sumdud said:
Type 03, basically a 95 refitted into classic layout. (Point? Why not type 87 in that case?)
I recall reading from a Chinese magazine that Type 03 has some new features, specifically for reducing felt recoil. Like the Type-95, the design process concentrated a lot on fine-tuning the internals to increase burst accuracy and reduce felt recoil. The designers paid great attention to balance and the internal shifting of mass during the action. I would speculate that the Type-03 was also designed with these themes in mind, but in the traditional layout.
Type-56 in its later variants are still in production. These later variants only make minor changes. One author who test fired the 56C claimed it had lighter recoil, but who knows. The one being produced for domestic use is the 56C, a carbine version for non-combat troops, PLAN sailors, etc. And then there's that big order of Type-56II for the IDF.
I think the regular PLA only uses Type-81. PAP, reservists, and militia may use Type-56II, which could be a source of confusion. The two do look a lot alike, but you can tell by the muzzle. The Type-81's front sight is about a hand-span back from the muzzle, but of course you already know this
More on the Type-81, according to
, one key difference is the short-stroke gas piston versus the long-stroke of the AK-47/Type-56. I suppose open bolt would also be a huge differe
. Also, it has a bolt hold-open device, which means it uses special mags. It is slightly longer barrel length than Type-56. That could be part of its claimed improved accuracy, but I suspect it is more because of felt recoil reduction from the different action. Again that long long Chinese article posted earlier would probably explain it. Once I get around to reading it I'll post something.
:nana:
