NORINCO .22 Type 85 Bayonet Pistol
This unusual weapon appears to be a Chinese version of a Spetsnaz pistol/knife. Known as the .22 Type 85 Bayonet Pistol it contains four barrels in the grip, chambered for standard 0.22 LR cartridges. These barrels are aligned so that two lie each side of the blade with the muzzles at the base of the blade. By pressing in a spring-loaded catch at the rear of the handle, the rear cap is removed, exposing the four chambers. After loading, the cap is replaced and locked in place. There is a serrated rotary catch at the front end of the handle which acts as a safety catch. Rotated clockwise, this locks the trigger (which forms half the handguard of the knife) and makes the pistol inactive so that the knife can be used. When rotated anti-clockwise, the safety catch uncovers a red warning mark alongside the foresight and allows the trigger to function. Pulling the trigger then fires one barrel at a time. To reload, the rear cap is removed and the trigger pulled, whereupon the empty cases are ejected from two barrels; a further pull ejects the cases from the other two barrels. The safety catch is applied and the chambers can then be reloaded. A notch rearsight is built into the rear end of the handle and a foresight forms part of the handguard. To fire, the pistol is held at arm's length so that aim can be taken. It is claimed that the projectiles can penetrate pine boards 8.5 mm thick and a covered quilt with cotton wadding 40 mm thick 5 m from the muzzle. It is further claimed that the projectile fired from the Type 85 cannot penetrate an aircraft's pressure bulkhead. There is a further variant of this weapon on which the blade can be folded for concealment. This version has three barrels and is chambered for 0.22 rimfire ammunition only. Specifications Cartridge: 0.22 LR Operation: single shot Feed: 4 preloaded barrels Weight: empty, 330 g Length overall: extended, 265 mm; folded, 150 mm Barrels: 86.3 mm Rifling: 4 grooves, rh, 1 turn in 224 mm Muzzle velocity: ca 140 m/s Effective range: 5-8 m Manufacturer China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) 12A Guang'anmen Nanjie, Beijing. Status In production.
Picture and information courtesy of: Janes Infantry Weapons
