The Chinese Model 56 was a directional copy of the famous Soviet AK-47 Assault Rifle. Produced in 1956, it us still produced today. It is also sometimes known as The “Norinco”, the name of The Factory that produces it. The Model 56 weighed 9-pounds and was 30-inches long. Like it’s famous “Cousin”, it featured both a solid and retractable Stock. It used the traditional 30-round “Banana” Clip for ammunition. A gas-operated rotating bolt system, it was effective to 400-yards. During The Vietnam War, thousands were shipped to VC and NVA Forces. At one point, more captured and located Model 56s were present than Soviet AK-47s. The Model 56 is still popular with Insurgent Forces throughout The World.