NORINCO TYPE 81 CLASSIFIED: NON-RESTRICTED WILL BE AVAILABLE

After one of the longest bouts with the Canadian Firearms Program’s classification experts in recent memory, the Norinco Type 81 rifle will be available in both non-restricted and restricted (due to barrel length) varieties.

A short-stroke, gas-operated rifle, the Norinco Type 81 pairs the more modern rotating-bolt method of lockup seen in an AK with an SKS-style short-stroke gas-operated piston assembly. However, like a VZ.58, the Norinco Type 81 also features a last-shot bolt hold-open feature, and accepts a unique magazine like the VZ.58.

Update: The Canadian contract Type 81's will accept AK-pattern magazines, but standard AK magazines will not operate the bolt hold-open feature.

However, like an AK-pattern rifle, the Norinco Type 81 is based upon a stamped sheetmetal receiver, but uses thicker sheetmetal than most AKs and features a lighter bolt assembly and a three position gas regulator. According to a review over at Tactical Life, this aids accuracy and reliability.

In terms of model availability, it is a given that rifles will be imported in both non-restricted and restricted lengths, with most probably being chambered in 7.62x39. However, Norinco has produced a variant of the Type 81 in 5.56 in the past for export to the US market, so it may be possible for future imports to include other calibres. As yet, price remains unknown, as production of Canadian-specification Type 81s is currently not underway and the earliest estimates for first delivery are pegged at 8 months from now.