Type 56 - Chinese machine gun caliber 7.62x39 mm. It is a variant of the Soviet AK-47 (specifically Type 3) and AKM assault rifles. In the Chinese military, the Type 56 was designated the "Type 1956 Sub-Machinegun" because in its early years of service with the PLA, the Type 56 played the role of an SMG rather than an infantry rifle. Production began in 1956 at the state-owned Factory 66, but was eventually transferred to Norinco and PolyTech, which continue to produce the rifle primarily for export.