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Type 63: China Makes an AK/SKS Hybrid (Ad-free)
🕑 Added 2024-08-28 12:00:01 +0000 UTCStarting in 1960, China ran a program to develop an infantry rifle that would combine the accuracy of the SKS with the firepower of the AK. The result was the Type 63, which used the general layout of the SKS along with its short stroke gas piston and an SKS-like fire control system (with fully automatic capability) in combination with an AK-like rotating bolt and a detachable AK-style magazine. The rifle performed well in trials, and as best as I can tell about a million were produced. Mass production quality control was sub=par, though, and rifles in the field failed to live up to the standard of the trials rifles. As a result, the Type 63 was pulled out of service and the Type 56 AK and SKS went back into use until the adoption of the Type 81 year later.
The Type 63 was made in two main variations; initially a milled receiver and later a stamped receiver. There were 3 distinct types of magazines made for them, all holding 20 rounds and with a bolt hold-open mechanism. These magazines can be used in AK rifles, but AK magazines do not function in the Type 63. A lot of Type 63s were sent to Albania after their removal from Chinese service, and others used as military aid or sales to a variety of African countries, where they are still seen today.
Comments
Frans_J_S
A bunch of these without the safety sear (semi-auto only) made it to Australia in the 1980s and were sold on the civilian market...
Guido Schriewer
what would have become of the world if nationalist would have won the civil war. interesting. I love my sks. only big downsight are the rear sight to me. other than that... sks is enough for me. that 63 seems a bit more complicated to me.
Thomas Batha
If there is a cleaning rod under the barrel, why would there also be a place for one in the stock? Also, where was this episode filmed? It's another good one1
