Type 64 submachine gun

The Type 64 (Chinese: 1964年式衝鋒槍; pinyin: 1964 Niánshì Chōngfēng Qiāng; lit. '1964Year Type Submachine Gun')[3] is a submachine gun of Chinese origin. Designed for silent operations, the Type 64 has an integral suppressor making the weapon considerably quieter.[4] The weapon is a magazine-fed selective-fire submachine gun using a open-bolt, blowback action,[5] chambered for 7.62×25mm Type 64 (A special subsonic version of the Chinese 7.62x25 Type-51 7.62×25mm Tokarev round).

Type 64 submachine gun
TypeSubmachine gun
Place of originChina
Production history
ManufacturerState factory 66
Specifications
Mass3.4kg, with empty 20-rounds magazine
Length630mm Stock folded
860mm Stock open
Barrel length245mm

Cartridge7.62×25mm Type 64
Caliber7.62mm
ActionBlowback, open bolt
Rate of fire1,000rpm (with subsonic cartridge)[1]
1,300rpm (with non-dedicated cartridges)[2]
Muzzle velocity290~305 m/s
Maximum firing range150-200m
Feed system20/30-round box magazine
SightsIron

This was one of the few Chinese-made Cold War small arms that were not based on any existing Soviet small arms.[6]

History

While the Type 64 has been used in the PLA, it was eventually replaced in service by the Type 85 submachine gun.[7] The weapon was developed together with the Type 64 suppressed pistol for special forces missions.[8][9]

Some Type 64s were exported for the North Vietnamese military during the Vietnam War.[10] It was used in the Sino-Vietnamese War in 1979 by Chinese troops.[8]

Development

The Type 64 was designed from the beginning to be a suppressed weapon, unlike many other suppressed firearms that are simply modified versions of standard production guns. An amalgam of many designs, the gun features the bolt of a PPS submachine gun and the trigger group of a ZB vz. 26, both of which are grafted onto the receiver of an AKS-47.[4] The rate of fire is at 1,000 rpm.[1]

The safety/fire selector lever is based on the Type 56 assault rifle.[11] While standard 7.62mm Tokarev ammo can be used, it will increase the rate of having the integrated suppressor wear off.[11] The Type 64 can use 20 or 30-round magazines.[8]

A flip-up rear sight is available, set for ranges from 100 to 200 meters.[12]

References

  • Type 64 - Website showing detailed pictures of a Type 64 submachine gun.