Posted: 3/14/2003 6:03:32 PM EDT
|
My new post-ban Bushmaster purchase was easy. My current dilema is whether I should buy a pre-ban Norinco-made AKM without any paperwork from a trusted co-worker. He purchased it from someone "some time back". He believes it was in the 80's, but he isn't positive. I have all the info off of the rifle. The serial number matches on the receiver, cover, bolt, etc. Can I obtain some proof of year of manufacture from the serial number? Do I even need proof? I am not positive what's needed to be legal. Your input is appreciated. |
|
I wouldn't purchase it. BATF will probably arrest and hassle you even if legal. You sound like a person who would attract attention at shooting range nervously looking around for BATF even if the gun is legal. I personally would buy the gun and what happnens, happens. It sounds like a pre-ban. CRC |
|
If the Norinco AK type rifle does [b]not[/b] say NHM-90, NHM-91, MAK-90, MAK-91, BWK-92, or Hunter on the receiver, then it's a [b]pre-89[/b] import ban. Those pre-ban rifles are allowed to have their evil parts. However, there were some Post-89 import ban Norinco AK type rifles imported by [b]Sile in New York, New York[/b] that were NOT marked MAK-90, NHM-90, etc. They were 56S rifles modified to post ban configureation. (See this [url=http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jfreeman246/Page_2.htm]website[/url] for more info on this) Norinco AK type rifles like the MAK-90 or NHM-90 imported between 1990 and 1994 did not have evil parts on the date of the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, so you CAN NOT put all the cool evil parts on them now. However, people were legally modifying their Post import ban Norinco AKs into their pre-ban configuration with Chinese made evil parts in early 1990, but the ATF caught onto this and imposed the "US parts" requirement sometime in 1990. So conceivably there are MAKs and NHMs out there legally in pre-ban configuration if they were converted during that period before the US parts requirement took effect in 1990. Finally, some may argue they converted their MAKs and NHMs to have all the evil parts with enough US parts before the 1994 AW Ban, but the problem with that is there were no companies selling US made triggers, disconnectors, pistons, grips, stocks and handguards until long after the 1994 AW ban. What markings are exactly on the receiver? Importer? Are the bayo-lug and cleaning rod retainer ground off? Muzzle threads? |
|
So basically, I wouldn't trust any supposed "pre-ban" Norinco AK type rifle marked NHM-90, NHM-91, MAK-90, MAK-91, BWK-92, or Hunter. Also, if the "pre-ban" Norinco AK type rifle is imported by Sile, New York, NY, I would look VERY closely at the markings to make sure there aren't any 7's stamped before and after 56S on the receiver if it is fixed-stock, or there is no "1" stamped in front of the 56S-1 if it is an underfolder. Otherwise it would be safe to say the Norinco AK type rifle is a genuine preban without documented proof. |
|
Thanks for the reply, Methos. I just started trying to research the AK-type rifles, so I have a lot to learn. The information on the receiver is as follows: 56S 41XXXX 7.62mm X 39 Made in China by Norinco The /66\ or "sixty-six in the triangle" mark is present. The numbers are stamped on the cover, the cover catch assembly(?) and the bolt. On the barrel is stamped 1ACO 5 or S ACC A or a pyramid shape. The rifle has the cleaning kit in the butt stock, the cleaning rod, the attachable bayonet/knife (the original type, not the updated version) and the slanted muzzle break. I didn't check to see if it was threaded onto the barrel. The front site is enclosed and the rear is adjustable. The rifle is in excellent shape and with an aftermarket case and three 30 round mags, I thought $600 was fair. I could use opinions on that as well. Any thoughts? |
|
That rifle is a Preban Norinco 56S. Postban Norinco AK type rifles had the "56S" ground off and restamped as MAKs or NHMs. However, Sile (an importer) left the 56S on their postban rifles and placed 7s in front and after like this .... "7 56S 7". (FYI: 56S = fixed stock; 56S-1 = underfolder; and 56S-2 = side folder). the 66 inside a triangle i believe is the asenal in China where it was made. Using serial numbers to determine preban is unreliable because the different factories used different conventions of numbering. For example the Preban Norinco you found is 411XXX, while my Postban Norinco NHM-90 is 016XXX. I also had a preban Norinco 56S-1 underfolder which i regretabbly sold (damnit!) was MS013XXX. So you see simply going by serial numbers alone to determine a Norinco's preban status is practically useless. I had a MAK-90 which i also sold; it was 94101XXX (the 94 indicated year of import). However indicating import year on the serial number doesnt matter since it is a MAK-90 and clearly postban. BTW, it is not a good idea to publicly post full serial numbers on the internet... block out at least the last three digits with X's. I don't know what the markings on the barrel mean. Probably importer stamping? As for prices. Preban 56S rifles averages ~ $800, and the 56S-1 goes for ~ $1000. A new or like new MAK-90 averages around $450 to $500. $600 for that Preban Norinco 56S with case, 3 mags, and bayonet seems like a good deal. I say go for it! Congrats on your find. [beer] |