WTK: info on Norinco 56S-3

[AK47Collector]

Has anyone seen/handled/fired one of these before? It is the same as a regular fixed stock Norinco, model 56S, but, with the red bakelite furniture on it.

Secondly, does anyone know where one is for sale?!?

Any and all help in locating one of these would be greatly appreciated.


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[Timothy]

Yes I've seen a under folder ak with the red bakelite furniture. It wasn't marked the 56-3 like you were refering to and it was imported from some company from Sacramento Ca. The dealer had it at the Reno gun show, and was selling for about $1000. I've got his card somewhere if you're interested.

[AK47Collector]

Tim,

I am extremely interested in the rifle you saw. Please, send me your e-mail address so I can send you my phone numbers. My address is billigch@sgi.net

Thank you, in advance, for the information. (It is greatly appreciated!)

[Timothy]

Ak-collector
I've tried to send you email, but it bounced back. Heck, it took me a couple days to remember the password to post responses. At any rate, You can email me at tkbkm@webtv.net for you questions.

[AK47Collector]

Dear Tim,

I sent you an e-mail with the phone number(s), where you can reach me, but I still haven't received any response.
When you have a moment, please call 1-(724)-495-6200. (Between 8:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. E.S.T.) Simply ask for, Craig, at the front desk.

I look forward to hearing from you.




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[AK47Collector]

Here is a link to a picture of the Norinco Pre-1989-Ban Model 56S-3.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=196272&a=1440775&p=15083258&Sequence=0

ENJOY!

P.S. I am still searching for one of these to complete my collection. (Please see my ad posted in the new Ad Board section.)


[This message has been edited by AK47Collector (edited 01-10-2000).]

[Templarx]

My first AK, which I bought in 1989, was a Clayco 56s underfolder with black cloth reinforced synthetic fore arm, gas tube, and pistol grip. It wasn't marked 56-3 either.

The rifle was stolen from me in 1990 along with a NIB Valmet 62 wood stock rifle.

I haven't seen any other Claycos to compare though. Hope that helps in any way.

[This message has been edited by templar (edited 01-11-2000).]

[AK47Collector]

First of all, hello to you, sir. Secondly, Templar, my sincere and humble apologies for your rifles that were stolen. (I hope you had them insured and were able to replace them.)

On the subject of Pre-1989-Ban Norinco (stamped/marked/engraved in the receiver) AK-47 rifles, Type 56S family/series, chambered in 7.62 x 39 mm, the model numbers are:

56S......Fixed stock with all wood furniture. (Most common.)
56S-1....Metal under folding stock with wood furniture.
56S-2....Metal side folding stock with red, almost a maroon color, 'BakeLite' (plastic) furniture. (Please see the link below for a picture.) http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=196272&a=1440775&p=15118694&Sequence=0
56S-3....Fixed stock with all BakeLite furniture. (Please see the link below for a picture.) http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=196272&a=1440775&p=15083258&Sequence=0

* Note: Please also note that '56' refers to the year the Chinese first started to manufacture/produce these rifles. (1956, right after the Korean War). Also, the ‘S’ refers to Semi-Automatic. The dash ‘1’, ‘2’, or ‘3’ refers to the different variants/models produced. (Similar to the M-16: ‘A1’, ‘A2’, ‘A3’ designation.)

Please, forgive me of my ignorance on the subject of the Clayco, the very first Norinco AK-47s brought into this country. I do not know what or how they were marked/engraved on the receivers.
Perhaps one of the other fellows could enlighten us on what the numbering system was?!?


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[This message has been edited by AK47Collector (edited 01-11-2000).]

[Jesse]

Hello: AK47Collector

I didnt know that Norinco made the 56s-2
never seen one ,or heard of it before now
are they the same as the Polytechs ? I have
the sidefolder just like your picture
but its a Poly . also i will be going to a gun show this weekend ,will be looking for you . do you want a NIB or a clean used one.

Take care:Jesse

[AK47Collector]

Well, hello, Jesse.

The only differences between the Norinco Red Para Side folder, Model 56S-2, and the PolyTechnologies AKS version is:

1.) The PolyTech's is a much brighter red, where as, the Norinco's are more of a maroon in color.

2.) The PolyTech's have two slightly different versions:
- The first one, has a East European Style Bayonet. (The rifle has a bayonet lug.)
- The second one, uses the old style bayonet that actually attaches directly to the barrel of the rifle. (The rifle does not have a bayonet lug.)

Other then these two, minor, differences I haven't noticed anything else. Have you, Jesse? (Just curious.)

Also, on a personal note, if you happen to see a 56S-3 at the show, or in a gun store, please, do not hesitate to drop me a line or contact me directly. My e-mail address is mailto:billigch@sgi.net I can also be reached by phone, during the day, at work at 1-(724)-495-6200, and simply ask for, Craig at the front desk. (I am normally in the office from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. E.S.T.)

P.S. Have a good show, Jesse!

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[AK47Collector]

I just wanted to let everyone know that Norinco also made a Type 56 without the 'S' after the 56.

It also has the BakeLite furniture installed and is a full stock, just like the 56S-3. (The reason I know is that I just purchased one!)

Still looking for the 56S-3!!!