The China North Industries Corporation, officially abbreviated as Norinco, developed Norinco Type 63, sometimes erroneously referred to as the Type 68. It entered into production in 1969, but production ceased in 1978 with approximately six millions items manufactured. The rifle suffers from reliability problems and is almost uncontrollable when fired in the automatic mode. Optically, the Type 63 resembles the Simonov SKS, though it features a longer barrel and an operating mechanism based on the AK-47. The rifle has been widely exported in the past, so residual numbers may remain in use.
Norinco Type 63
Silhouette (Visual Identification)
| Category | Rifles & Carbines |
|---|---|
| Operating system | gas, selective-fire |
| Cartridge | |
| Length | 1029 mm |
| Feeding | detachable, box magazine or charger-loading facility |
Global distribution map
Weapon prevalence
Country of origin
Licensed production
Production without a license
Country of origin
Licensed production
Production without a license
X
The Norinco Type 63 is found in 6
countries
according to our data.
This map is a reflection of data on global distribution and production provided primarily by the BwVC. It is not exhaustive. If you would like to add to or amend the data, please click here.
Global distribution list
The data on global distribution and production is provided primarily by the BwVC, but also from national and regional focal points on SALW control; data published by think tanks, international organizations and experts; and/or data provided by individual researchers on SALW. It is not exhaustive. If you would like to add to or amend the data, please click here.
Symbol legend
 |
Country of origin |
 |
Licensed production |
 |
Production without a licence |
| G | Government: Sources indicate that this type of weapon is held by Governmental agencies. |
| N | Non-Government: Sources indicate that this type of weapon is held by non-Governmental armed groups. |
| U | Unspecified: Sources indicate that this type of weapon is found in the country, but do not specify whether it is held by Governmental agencies or non-Governmental armed groups. |
It is entirely possible to have a combination of tags beside each country. For example, if country X is tagged with a G and a U, it means that at least one source of data identifies Governmental agencies as holders of weapon type Y, and at least one other source confirms the presence of the weapon in country X without specifying who holds it.
Visual Identification (Silhouette)
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