Type 56 (AKM) Assault Rifle

The AKM is a gas operated, select fire assault rifle. The gas operated action has a bolt carrier permanently attached long stroke gas piston. The gas chamber is located above the barrel. The bolt carrier rides on two rails which support a rotating bolt with two lugs that lock into the receiver. The return spring and a spring guide are located behind the gas piston. The cocking handle is permanently attached to the bolt carrier and reciprocates when the weapon is fired. The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel with machined steel inserts riveted in place where required. The receiver cover is a stamped sheet metal part with stamped strengthening reinforcing ribs. There is a combined safety, fire selector switch of distinctive shape located on the right side of the receiver. The rifle has a detachable staggered row, 30 round, stamped detachable steel magazines attached to the bottom of the receiver. The rifle has a wooden stock and wooden front handle. The rifle has a plastic pistol grip. The wooden buttstock has a steel buttplate with a trap cover for the accessory container in the butt. The sights of the rifle consist of a hooded front post and a U-notch open rear. Sights are graduated from 100 to 1000 meters with an additional fixed battle setting that can be used for all ranges up to 3 . A cruciform folding bayonet is attached to the barrel.

Markings - FACTORY 46 CYPHER; TYPE 56; Serial number 2811609;

The Type 56 (AKM) assault rifle was on issue to Iraqi forces during the Iraq war. This rifle was confiscated by Australian forces in 2006 while serving in Iraq.