NORINCO 7.62 mm Type 79 light sub-machine gun
The NORINCO Type 79 light sub-machine gun is an extremely lightweight weapon, firing the 7.62 × 25 mm (Type 51) pistol cartridge. The receiver is rectangular and made from steel stampings, and it has a safety lever and fire selector on the right side, above the pistol grip, which appears to have been modelled upon that of the Kalashnikov AK series rifles. A user trained in using the AK system will find no difference if they pick up one of these weapons. Operation is by gas, using a short-stroke tappet above the barrel. This drives a short piston attached to a bolt carrier, operating a rotating bolt. This is a rather complex way of operating a sub-machine gun but, as with the external controls, it has some similarity to the rifle design and thus facilitates training, and, more importantly, does away with the need for a heavy bolt and long bolt travel, making the weapon lighter and more controllable. Specifications Cartridge: 7.62 × 25 mm Pistol (Type 51) Operation: gas, selective fire Locking: rotating bolt Feed: 20-round box magazine Weight: with empty magazine, 1.9 kg Length: stock folded, 470 mm; stock extended, 740 mm Muzzle velocity: 500 m/s Rate of fire: cyclic, ca 650 rds/min Manufacturer China North Industries Corporation 12A Guang'anmen Nanjie, Beijing. Status Available.
Picture and information courtesy of: Janes Infantry Weapons
