Chinese Type 56 Folding Spike Bayonet

[MDIvie]

Mike,

The Albanians did indeed make a stamped receiver version of the Type 56 AK. The ones I have seen that are full Albanian production and not just assembled from Chinese and Albanian parts mixture, do not have the mag well dimples. I have not seen one in person to look closely at the bayonet, but I do know there were at least 2 kits imported to the US.

Martin

[Mr. B.]

Martin,

You are correct. The Albanians did make their own version, ASh78, after importing various Chinese Type 56s. They also assembled them from an assortment of Albanian and Chinese parts before making there own completely (?). The main differences were minor and mostly in the front sight base, which to me is not part of the bayonet. There may also be minor differences in the bayonet blade and hilt, but difficult to tell from the pictures. Below are borrowed pictures from a reference and an actual rifle, (from a kit?). The question remains did they manufacture there own bayonet blades and hilts or just use the Chinese ones that were available.

Mike

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12750171_1704784299776410_582902973_n (3).jpg (52.58 KiB) Viewed 1314 times

[Mr. B.]

Here are a few more pictures of the Albanian Type ASh78, (Type 56) with the folding spike bayonet. Mike

[ilian]

thanks Mike!