Gas-powered AK rifle replicas are currently on the rise. This time, instead of Soviet carbines, the focus is on the more exotic Type 56, the Chinese variant of the Kalashnikov design. The project comes from a very young brand, Akriva. The Type 56 carbines were standard-issue weapons of the communist People’s Liberation Army of the People’s Republic of China.
They originate from Mikhail Kalashnikov’s design and are based on the same operating principles, although certain external changes were introduced to make them easier to distinguish. In the case of the classic Type 56 variant with a fixed wooden stock, a folding bayonet appears—similar to the one on the SKS rifle. The Type 56-1 is a variant with a folding skeletal stock, inspired by the AKMS. The Type 56-2 is another variant featuring a side-folding stock, although this one has a more unique character.
All of these variants are being developed by Akriva using wood, polymers, and steel. Effort has also been made to replicate the technological processes used in building the real carbines, such as welding or caustic salt bluing for surface protection, as well as adding a touch of necessary patina. For this reason, the replicas are packaged strikingly similar to real firearms and are protected in the same way.
Inside, the system is compatible with AK magazines from GHK as well as parts modeled on that design. The entire setup can operate with a shortened bolt travel or with full bolt travel after removing the spacer. The replica can use both Green Gas and CO2 magazines.
Is it worth taking an interest in a replica of a carbine made by Chinese elves of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army? Absolutely—especially since Akriva offers both the more exotic Type 56 and Type 56-2 variants, as well as the more classic AKMS/Type 56-1.
Photos: WMASG, Shooting Media, Akriva
