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by Max R. Popenker
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Type 63 (68) assault rifle (PR China)

Caliber: 7.62x39 mm
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 1029 mm
Barrel length: 521 mm
Weigth: 3.49 kg
rate of fire: 750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 rounds detachable box magazines

The Type 63 / 68 rifle is a gas operated, selective fire weapon. It shares the stock design and receiver outline with the SKS, but instead of a tilting bolt it has an AK-47-type rotating bolt with dual locking lugs. The gas system is somewhat original being not entirely the same as the SKS or the AK-47, and has a dual-position gas regulator. This rifle is fed from detachable box magazines of various capacities, which are externally similar to, but not compatible with, AK-47 magazines. The Type 63rifles feature a bolt hold open device, also borrowed from the Simonov SKS, which holds the bolt open after the last shot had been fired. The bolt carrier also has the charging clip guides machined into its forward part, so the rifle can be reloaded with the magazine in place, using 10-round SKS stripper clips. Selective fire capability is controlled by the single safety / fire mode selector lever, located at the front of the trigger guard. All rifles are fitted with a wooden stock and a non-detachable, spike-shaped, down-folding bayonet.
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