NORINCO Type 86S

The Norinco Type 86S is an AKM-type bullpup rifle and that was produced by Norinco. It operates the same way as other AKM-type rifles with a few exceptions. Many major parts are interchangeable with other standard Kalashnikov rifles. Only approximately 1,200 of these rifles were imported into the US in 1988-89 by China Sports (the company's import/export arm in that country), intended for the civilian market. It accepts standard AK mags as well as drum magazines, and fires the 7.62X39mm round. The Type 86S design departs from the usual AK-47 in several ways. The trigger-sear-hammer group is housed in a rear extension of the receiver, well behind the pistol grip. The operating mechanism is exactly the same as in the standard AK-47/AKM, with the exception of a connecting rod between the trigger and sear. The selector switch/safety is quite different from the sheet metal lever found on the standard AK-47/AKM. The Type 86S selector/safety is thumb-shaped and located on the right side of the receiver, directly above the pistol grip. The cocking handle is located under the carrying handle. A vertical, spring-loaded, plastic folding fore grip is mounted on the front of the receiver. When not in use, it folds forward beneath the barrel.