The Chinese T63 And Its Role In Jianshe T56 Production

[Loose}{Cannon]

I have decided to post this in the Chinese sks Section for now as the design is quite literally a hybrid between an sks and an AK. As several of you may know, I like to translate entire pages of chinese internet in my spare time looking for any and all info to be had regarding several Chinese weapons platforms including our beloved Type 56 semi automatic. This post/thread will simply be a sharing station where I can highlight and record some of the key data points and information found.

You may have noticed I have elected to refer to this weapon as the T63 and not the T68 or the T63/68, the reason for this is very simple. At absolutely no point in time has China EVER referred to this rifle as a T68 or a T63/68. It Has ALWAYS been a T63 to them and always will be. In my research I have found them to be very adamant in the correct designation of this model and often reference the mis classification made by the westerners.

Without going into an extensive history lesson that I am likely not qualified to give, I will simply state the following. China for many years adopted other nations small arms platforms. Relative to this topic the Russian small arms in particular starting with the T53 and then in 1956 the T56 semi automatic (sks), the T56 assault rifle (AK47), and the T56 light machine gun. In the late 1950s the Chinese found themselves at political odds with Russia which resulted in nothing short of a full sino/soviet split. Strong evidence of this can be found in the drastic decline of the SKS production in 1961 "6m". Serial numbers observed in this year (thus far) show an estimated number of 20k rifles produced as compared to the years prior with estimates of 200+ thousand carbines produced.

1959
In 1959 the decision was made to research, design, and implement China's own independently produced indigenous select fire small-arms weapon system.

1963
In 1963 the design was approved, prototypes were made and extensive design testing would commence over the next several years. The design model is the T63 because that is the year the Chinese gov approved and adopted the new design.

1969
In 1969 all testing was complete and production of the T63 began. During the immediate following years, the T56 SKS carbine was gradually replaced with the T63 and from what I have read, as the SKS was replaced and was destined for use in China's rather large militia which for the most part were still using bolt action rifles.

1978
In 1978 production of the T63 completely ceased. The years prior had revealed numerous design and quality control issues with the T63 to the extent of the PLA demanding "our T56 semi auto back". A new design was needed as the T56 was out dated and the T63 was a royal pos. Never the less, the T63 began to be recalled and the T56 REISSUED to the PLA. The T56 production at Jianshe /26\ was also at this time reinstated resulting in the 1978/79/80 23/24/25m rifles.

1981
In 1981 a new weapon design was adopted.... you guessed it, the T81.  Another indigenous created platform witch appears to have utilized features from several existing platforms all mushed into a new creation.   

Its important to note the starting and ending years of the T56 and T63 directly coincide with an inevitable overlap as rifles are produced, issued, recalled, and reallocated etc. A major effort went into the design and production of the T63 which was expected to be a 100% Chinese indigenous rifle to be proud of. I believe Jianshe to have played a very important role in the production of the T63 and its replacement of the T56.

Analyzing, researching, and knowing the Chinese serialization practices, I see no reason why the T63 would not follow the same pattern and the "year into production" should be illustrated by the first digit of the serial with the overwhelming majority other than the prototypes starting in 1969 which would be a 7.

Lets take a close look at a 1975 六三式 (63 type).   

[Loose}{Cannon]

As an added bonus, I will include one of the more interesting articles I have found on the Chinese interweb. Please note that this has been translated via google chrome and is borderline 

The original can be found here...  http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=zh-CN&u=http://baike.baidu.com/view/592156.htm&prev=search


Some very interesting details within.... see if you can point them out.

Type 63 assault rifle is China 's first self-developed automatic rifles (in foreign mistakenly called 68 type). Overall structure of the Type 63 assault rifle is based on 56 semi-automatic rifle basis. Its ballistic performance, not removable bayonet, long wooden stock, aiming device etc, similar to 56 semi-automatic rifle. In order to achieve a single, bursts of fire, and to improve the accuracy of the burst (in terms relative to the 56-style assault rifles), guaranteed under various environmental, climatic conditions, operating reliability and shooting life, its main structure has been re-developed.
Chinese name Type 63 assault rifle

Country of origin China
Caliber 7.62mm
Effective range 400m
Ammunition 7.62 * 39mm 56 Infantry type bomb
Quality air gun 3.87kg
Rifling 4, D, rectangular rifling, lead 240mm

Table of Contents
Adevelopment process
2structural features
3design details
4production equipment
5retire from active
6related evaluation
7Performance Data
Adevelopment process ofediting

1950 China 's Soviet-style equipment imitation AK-47 assault rifle , SKS semi-automatic rifles and RPD machine gun in China collectively referred to as Type 56 firearms, all emitting middle power type 56 type 7.62mm bullet, 56 semi-automatic rifles (SKS), shooting accuracy Well, with a stretch off the bayonet, to reflect the "bloody assault" bravery; 56 assault rifle ( AK47 ), energy bursts of fire, fire more fierce, but poor shooting accuracy, the gun is short, there is little grip, is not conducive to bayonet fighting. Therefore, the newly developed automatic rifle must be under the operational effectiveness prominent rifle (shooting accuracy, bayonet) premise blend into bursts of fire performance to enhance firepower. Actually "Nibbling one" concept, with today's assault rifle concept is particularly strong in different

Tune rifle performance basis, must be maintained in full on all the characteristics of a rifle, designed to be single, bursts of automatic rifle. Then there are tactical thinking, emphasizing people's war , all soldiers , requires a lot of firearms , ammunition , supplies militia equipment, need a good performance, highlighting the operational effectiveness of the automatic rifle rifle.
When they did not have certain research programs to develop tactical and technical demonstration before the tactical and technical development tasks assigned and not very formal arrangements. And proposed review as soon as possible to achieve the requirements of the National Day parade. There are several very clear principle:
Automatic rifles must be developed to highlight all the characteristics of a semi-automatic rifle, to achieve a single, bursts of fire, and focus on improving the accuracy bursts;
To develop " three-pronged . " The so-called "three-pronged" refers to universities, military units, factories technician three-pronged development team. So he formed a three-pronged development team in 1959 and moved into the factory.

China's weapons industry first truly independent research, design rifle. Development staff are mostly young people just out of school. While research organization established to develop personnel (Institute), while planning to develop, prototype, test, test methods (laboratory, range, etc.). Due to the low starting point, poor foundation, coincided 1958 " Great Leap Forward ", the country set off" drum drive, "" struggle upstream, "put the satellite, miracles boom, coupled with the ensuing three years of natural disasters are difficult times, edge research, while the test, the results of testing means side can imagine. Type 63 assault rifle is in this background started to develop. Even under such conditions, the 63 automatic rifle design was completed stereotypes. Named for the 63 type 7.62mm automatic rifle.

Twostructural features
editor

Automatic machine learning 56 assault rifles structure, bolt rotation lock , spiral groove machine screw head on the machine frame projections and coordination led by the head of the bolt is completed open, latching action and before and after exercise. Most of the structural parameters and the same 56-style assault rifles. Type 63 automatic machine has two improvements, one of the piston and separate chassis, the second is to reduce the distance from the barrel axis robot center of mass. Both are from even reduce power and improve the accuracy of departure burst.

Casing is machined forgings receiver, barrel and receiver connection M25 × 1.5 screw connection. Casing structure and 56 semi-automatic rifle similar to the casing below, highlighting the front legs and back legs to stand and transmitter are engaged, and the butt of the gun body bound. The front of the casing is fitted barrel bore and lock the bearing surface, the casing is connected to the middle of the front legs, back legs rear casing and connected to the surface after impact, on both sides of the casing is relatively thin as 2.5mm. Overall, the casing stiffness, strength enough, but not weight.
Air guide system is completely redesigned for the first time took the rifle gas regulator structure, pistons, piston adjustment were made from the front into the piston cylinder on the gas block. Gas conditioning, under normal shooting conditions with small pores, smooth automatic machine movement, reducing the impact to improve shooting accuracy guarantee, under special circumstances with large pores shooting automatic machine has large energy and ensure reliability of action, while a large number of shooting is Under normal circumstances, the whole gun life can be guaranteed. Air guide system structure is relatively simple assembly and disassembly, conversion is very convenient, dynamic performance parameters are very reasonable, and effective measures to ensure the reliability.
The transmitter is also redesigned, is turning hammer, sear hook. Its important feature is the hammer spring is still with helical springs and manufacturing are more convenient to use. The transmitter uses a transmitter stand still assembled into separate parts, when combined with the decomposition of the whole gun can be easily attached or detached on the casing. Manufacturing process is simple than 56 assault rifles, sear, hooks, brackets are available stamping. Transmitter reliability, service is also very good.

0.75mm ammunition for the use of welding thick steel punch combinations, structure and 56-style assault rifle magazine the same, but instead loading 20 rounds, and increased short positions hang guide grooves, adjusted for the bomb line, to make it more reliable. While maintaining the 56 semi-automatic rifle capable of without removing the magazine through the front frame portion of the guide groove machine magazine press-fit into the function of bullets.

And 56 semi-automatic rifle butt, like, the whole shape Longwood care, holding the butt of the neck, the index finger to pull the trigger firing, primarily for the convenience of holding bayonet charge, if necessary, pull the trigger immediately launch.
Bayonet as a prominent claim 63 ceremony mentioned, we are still taking 56 semi-automatic rifle that fixed folding bayonet. Knife-shaped cross section, triangular knife, blade length 310mm, sharp tip to enhance lethality.
Aiming device rear sight , front sight with 56 assault rifles, like the circular cursor with curved rear sight base.

Because Type 63 assault rifle to take on the main structure in accordance with the performance requirements of a range of technical measures, together, this automatic rifles reached the tactical and technical requirements, and better performance, which are mainly the following:
Outstanding performance and requirements of tactical rifles in general, to achieve the bursts of fire, rifle fire intensified to improve the combat capabilities.
Good shooting accuracy, single precision equivalent to 56 semi-automatic rifle, 100m away from the R50 at about 5cm, burst accuracy is much better than 56-style assault rifles, firing, the gun steady operation, not on the muzzle jump.

Reliability, under special conditions can sand, cold, swimming rivers and other reliable shooter, 63-style shooting range test when the country adopted these ordeal. 15,000 issued to meet the requirements of life, 56 semi-automatic rifle issued only 6,000 life, neither type 63 increased weight, nor the use of special materials, life expectancy has increased more than doubled, largely reasonable structure design, dynamic parameters with horses properly, The mutual restraint reliability, accuracy, longevity, weight several major performance, through co-ordination of technical measures organic unity up.
Combat service in terms of performance, maintaining all the characteristics of rifles, such as the prominent role of the bayonet, bayonet strengthen stiffness, length, while improving the strong armed convenient bayonet; a longer barrel to ensure the effective range of the power on, there are short positions hang above the pressure bomb mechanism for timely and ready to bring great convenience, the whole gun structure is simple, quickly and easily combine decomposition.
Construction process better, and 56 semi-automatic rifles, submachine guns have more craft identity and inheritance.

Type 63 assault rifle design stereotypes, meet the design requirements, design and styling of 63 type 7.62mm automatic rifles or automatic rifles excellent team performance. But production equipment Type 63 assault rifle, but in terms of performance, quality, great changes have taken place.
3design detailsedit

63 rifle is optional single, bursts of light weapons , the overall structure of 56 semi- automatic rifle , based on the automatic machine learning 56 assault rifles (imitation AK-47) structure. Automatic machine center of mass and distance from the axis of the barrel closer to (and later developed Type 81 assault rifle developed inherited this idea), as well as a complete redesign of the air guide system to take gas regulator structure, under normal conditions, shooting with small pores to reduce the impact of energy Automatic machine to ensure a smooth movement, shooting under harsh conditions with large pores ensure operating reliability. Type 63 uses its proprietary capacity 20 rounds (more than 56 assault rifles less capacity 30 rounds) detachable magazine, and later modified Type 63 Type 56 assault rifles can be used to change the standard 30-round magazine, but the use of 56-style assault rifles bomb box need to go through minor changes (to short positions on the hook bolt removal device) in order to adapt. Speed ​​machine selection lever located trigger retainer front index finger operation. 63 semi-automatic rifle to take 56 rifle that fixed foldable triangular bayonet, muzzle device directly using standard ordinary bomb or grenade launching blanks.

63 rifle in its shape when it has been put into an outdated design, like M14 rifle and warfare during World War II the United States in the Vietnam War during the early 1960s, the use of intervention has changed greatly, more melee, Assault rather than in open areas to prevent long-range rifle enemy attack or rely on bayonets as close bayonet equipment. Therefore, 63-style rifle has the "old age" high hit rate and a longer shooting distance rifle. Although you can use, but Barrel is too long, too heavy. But what is noteworthy Type 63 assault rifle can be controlled fully automatic firing when a strong, experienced soldiers can easily play short burst spread very dense, it can be proved in several combat firefight in Vietnam, and PLA operational experience of the gun also proved this point. The main drawback of this type of rifle is too old design, lack of modern assault rifles portability, versatility and functional diversity, it is worth is limited room for improvement. In addition, the design flaws of its own, due to their own manufacturing process and significantly revised level of rifles conducted resulting quality problems, low change in the use of the gun to show the reliability of a large type of troops and equipment 63 comments to disrepute. PLA troops to the rifle conclusion: the rifle is not reliable. While remedial measures, due to poor performance, and more can be selected (for example, the same as the Chinese imitation AK), resulting in 63-style rifle in 1978 and finally to withdraw troops from the People's Liberation Army installation, re-equipped 56-style semi-automatic rifle and 56 With the new automatic rifle Type 81 assault rifle stereotypes and equipment, eventually replacing the 56 semi-automatic rifle and 56 automatic rifles, [1] 
4production equipment
editor

1969, under the "prepare, prepare against natural disasters, for the people," the guidelines, Type 63 assault rifle to start production. In a thousand factories, received the task is to produce hundreds of thousands of branches Type 63 assault rifle, in order to ensure timely completion of combat tasks, production preparation, process , tooling preparation are workers, cadres and technical staff to work overtime day and night. However, military production in the "military production quality first" This principle has not been implemented, the effective control of the quality of the rules and regulations and some have been canceled. Even if not canceled, it has not been followed. For example, the extent of research products stereotypes, inspection system, technical innovation appraisal system and so on. Type 63 assault rifle production models did not fulfill the program, all the improvements have not been identified by the test procedures, there is no strict military representatives Mill after the approval process variations and other product information to modify the program. Then set off a mass in order to increase productivity, saving time for the purpose of technical innovation climax, when the mention of the slogan is: "to product design center, vigorously pursued technological revolution", has been designed to shape the results of the 63 automatic rifles were drastic changes. Some changes are good, or saving hours of work, or to improve the performance, but there are several changes that result in adverse consequences.

Barrel and receiver coupling by M25 × 1.5 18mm diameter threaded change it into press-fit connection, playing only a 4mm diameter pin fixation. The purpose is to simplify modification barrel blank, use steel bars, drilling can no longer requires special upsetting end of forging blank. Cancellation of threading on the receiver and barrel, saving time. This change theoretically feasible, but the parameters change in style on 63 to take the extremely unreasonable, the outside diameter of the barrel portion of the chamber changed from 25mm 18mm, thickness reduction too, elastic deformation when shooting, shells easily stick bore, causing no shell phenomenon. With the length of the barrel and the receiver is too short, length of only 19mm, then chamfered ends of the casing, the actual length less than 19mm of contact. Processing casing hole bound to taper, roundness, imagine the receiver and barrel with strong, solid contact surface is not as likely to be present; then a 4mm diameter pin is not firmly fixed that may affect the accuracy at the time of the shooting, and even the barrel forward, closed off phenomenon becomes loose.

The whole casing forgings to punch riveting combination of receiver, this punch riveting combination of casing is a result of technological advances to solve the forging casing stripping dug heart of processing methods, improve efficiency, reduce weight. But the 63-type casing structure, form more complex, which is developed based on the structure and design, and processing machine is made by the whole forging blank. Not the actual structure of the product from the parts starting forcibly change the structure process, must reach the expected results. In order to meet the structural requirements on the Type 63 receiver forgings, performance requirements, punch riveting casing structure after the change is very complicated, it is pieced together by the festival sets, around the walls, the tailstock, hang boxes, rivets and other parts made of 13 .

Punch riveting casing launched after 63-style quality dramatically. The first is to weaken the stiffness, the casing during processing at any time in deformation, stamping, machining, quenching, are fitted in the deformation, are corrected, although the production process increased the number of channel correction process, however, can only "after the tube former disregard ", as long as it is being processed correction procedure qualification, you can stop the change has been processed before the procedure because of the size of the correction after the procedure occurred. Full use of the gun in the armed forces is also deformed, reflecting the problem is poor shooting accuracy, especially qualified school shot gun, put on some days is not the target of the call.

Second, due to the complex structure of the casing punch riveting, riveted together thanks to some hard to ensure the accuracy of the required size, location. With casing rail trough, for example, 31 + 0.17mm width is unable to meet the requirements, only by the correction to achieve, but the production, use of the process has become back trough the symmetry center of the chamber, it is difficult and can not be corrected, and sometimes more than 1mm deviation. Due process also affects the size of the failed action shooting accuracy and flexibility.
Once again, punching and riveting casing weakened section locking sleeve bearing surface strength, when the casing around the wall to produce stamping tear but imperceptible cracks, the whole life of the gun less than the original 15,000-fat requirements, but also unable to take corrective action, had to change the life requirement of 10,000 hair.

Due to major changes in the structure of the casing, affecting the whole gun casing all relevant parts are required to be changed accordingly, and because the product design as the center of the technological revolution, all parts are changed, which resulted in various parts of the whole gun is not harmonization issues. For example the machine frame, in order to simplify the structure, change the short rail 6mm, causing the machine frame at the receiver rail movement derailed, causing poor shooting accuracy, movement catching. Shelf above thick arc shape composed of three instead of two slashes with a circular composition, similar to the roof; the chassis itself is very low due to a wide, looks very ugly, but also by a hollow cylinder machine handle , flanged ends form to solid cone column, but also affect the appearance and operation.

The outer surface of the whole gun to black oxide treatment by electrophoretic coating, surface treatment technology is not yet due to the clearance, so that the surface paint color mixed, uneven thickness, adhesion is poor, troops use a one off soon, serious impact antirust ability and appearance.
Production equipment more than 63 automatic rifle designed shape of the Type 63 assault rifle performance, quality decreased, and this is a historical fact, but not all of the 63 factory-style are very poor, and this should be divided into three stages, production the initial two years, according to the design drawings stereotypes quality production of this part of the gun is better: With the increased production volume, change the place more and more, the quality was gradually violent clap out until 1974 peaked troops reflect strong views , this take measures quality of research lasted two years, although taken some remedies, but the overall situation has not changed. Gun quality research have improved since, for example, the accuracy of R50 spread has stabilized at about 5.5cm.

Type 63 assault rifle from 1959 started to develop, design finalized in 1963, 1969 and put into mass production and troops, to stop production in 1978, to withdraw equipment, nearly 20 years, produced a total number of one million, had weapons of replacement is a very natural thing, but also the inevitable result of technological advances, Type 63 assault rifle through which the road is the road from prosperity to decline. Withdrawal was due to unavoidable reasons loaded fate. Start of production equipment Type 63 to replace 56 semi-automatic rifle. However, the end result is discontinued, withdrawal loaded 63 style, re-generation of production equipment 56 semi-automatic rifle. Turn a circle back to the place. Type 63 is a typical "congenitally disorders." 1958, related to military research, feasibility studies carried out just in, did not establish a sound regulatory framework, together with the then situation is, "gets going on." Type 63 assault rifle tactical and technical feasibility studies were naturally not fully developed stereotypes Type 63 assault rifle does not meet the tactical requirements.

Modern War and World War II, great changes have taken place, the kind of carrying on a bayonet rifle, aim at the enemy made out of two shooting scenes may not be there. Will be highly motorized war, the troops fighting in the form of encounter -based, more melee, mountains, jungle or city streets Assault. In this war situation, the required automatic rifle, should be a single, bursts good accuracy, firepower, short light automatic rifles. Automatic rifles feature is effective longer range, shooting accuracy, and can also grappling with the bayonet fighting when necessary, firing rocket-propelled grenades, automatic rifles, which is the modern tactical requirements. However, all 63 automatic rifle rifles retention characteristics, highlighting its role in long-distance range and bayonets, ignoring short light requirements are clearly insufficient firepower, the whole gun long and cumbersome. Assault greatly reduces the effectiveness of automatic rifles. Only one form of fixed wood care, infantry car, and in the jungle, mountains, trenches combat zone very inconvenient. Then worked airborne restructuring specialist group of 63 type folding stock, and did not succeed due to immature technology.

Type 63 automatic rifles do not meet modern tactical requirements, which is to demonstrate the problems caused by work not done; after the equipment, the troops did not feel any major changes, just hit single bursts of semi-automatic machine into play, natural lack of enthusiasm. This is an important reason leading to the withdrawal of 63 type installed.
Production, equipment, 63 type sent to the troops, because of the aforementioned various causes decreased performance and quality, great views of the troops, of which the most important is shooting accuracy, much more than just for the poor down 56 semi-automatic, reportedly the country 12 Military Military fight in there nine reporting requirements for the gun. The report said: "Yesterday a good school just shoot a gun, do not hit the target today," and described the gun in change, stood in the change, the march is changing, the car is changing. Other aspects of the quality problems are reflected, for example, broken wood care, shedding oxide layer. Because there are serious quality problems Type 63 assault rifle, military not welcome, "I also semi-automatic" are growing. This is the direct cause of the withdrawal installed.

Type 63 produces quality, quality research relevant units organized, great results, most of the problems have been resolved, such as shooting accuracy does have greatly improved, but is designed to bring some of the problems, or changes in the structure of production brought of course, can not fundamentally solve, such as the casing stiffness difference, the problem is easily deformed.
Tight fit on the barrel and receiver press-fit connection, punching and riveting combination of casing ceremony appeared in 63 issues, you can not explain these two technologies is not feasible, simply because the structure and technical parameters used in 63 design suited this two new technologies. Later, in a number of new weapons developed, have unimpeded application of these two technologies.
Brought about the design problem, run backwards when shooting Mars, serious harm shooter phenomenon. The reason is that the gas block is actually a piston cylinder, piston, piston are adjustable from the front into the lock again, when shooting, high-temperature, high-pressure gases and combustible material residue Mars becomes self-regulating plugs, pistons and air guide The gap hoop backward injection, and some can be sprayed onto the Martian shooter's face, and even damage the eyes. Great views of the troops, "from the enemy failed to do." To this end the organization of research, to find the reasons for them, only a sleeve mounted on the outside of the piston to Mars close up, be solved.

About breakable wood care issue, but also design brings. 63 style emphasizes burst improve the accuracy required automatic machine down the center of mass height, so the design of the machine frame lateral dimensions large, very wide. Wide receiver will naturally (40mm). Holomorph wooden stock, which is flanked on the outside casing of the package, only the thickness of 4mm, such a thin piece of wood inevitably break. Because 63 gun very wide, it is the appearance of a very uncoordinated, there are soldiers, said; "This gun is stupid." Emotionally not like this gun. Coupled with the gun manufacturing rough surface, the surface layer off, etc., which seriously affect their appearance.
Although only 63 rifle more than a decade, but its failure experience for our weapons programs in the argument, development, styling / production equipment, the entire process of providing practical experience and lessons learned, so that gradually developed military orientation standardized and institutionalized, and accumulated a lot of technically sophisticated knowledge, especially in the 63 to explore a mass of research in a wide range of experience.

In addition, the Type 63 assault rifle was in the army in addition to the equipment, but has also been used to Vietnam, the United States and Australia, the soldiers at the initial contact with Type 63, thought it was a way to bursts of SKS, then they put This rifle is called 68-style rifles. In China and Vietnam after the odds, has the formula 63 for aid to Cambodia anti-Vietnam.
The early 1960s, a group of well-automatic rifle was manufactured aid to a country in Southeast Asia to use against the United States armed forces, when these forces have used SKS / 56-style semi-automatic rifle. US military SKS / 56-style semi-automatic rifle accuracy fully understood, but the US military has mastered the SKS / 56-style semi-automatic rifle fatal weakness: You can not burst, a small bomb capacity, lack of firepower both density and continuity. Experienced US resistance forces in the event of this type have firearms, usually using M14 or M60 to combat fire suppression methods confrontation. US soldiers is heard SKS / 56-style semi-automatic rifle gunfire that lie down on the ground, then lateral movement, then use the M14 rifle shooting overlay. Or a person using the M14 rifle cover shot, one person using M14 for short-burst, with dense projectiles suppress each other, so that the rebel side also suffered losses (especially in the 200m distance around, 7.62 × 51mm NATO cartridge might M14 use and wear Through strong in SKS / 56-style semi-automatic rifle, 7.62 × 39mm cartridge, has more advantages in the jungle).

The use of Type 63 assault rifle, the situation has changed. Australian troops from the war at the time recalled: "I was with the squad is patrolling along the river bank, across the sloping riverbank trees suddenly sounded familiar SKS gunshots place to lie down, I immediately ordered to disperse, while using the radio call. rescue, while the use of the hands of the M14 and M60 only one direction alternately firing gunshots and gradually ordered to retreat behind the move to a mound in our movement, a strange thing happened, we suddenly encountered automatic rifle style burst, listen to his voice and Vietcong equipment AK47 different, but there are differences in the way, all two rounds short burst, spreading small, our two teammates are actually shot in the leg, in the rest of his teammates go wounded during the rescue, there is one person was hit waist, then collapsed. We have bent over behind the mound, uninterrupted fire to the opposite with M14 and M60 ...... at a field hospital for treatment of our comrades, we found that the wound with SKS and AK47 hit completely different. Two hits very close, less than 1 inch (25.4mm). penetrating wound cavity straight, but the small import, export, and AK47 differ . Military am a bit surprised, and asked me what I said maybe a gun fight is AK47 doctor said: 'That guy is very accurate marksmanship' ...... in the crossfire when I wrote a report to the lieutenant, because the other side can not be determined What are we to carry out attacks on firearms, so had to write each other using a high-precision AK47 or a few sticks of fire ...... SKS short intervals alternately until two months later, we are in an attack captured and seized them to use some of the CPV only to find out after the weapons that they had been able to use a feature bursts with "five-star" signs of high-precision 20-round magazine SKS rifle. This rifle came to be what we call the 68 automatic rifles. "

1979 for more self-defense war , the fighting forces to reflect, 56 semi-automatic rifle fire continued weak, insufficient number of 56-style assault rifles. Then some inventory 63 63 rifle and a complete production line attracted people's attention, so military technology, production personnel to restart production lines, improvements in the standard 63-like basis, the improvement project:
Improved interface ruler magazine, cards shoots, so Type 63 can use the "star" magazine and 20 rounds of 56 / 56-1 submachine gun magazines (63 style magazine mouth original tail hook gave way trough a short position, if the original magazine's 56-style assault rifles, some 63 ceremony short positions must first remove the hook). Recoil spring made of high quality wire wrapped around the system, increase the intensity. Reduce tolerance bolt, firing pin reinforced handle.
Emergency facelift after the fighting forces, the armed forces reflect this improved accuracy compared with 63 type 56 semi-automatic rifle fire continued enhancements. In a search of the enemy raids wars, there were two improved Type 63 rifle magazine with a 56-style assault rifles at 300 meters from the alternate shot with a short burst, within 20 minutes killed six and wounded enemy machine gunner, blocked off hole hidden enemy firing points, so that the enemy can not fire, cover charge and other comrades captured Candi cave. But because the whole gun Type 63 is too long, in jungle warfare easily hooked branches and other objects, and in the use of 56-style assault rifle magazine, the magazine is easy to fall off.

Brief resume production on more self-defense during the war did not change the fate of the 63 automatic rifles, and soon it again discontinued . This time, the 81 gun family is in the final test range. 1981, 81 gun family design finalized and equipment for the troops, and the army's 63-style rifle fate done, finally officially retire from active service. But once produced millions branch Type 63 assault rifle, in addition to part of the export and aid other countries, there is a considerable amount of storage in the country's militia arsenal, and in some border guards and militia training, but also see it figure .
With the reform and opening up was thorough, Type 63 assault rifle is also exported to the international market, by some armed groups as a standard weapon use. Afghan region where militants have modified many of Type 63 rifle loyal followers. Because 63-style rifle butt in the cold winter wooden stick cheek when aiming reliable and comfortable, not frozen face, does not affect the targeting accuracy. AK47 magazine use it under the premise has the SKS-like precision, to ensure a good sustained fire, short, long burst combination of distance (about 300m) to hit multiple targets simultaneously very effective. Afghanistan user believes that the combination of sustained accuracy and firepower, can only be compared with AK47. In 2001 for the Afghan news area, we can still see the improved Type 63 toting automatic rifles Fanta Union soldiers patrol guard lens.

So far, many experts still believe that in the prevailing historical conditions, Type 63 assault rifle and automatic rifle developed countries, compared with assault rifles, many tactical, technical performance does not lag behind, if forward-looking design, it ought to be the order Chinese people pride of world famous gun. British scholar Hogg (Ian V.Hogg) is a well-known expert in the contemporary world of light weapons on very influential. He served as a world authority on light weapons journal "Jane's Infantry Weapons Yearbook" (Jane's Infantry Weapons), "Jane's Ammunition Yearbook" (Jane's Ammunition) and several other well-known magazine editor weapons. He introduced a number of Chinese small arms in the famous "Jane's Infantry Weapons Yearbook" and other publications, magazines. However, to get the best assessment of Mr. Hogg is described by Chinese rifle Type 63 assault rifle.
Mr. Hogg has introduced CQ 5.56 mm automatic rifles; 56 7.62 mm semi-automatic rifles; 56 assault rifles (assault rifle); 68 automatic rifles (ie, Type 63 assault rifle, the same below) and 79 sniper rifles and other five Chinese rifles. He believes that only five rifles Type 63 assault rifle was designed by the Chinese people themselves and manufacture, the rest are fake and imitation of the former Soviet Union, the United States of products to a larger space for which he presented to the world China's 63 automatic rifles.

Mr. Hogg commented: 7.62 mm Type 63 assault rifle (7.62mm Type 63 rifle), is designed and manufactured by a Chinese rifle, from the basic shape of view, this is similar to 56 semi-automatic rifle gun, but it's Barrel more than 56 semi-automatic rifle barrel length, the rotary bolt AK-47 rifle is designed on the basis of, this gun has shot selection function. There is a two-way gas regulator. Usually the installation of the 20-round magazine, but if you remove or stuck bolt shoots resistance, can also be used AK-47 and AKM assault rifle, 30 rounds magazine.
Mr. Hogg praise: "field decomposition Type 63 assault rifle is also very simple," he was loading the gun in the form of research than China's "shooting materials" but also detailed, showing his love for the Type 63 assault rifle for me.

Type 63 assault rifle can get a higher rating light weapons authoritative international experts, mainly at the time of a change in the imitation of traditional light weapons in the former Soviet Union, and create a new situation of independent self-developed automatic rifle and light weapons the international community by surprise. Now, however, come back to objectively evaluate the Type 63 assault rifle, semi-automatic rifle to rifle year length, shape to design an automatic rifle, was lagging behind its design has been popular internationally, automatic rifle gun family-oriented, " Step (gun) garnet (bomb) One "and other design trends, the gun was by the" Cultural Revolution "ten years of turmoil in management, quality problems and was withdrawn loaded, but for our country and later advanced to establish an automatic rifle design concepts, provide a very useful reference. Today we look at the 63 automatic rifles, semi-automatic rifle its shape, length is very suitable for the ceremonial gun. 20 rounds magazine rifle smooth appearance on the gas block, are triangular bayonet longer significantly different from the former Soviet Union Simonov SKS semi-automatic rifle, a little light weapons common sense knows that this is China's first self-developed automatic rifle. Rifle "untimely" the lessons of history are filled with withdrawal, will also encourage our ordnance technology, production staff work hard, well-designed, carefully processed, PLA developed modern automatic rifles.

7Performance data

Full-gun bayonet open 1342 mm long
Fold under the bayonets 1032 mm
Full-width 68 mm gun
The whole gun weight (with an empty magazine, cleaning rod) 3.87 kg
Barrel length 520 mm
7.62mm caliber
Rifling four right-handed rectangular rifling, lead 240mm
56-style rifle bullet 7.62X39mm
Magazine capacity 20 rds (every gun with 4)
Muzzle muzzle velocity of 735 m / s
Effective range of 400 m
Theoretical rate of fire 750 RPM
Life 10,000 hair (original life of 15,000 rounds)


Reference material
1.    Type 63 assault rifle   . Phoenix [quote date 2013-08-27].
Entries Tags:
Weaponry  , Industry figures  , Military figures  , Military  , Social
Type 63 assault rifle
Type 63 assault rifle Atlas
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Last Updated: 2014-12-01
Created by: CS King

[Loose}{Cannon]

More porn....   another 1975.   

This rifle shows me that by 1975 Jianshe was already producing at least 360 thousand rifles a year!

[Loose}{Cannon]

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[Adam7]

I want a parts kit of one of these bad boys so bad!!!  Thanks for finding these pics... There is almost zero info on the net about these!

[Worm]

Wow.. Look at that selector switch! Weird. I don't like the swiveling buttplate, looks cheap. lol

This is really awesome, never have I gotten such a close look at these fugly things. Thanks! 

[Greasemonkey]

I wanna see guts, what makes this old girl tick?  Show me dem guts!  I don't care about the automatic side of it, I'm just curious what makes it tick period.

 Wonder which part made it so bad, gas system, bolt/carrier design, lack of maintenance or ignored maintence the older SKS design or Ak didn't require.


And just how wide is the area where the bayonet latches in, I see what I think is a gas shut off .  Humm, maybe there is a grenade launcher that fits this baby, somewhere


And is that a plug in the end of the barrel? Or am I seeing things.

[Worm]

Whoa.. A gas shutoff.. Hmm..

[Loose}{Cannon]

[Loose}{Cannon]

Carl....  ^^^^  you really should read the rather long article I quoted from chinese interweb.     cough cough... mentions launcher.   

[Loose}{Cannon]

Surprised nobody has noticed that III on the rear sight leaf.   

[running-man]

And the French tickler hand guard. Those 23/24 mil /26\ guns and the 0296 m21's borrowed heavily.

[Worm]

I see a rotary bolt.

Why oh why did they even attempt this? AK is King.

[Worm]

And the French tickler hand guard. Those 23/24 mil /26\ guns and the 416 m21's borrowed heavily.

I forgot the 23 mill 416 M21's were practically the same as the M21 0296's.

[monkeyboy]

Great pics, thank you for sharing! I guess now we know where the Albanians got the idea of a two hole buttstock. Now I wonder if the steel Albanian oilers are actually Chinese?

[Worm]

Hey, good observation monkey. That must be where Albania got the idea. Cool to know 

[Loose}{Cannon]

Great pics, thank you for sharing! I guess now we know where the Albanians got the idea of a two hole buttstock. Now I wonder if the steel Albanian oilers are actually Chinese?

Bingo...  You found one of the things I was hoping someone noticed.  As we all know China started Albania in their sks production.  Interestingly enough, the chinese sent a metric ass-ton of these to Albania and 1978 just happens to be the last year of the sks in Albania.   

[monkeyboy]

Great pics, thank you for sharing! I guess now we know where the Albanians got the idea of a two hole buttstock. Now I wonder if the steel Albanian oilers are actually Chinese?

Bingo...  You found one of the things I was hoping someone noticed.  As we all know China started Albania in their sks production.  Interestingly enough, the chinese sent a metric ass-ton of these to Albania and 1978 just happens to be the last year of the sks in Albania.   

Yes I'd venture to say Albania was the second biggest user of the T63. I'd love to know more of the Chinese involvement in Albanian SKS production. I'm pretty sure the Chinese mirrored the soviets in helping the  Albanians  as the early Albanian stocks are not beech but appear to be the same wood the Chinese use for their stocks.Fun stuff!

[Dannyboy53]

Fascinating, thanks for the photos and great write up L}{C.

[Justin Hell]

The gas system on this certainly is fascinating.  I dig the spring/op rod/piston system...strange that the tube, or most of it.. seems to be permanently attached.  It seems to be addressing a weak point in a FA SKS though.    The reinvention of the bolt also seems to be on line with what would have to happen for safer FA operation.

It sure would be neat to get a trigger group from one of these to see how they came up with select fire.

I would love to see a take down video of this carbine. There has to be a reason for that nipple, and I am not entirely sure it is a gas shut off...that piston has to be removed somehow for cleaning...the lever to remove the tube seems like it would not be enough to keep the piston in place, under spring tension....without accidental eye gouging discharges of the piston....or the launching of the entire removable portion of the gas tube as well. 

The gas block seems to be the same as a normal SKS...but is lacking the take down lever...yet it's retaining holes are still present.

From the looks of things, I can see how this didn't quite cut the mustard for an 'All Chinese' FA rifle, what I don't see is why they would attempt this when they had already long since adopted and mastered the AK. Unless relations betwixt China and Russia were so bad that they felt the need to bastardize two Russian designs into what they could call an original....for national pride?

It sure would be cool if a few of these were accidentally allowed through as bring backs mistaken as a regular SKS.  I would love to handle one...even unloaded.

I must admit though...these things are butt ugly, and lack the 'elegance' of a standard SKS. 'Homely' seems to be an appropriate adjective.  The bolt carrier alone makes me feel bad for them...yet they are grooved for stripper clip use, when it is obviously set up for removable mag use....so it gets points for that.

BTW LC...I did notice the III leaf, right away. It also has the sliders similar to my DB...but it also only has the grooves on one side of the leaf...WTH is going on with that? It has to be just as unstable as mine with the grooves on alternating sides.  Weirdness!

Great write up, photos and food for thought!  Thanks!