type 81 LMG. During the 1990's, newer more modern weapons such as the QBZ-95 would replace the now aging Type 81 assault rifle. However, the firearm still remains in active service with police forces across China, and even has usage within reserves forces. Foreign nations would also seek the Type 81 as a service rifle, notably Bangladesh with their BD-08 and BD-14 designs. The Kachin Independence Army of Myanmar would also derive their Kachin K-09 rifle series from the Type 81.

Design Details[]

The design of the Type 81 would take direct influence from other various Soviet-issue weapons. Most notably, it draws from the designs of the Dragunov sniper rifle, SKS, and AK-47 series of rifles. Influence from the SKS is present in the somewhat similarly shaped dustcover, and receiver as a whole. The gas block is also incorporated into the front-sight, a design choice synonymous with the AK-47. The general shape of the weapon and the magazine paddle release is entirely based upon Kalashnikov's designs, although altered to meet PLA requirements. Among the changes are the usage of different, newer iron sights, and a unique pistol grip, especially designed to give the user a better grip and comfort whenst using the firearm. Another visible change is the usage of a new fire selector. Unlike the Kalashnikov-styled lever for the fire selector, the one present on the Type 81 is more similar to that of the M16 rifle. The marks of "1," "2," and "0" denote each firing mode, with "1" being semi-automatic, "2" being fully-automatic, and "0" being the safety. Type 81 models derive laminated furniture from the previous Type 56-2 design, with the side-folding stock synonymous with the Type 56-2 also being present on some models, named the "Type-81-1." A light machine gun model derived from the Type 81 would also be produced. Known as the Type 81 LMG, various modifications would undergo this design to fit the requirements as a squad support weapon. It would receive a longer, heavier barrel adorned by a bipod. A carrying handle would also be emplaced atop the firearm's right side of the receiver to allow the user to carry the firearm in combat. Models created in attempts to sell overseas in civilian markets would also boast design differences, most of which would be aftermarket conversions and modernizations to appeal to various external modifications such as optics and foregrips. Expanding on this, newer variants such as the Type 81A, which is a remake of the original Type 81, features new polymer furniture, adorned by a Rail Interface System.

Ammunition[]

The Type 81 is chambered in 7.62Ɨ39mm, much alike it's predecessors, such as the Type 56 assault rifle. Magazines between the two are also compatible, as well as magazines developed for the AKM and similar weapons of the series. The cartridge was chosen as China had been in production of the round, and also had a large amount already in service due to usage with the Type 56 assault rifle. Another benefit of the caliber is the large size, allowing it to penetrate most outerwear. However, later derivatives of the Type 81 would be rechambered to 5.56Ɨ45mm NATO, most notably being the EM356, a proposed concept for a rifle designed for civilian usage, but was never further realized due to importation restrictions. Other models such as the CS/LR14 would be chambered in 7.62Ɨ51mm NATO and modernized for export sales and usage.

Variants[]

Chinese[]

Type 81-1[]

Production model, identical to the original Type 81, however it differs as this model is built with a folding stock. The design of which was taken from the Type 56-2 assault rifle.

Type 81 LMG[]

Production model derived from the Type 81. It features changes in the form of an added carrying handle, bipod, and a longer, heavy barrel to compensate for usage as a light machine gun.

Type 81 MGS[]

Semi-automatic only model derived from the Type 81 LMG.

Type 81S[]

Demilitarized semi-automatic only model of the original Type 81 intended for export and retail sales to the United States civilian market. Only 20 were ever imported to the United States in January of 1989 due to extension of imports being denied.

EM356[]

Demilitarized semi-automatic only model of the Type 81S, rechambered to feed 5.56Ɨ45mm NATO. Also intended for the United States civilian market, with only three mock-ups being imported to the 1989 SHOT show before further importation was denied.

T81SA[]

Semi-automatic model of the original Type 81.

T81-1SA[]

Semi-automatic model of the Type 81-1, featuring the same folding stock inspired by the Type 56-2 assault rifle.

CS/LR14[]

A battle rifle variant which is chambered in 7.62Ɨ51mm NATO. It also features various modernizations, such as picatinny rails and being produced with a foregrip.

NAR-10[]

A 'tactical' variant of the CS/LR14 which was designed for export usage and sales.

NR-81S[]

Semi-automatic model made for civilian retail markets in Europe and Canada.

Type 81A[]

An upgraded and modernized variant of the original Type 81 assault rifle. It features a new stock design, as well as many picatinny rails.

Bangladesh[]

BD-08[]

Assault rifle design derived from the Type 81, created under license by the Bangladesh Ordnance Factories since 2008. Designed to feature modifications which aid the user with feats such as recoil and accuracy.

BD-14[]

Light machine gun model derived from the Type 81 LMG. Also created under license by the Bangladesh Ordnance Factories.

Gallery[]

See Also[]

References[]

  1. http://pewpewpew.work/china/rifle/1981/81.htm
  2. https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/china-assault-rifles/type-81-eng/