jianshe arsenal /26\
The Jianshe Arsenal /26\ , also known as state factory /296\ and (formally known as arsenal 21) was moved to Chongqing in 1939 and subsequently being named Jianshe Machine Tool Factory in April 1957. A wide variety of small-arms were produced here. In current times its tied to China South Industries where they still produce small-arms and all sorts of other things such as ATVs and motorcycles etc today.
The timeline and year allocation for each shown below is quite literally what all the data/evidence/research suggests provided by many individual collectors and avid researchers dedicated to correctly identify and document the Chinese Type 56 carbine.
The timeline and year allocation for each shown below is quite literally what all the data/evidence/research suggests provided by many individual collectors and avid researchers dedicated to correctly identify and document the Chinese Type 56 carbine.
|
1962-69 (7Mil to 14Mil)
Same configuration as letter series, but a revert back to the mil-spot associated to the year of production. 1970 (1.5 Million) series
Drastic reduction of production at Jianshe, most likely due to the full Sino-Soviet relations split. Very low production year of approximately 20k rifles. |
M21 CARBINE
There are two versions of the M21, which to the best of our knowledge were produced specifically for export and have been observed all over the world. The early version found in the US marked 'No' are not import marked and are most likely all "bring back" rifles. The late version was imported to the US in decent numbers and are all marked factory 0296 or 416. Since the 296 code is well know to be used by the Jianshe arsenal along with /26\, this indicates 0296 'could' indicate it was produced at Jianshe. 0296 and 296 however 'could' theoretically be different locations also.
Israeli-Capture/arab CONTRACT Chinese RIFLES
These rifles are typically found in the 9m & 12m serial ranges, with the majority of them having their bolt carriers blued and with a laminate stock. But, some have been left in their original configuration. These will have bolts in the white and hardwood stock, with some having a dark gritty shellac over the wood. Arabic markings are found on some of these rifles, in both configurations. Early CAI imports have been reported to originate from Israel. Norinco marked rifles in the blued bolt carrier and laminated stock configuration were imported from China and likely never made the trip to an Arab state, but were likely produced in the same configuration for this purpose.
HONOR GUARD
The Honor-Guard variation is still currently beeng used in China for ceremonial purposes, and exhibits many chromed components from muzzle to buttplate. They were imported in limited quantities and came with a certificate of authenticity.
Public security
The public security variation is also found from Jianshe arsenal /26\. This version is much less common then the other security rifles from arsenals /016\, [0140], [0141], and [0144].
