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CASE STUDY

CONSTRUCTION OF T 56 SUBMACHINE GUN

Structure, Function and Action of Mechanisms

1. The Submachine Guns type 1956,1956-l and 7.62 mm short Automatic Rifle Type
56C consist of barrel, receiver, bolt, bolt carrier, counter recoil mechanism, trigger
mechanism, magazine, sight, stock and bayonet.

2. The Submachine Gun Type 1956 is a gas-operated automatic weapon. Its

automatic action is based on the use of the energy from the powder gases gushing
through the gas port into the gas chamber, pressing on the piston and the bolt carrier with
bolt to the rear position to accomplish the automatic action. During firing, either single fire
(semi-automatic) or automatic fire (automatic can be conducted.

Barrel

3. The barrel, with the action of the powder gases of high temperature and pressure,
serves to give the bullet an initial velocity and rotary speed, so as to stabilize and guide
the bullet in flight with a certain kinetic energy as well as to endow the bullet with correct
flying direction.

4. Inner structure. The inside of the barrel is called the bore. It consists of three
parts that are chamber, forcing cone and rifled bore as well as muzzle. The surface of the
bore is chrome-plated for enforcing the capabilities of the bore against ablation, rust and
abrasion and prolonging its service life.
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Figure 1: Barrel

(a) Chamber. It serves to house and calibrate the cocked cartridge case. It
consists of the first, the second and the third cone of which the second cone props
the shoulder of the cartridge case so as to prevent it from moving forward.

(b) Forcing cone. It serves to transfer the bullet from the chamber to the
rifled bore smoothly. It is the fourth cone in front of the chamber. Its length is 8mm,
from the end of the third cone forward to the completive part of the positive rifling.

(c) Rifled bore. It serves to give the bullet an initial velocity and rotary speed
under the action of the powder gases. It has four right-handed rifling (grooves) and
lands.

(d) Muzzle. It is the cone part from the front end of rifled bore to the end face
of the muzzle. It serves to calibrate the shape of muzzle so as to stabilize the
cartridge when the cartridge goes out of the muzzle and to clean the chamber from
the front end.
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5. External structure and parts connected

(a) Extractor notch and cartridge guiding slant. The extractor notch and
cartridge guiding Slant. The extractor notch is at the upper right part of the breech
face for engagement of the front end of the extractor. The guiding slant is on the
lower left part of the chamber opening for the convenience of feeding the cartridge
into the chamber.

(b) Lower hand guard retainer. It serves to retain the front end of the lower
hand guard and hold the rear part of the cleaning rod. It is fixed to the barrel by the
locking pin. So, it can't be moved in all directions.

(c) Gas port and gas block. It serves to divert part of the powder gases from
the bore to force the bolt carrier and piston assembly to retreat, accomplishing
automatic action. The gas block is press-fitted on the barrel and locked by a pin.
The internal bore of the gas block is the gas chamber of the rear and the included
angle between the gas port and the axis of the barrel is 26°. On the gas block is
the front sling grommet. For the earlier manufactured submachine guns, the barrel
and the receiver are connected by the screw thread. The ring flange is fixed to the
front locating face with the marking lines indicating the correct position of the two
parts.

6. For the later manufactured submachine guns, the barrel is press-fitted on the
receiver and locked by a pin. For the earlier manufactured submachine guns, there is a
left-hand screw thread on the muzzle. The muzzle booster is screwed on the muzzle in
case of firing blank cartridges. The protection nut is usually screwed on the muzzle to
protect the screw thread so that the accessory tube can be screwed on when cleaning
the bore. The muzzle booster, protection nut and the accessory tube cover are all locked
by the spring locating pin.
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Receiver

7. The receiver serves for assembling various parts and mechanisms of the
submachine gun. Into an integral body, guiding the movement of the bolt carrier and bolt
as well as locking the bore with the bolt. The riveted receiver (shown in Fig 3-9) consists
of the receiver body, connecting sleeve and breech seat by riveting. The forged receiver
(shown in Fig 3-10) is made by forging and processing a piece of steel. Each receiver has
a cover on it.

8. Receiver body. It is the main body of receiver, on it are:

(a) Guiding edges. Guiding edge serves to connect with bolt carrier and guide
the forward and movement of bolt and bolt carrier. The left and right lower edges
are riveted in the inner side of the receiver. On the left lower edges is 2 an ejector
to extract the cartridge case in cooperation with extractor.

Figure 2: Riveted receiver

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(b) Hole of feed opening and locating lugs. These parts serve to house the
upper part of the receiver body and limit its left and right shaking in the hole of feed
opening.

(c) Magazine catch. It serves to limit the connecting catch on the rear of the
magazine and fix the magazine on the receiver in cooperation with connecting
catch recess. Spring keeps the catch forward rotation.

(d) Trigger guard ring. It serves to prevent trigger from misfire caused by
accidental impact.

(e) Support tube and rivet. It is riveted in the middle of receiver body to
increase the strength of the receiver and prevent it from deformation.

9. Connecting sleeve. It serves to lock the bore in cooperation with the bolt. On it
are:

(a) Locking recess. It serves to house left and right by locking the lugs of
the bolt and preventing the bolt from moving backward. It also bears and transfers
the bore pressure. Its rear end face is a right-handed locking support face.

(b) Starting slant and rotation stop face. Starting slant and rotation stop
face Starting slant and rotation stop face of Submachine guns type 1956.1956-lare
riveted on the lining iron on the lower part of the locking recess. While slant and
face of guns type 1956-2 are fixed on the connecting sleeve by processing. The
starting slant is situated on the lower front of the left locking recess. It serves to act
with another the starting slant on the left locking lug to guide the bolt rotating
clockwise in locking, so as to separate the rear plane of the shaped lug from the
one of the shaped recesses and facilitate mutual actions of two locking helical
surfaces. During locking, anticlockwise action of the bolt force the bolt to move
backward and extract the cartridge case. The rotation stop face, located under the
locking recess, is used to prop up the rotation stop face of the right locking lug and
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prevent the bolt from further inertial rotation after the bolt turns and fully
locks the chamber.

Figure 3: Forged receiver

(c) Cartridge guiding slant. It is in the upper front part of the feeding hole
and serves to guide the cartridge into the chamber.

(d) Recess of front connecting lug of magazine. It serves to contain the

front connecting lug, and together with the front lug, fix the magazine to the
receiver.

(e) Front locating surface. It is in the rear of upper left part of the sleeve. It
is the front wall of the ejector opening for forged receiver. It serves to limit the
forward position of the bolt carrier.

(f) Gun mark. The gun mark, which is on the left outside surface, indicates
the manufacturer, year type and reference number.

10. Tail seat. It is riveted in the rear end of the receiver body. It is used to bear and
transfer the striking when the bolt carrier and bolt recoil to position; connect and support
the return mechanism base and the rear end of the receiver cover: connect and transfer
the recoil force to the stock. Parts on it are as follows (take the 7.62mm Submachine Gun
Type 1956-2 as an example):
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(a) Engaging lug of the stock. Connect the stock through the stock shaft.

(b) Rear plane. Contact the front plane of the stock base to locate the
extended stock and transfer the recoil force to the stock.

(c) Connecting groove and bearing surface of the return mechanism

base. Connect and bear the return mechanism base and limit its backward,
upward and downward, and leftward and rightward movement.

(d) Rear locating surface of the receiver cover. Bear the striking when the
bolt carrier and bolt recoil to position and limit their backward movement.

(e) Rear plane. Contact the front plane of the stock base to locate the
extended stock and transfer the recoil force to the stock.

11. Receiver cover. Close the upside of the receiver to prevent its internal parts
from outside striking and pollution, and to ensure the safety of operation.

Bolt

12. The bolt serves to push the cartridge into the chamber, lock the chamber, strike
the primer and extract the cartridge case from the chamber. The bolt consists of the bolt
body, firing pin and the extractor.

13. The bolt body is the main part of the bolt. It serves to push the cartridge into
the chamber, lock the chamber and connect all the parts of the bolt into one. It has the
following components:

(a) The cartridge-pushing lug. It serves to push the cartridge into the
chamber.

(b) The cartridge base seat. It serves to house and holds the cartridge base
so as to lock the back end of the chamber; bear and direct the pressure inside the
chamber.
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(c) The right and left locking lugs. They are engaged with the locking
recesses of the receiver to prevent the bolt from moving backward so as to lock
the bore, support and transmit the pressure on the bottom of the bore plane. On
the back end is the locking support fac. On the lower front of the locking lug there
is a there is a rotation stopping lace. starting slant. On the lower side of the right
locking lug there in a rotation stopping face.

(d) The shaped lug. It serves to move the bolt back and forth under the
action of the shaped recess in the bolt carrier, accomplishing locking and
unlocking action.

Figure 4: Bolt

14. Firing pin. It serves to strike the primer. The section of its back end is in the
shape of a rectangle, providing the firing pin with elasticity to prevent the firing pin and
the cartridge base seat from being snapped off. The firing pin's inertial protrusion is limited
by the propping of the conical large ends of its front end and firing pin hole. The backward
action of the firing pin is limited by the left arc face and the firing pin retainer.
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15. Extractor. It serves to extract the case from the chamber and eject it with the
action of the ejector. The extractor is fitted in the bolt by the extractor pin. The extractor
spring is a cylindrical spiral one and its hook is always kept facing the inside of the
cartridge base seat so that the extractor can surely hold the rim of the cartridge case.

Bolt Carrier

16. The bolt carrier is a driving part among the moving parts. It serves to bear and
transfer the energy of powder gases and the return spring through which the bolt is
brought to move back and forth and thus accomplish locking and unlocking actions
together with the bolt. It consists of the carrier body and the piston.

17. Carrier body. It is the main part of the bolt carrier. It serves to bring the bolt to
move back and forth and accomplishes locking and unlocking actions together with the
bolt. It consists of the following parts

(a) Shaped recess. It serves to bring the bolt to move back and forth and
accomplish locking and unlocking actions together with the shaped lug of the bolt.
In the recess, there are:

(i) Unlocking spiral face. It serves to turn the bolt leftward to unlock
the bolt under the action of the unlocking spiral face of the shaped lug on
the bolt.

(ii) Arc face. It serves to move the bolt backward under the action of
the arc face of the shaped lug on the bolt.

(ii) Rear plane. It serves to move the bolt forward under the action of
the rear plane on the shaped lug of the bolt.

(iv) Locking spiral face. It serves to turn the bolt rightward to lock the
bore under the action of the locking spiral face on the shaped lug of the bolt.
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(v) Limiting face. It serves, after locking, to stop the leftward rotation
of the bolt under the action of the limiting face on the shaped lug to prevent
premature unlocking.

Figure 5: Bolt carrier

(b) Rear projection. The rear projection and rear slant. They serve to press
down the hammer when the bolt carrier is moving backward and prevent the
hammer from striking the firing pin if the chamber is not properly locked and form
disconnecting safely.

(c) Releasing lug. It pushes the rotary arm on the disconnector forward to
the full length of its free travel, making its catch move out of the hammer slot and
releasing the disconnector.

18. Piston. The piston serves to bear and transfer the energy of the powder gases
to the bolt carrier body, bringing the bolt carrier backward, thus bringing the bolt to the
rear position to accomplish the automatic action. The piston is strewed onto the carrier
body and fixed by a pin. It consists of the following parts:

(a) Conical concave (cone angle: 160). It serves to minimize the escape
of powder gases and enhance its effectiveness.
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(b) Gas-blockade grooves. They serve to slow down the escape of powder
gases and minimize the escape amount of powder gases.

Counter Recoil Mechanism

19. The counter recoil mechanism serves to store partial recoil energy of the carrier
and bolt and give the moving parts the energy required for a forward return to accomplish
actions such as cartridge-ramming, chamber locking and disconnect release. It consists
of the return of spring. base. guiding tube, guiding rod and holding ring.

Figure 6: Counter recoil mechanism

20. The return spring is a right-handed cylinder spiral spring. The guiding rod and ring,
together with the guiding tube, connect all the parts into a whole body in assembly or
disassembly of the Counter recoil mechanism. The back end of the tube is riveted to the
base. The connecting rib of the base connects the recess for support the back end of the
return spring Cover to protect the counter recoil mechanism base of the receiver. The
spring and limit back end of the receiver bolt carrier from coming out of the receiver when
the bolt carrier is in the rear position. The earlier manufactured guiding tube, guiding rod
and the guiding ring are all l in the shape of a cylinder, The later manufactured guiding
tube is a columnar frame strip, the guiding rod is an columnar frame wire rope, and the
guiding ring is in the shape of the letter "U", The later manufactured parts have better
flexibility that provides the submachine guns with improved shooting accuracy. But the
intensity and service life of the later manufactured parts are lower and shorter.
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21. Locking and unlocking. The locking mechanism of the submachine gun n
belonged to a bolt rotary type. The unlocking and locking actions are carried out in the
rotary movements of the bolt.

(a) Unlocking. When the gun is fired, the powder gases move backward as
the gun is locked: and on the other hand, act on the bullet bottom to push it gases,
on one hand, act on the case and the bolt which can forward. When the bullet
passes by the gas port, partial powder gases rush in the gas chamber through the
gas port, forcing the piston and the bolt carrier to the rear. When the blot carrier is
moved to the rear alone for a short distance free travel (about 8mm, the pressure
inside the chamber gets lower after the bullet leaves the bore), the limiting face of
the shaped recess of the bolt carrier leaves the limiting face of the shaped
projection. When the bolt carrier moves further to the rear under its inertial force,
the unlocking spiral face in the shaped recess of the bolt carrier acts on the
unlocking spiral face of the shaped projection of the bolt, forcing the bolt to turn left
until the left and right locking lug of the bolt move out of the locking recess of the
receiver. Then the bolt carrier moves further to the rear, the arc face of the shaped
recess acts with the arc face of the shaped projection of the bolt, and brings the
bolt to the rear together, extracting the case and unlocking the bore. The bolt and
the bolt carrier keep on moving backward and do not stop until the rear locating
face of the carrier body and the rear plane of the bolt meet the rear locating face
of the receiver.

Figure 7: Unlocking
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(b) Locking. When the bolt carrier moves forward under the action of the
counter recoil mechanism, the rear plane of the shaped recess pushes the rear
plane of the shaped projection, forcing the bolt move forward together with the
carrier, pushing a cartridge into the chamber and closing the bore. As the bolt
moves to the front, the bolt, under the action of the starting ramp of the bolt that is
on the starting ramp of the lining shoe, is forced to rotate rightward until the limiting
face of the right locking lug touches the limiting face of the lining shoe. When the
locking support faces of the bolt and receiver contact each other, the bolt is
prevented from moving backward. As the bolt carrier continues to move towards
its front position, the limiting face of the shaped recess moves to the left of the
limiting face of the shaped projection, and the bolt stops rotating let-handed and
locks the bore. The bolt carrier does not stop returning until its front locating face
touches the receiver's front locating face.

Figure 8: Locking

Magazine

22. The magazine serves to house 30 rounds of cartridges and feed the cartridges to
the feed-way one by one during firing, locating the ready-for-chamber cartridges. The
magazine consists of the magazine body, follower, spring, cover and the spring seat.
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23. Magazine body. It serves to connect all its parts and house 30 rounds of
cartridges. It has the following components:

(a) Feed way. The feed way is the path for the cartridges to be fed into and
out of the magazine. The cartridge holding faces at the left and right folding parts
of the feed way, together with the cartridges below or the follower, guide the
cartridge on the top to move towards ready for chambering position. On the outer
folding parts, the left and right plates are welded to strengthen the feed way. The
two plates work together with the feed way on the receiver, Limiting the lateral
movement of the magazine. Inside the faced way there are left and right limiting
projections used to limit the highest position of the follower.

Figure 9: Magazine

(b) Front and rear connective lugs. The front and rear connective lugs,
together with the front lug recess, magazine catch and the bottom plane of the
receiver, are used to fix the magazine to the receiver and limit its up and down
looseness.
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(c) Peep hole. The peep hole is located in the rear wall of the magazine body
at the right lower part, in line with the 30th round of the cartridges, telling whether
or not the magazine is full.

24. Follower. The follower serves to push the cartridges to the feed way under the
action of the spring. It is used to set the two cartridges on the top in cooperation with the
cartridge holding faces at the folding parts of the feed way. The follower is in a stepped
shape with the left side higher than the other side. The cartridges inside the magazine
are placed in two lines in a staggered way so as to ensure the cartridges are Dushed
along the feed way one by one. On the rear side of the follower welded the lining plate.
used to improve the intensity of the follower.

25. Spring. The spring serves to provide the follower with energy for pushing the
cartridges upward. let’s under end is held on the follower and the lower end on its seat.
There is a folding part of the lower end to prevent itself from slipping out of the spring seat.

26. Magazine cover and locking plate. The Magazine cover serves to close the
body at the bottom. The projection on the locking plate catches the bottom cover to
prevent it from slipping out.

27. Cartridge-lifting action. When the bolt moves backward and the cartridge-
Dushing lug leaves the feed way, the spring extends and pushes the follower and
cartridges up until the cartridge on the top is resisted by the cartridge-resisting face at the
folding parts of the feed way. So, the cartridge is located to its position by the cartridge
holding face and the follower. When the bolt returns and the cartridge-pushing lug Dushes
the located cartridge forward into the chamber along the cartridge guiding slant, the
cartridge bottom leaves the folding parts. The spring once again extends and pushes the
follower and cartridges up until the cartridge on the top meets the lower arc face of the
bolt carrier body. Note: The dimensions of the magazine feed way of 7.62mm Submachine
Gun Type 56 is different from the one of the magazine and magazine drum of 7.62mm
Gun Family Type 81, so the magazines of the Two types of guns are not interchangeable.
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Trigger Mechanism

28. The trigger mechanism serves to conduct firing, or to set the gun in cocked position
or in safety. It consists of a trigger, hammer, disconnector, semi-automatic sear and
selector.

29. Trigger. It serves to control the gun in cocked position and conduct firing in
safety. There is a sear on the front part of the trigger. Its cocking face serves to catch the
cocking faces of the hammer and makes the hammer stop in its cocking position. When
the hammer is in the front and the moving parts are moving backward, the upper slant
serves to push the arc face of the hammer so as to turn the trigger forward to give way to
the hammer. When the hammer is set in safety, and the moving parts move backward,
the upper slant resists the hammer and makes it impossible for the hammer to be turned
backward to the cocking position, and the bolt passes the front and the Moving parts are
moving backward, upper Sait the hammer so as to turn the trigger forward to give way to
the hammer. When the hammer is set in safety, and the moving parts move backward,
the upper slant resists the hammer and makes it impossible for the hammer to be turned
backward to the cocking position, and the bolt passes the feed way when moving
backward. Thus, the anti-accidental firing safety is set on.

30. Hammer. The hammer is used to strike the firing pin and provide the firing pin
with the energy for striking the primer. It has the following parts.

31. Single fire sear. In single fire, it serves to catch the single fire face to stop the
hammer in its rear position when the trigger is pressed by hand. The single fire spring
serves to keep the hook forward and downward so that the hammer can be caught tightly.
There is a trigger hook and a rear projection on the semi-automatic sear. The single fire
sear 1S fitted into the trigger by the trigger pin and both the single fire sear and the trigger
rotate on the same pin.

32. Disconnector. The disconnector serves to hold the hammer when the bore is
not locked properly. It also acts automatic fire sear during automatic firing. The
disconnector spring provides the disconnector with the energy for turning itself always
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backward so as to catch the hammer timely and tightly. The long end of spring catches
the disconnector pin, hammer pin and the trigger pin to movement of the magazine. Inside
the feed way there are left and right limiting projections used limit the highest position
of the follower.

Figure 10: Magazine

(a) Front and rear connective lugs. The front and rear connective lugs,
together with the front lug recess, magazine catch and the bottom plane of the
receiver, are used to fix the magazine to the receiver and limit its up and down
looseness.

(b) Peep hole. The peep hole is located in the rear wall of the magazine body
at the right lower part, in line with the 30th round of the cartridges, telling whether
or not the magazine is full.

33. Follower. The follower serves to push the cartridges to the feed way under the
action of the spring. It is used to set the two cartridges on the top in cooperation with the
cartridge holding faces at the folding parts of the feed way. The follower is in a stepped
shape with the left side higher than the other side. The cartridges inside the magazine
are placed in two lines in a staggered way one by one. On the rear side of the follower
welded the lining plate used to improve the intensity of the follower.
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34. Spring. The spring serves to provide the follower with energy for pushing the
cartridges upward. Its upper end is held on the follower and the lower end on its seat.
There is a folding of the lower end to prevent itself from slipping out of the spring seat.

35. Magazine cover and locking plate. The Magazine cover serves to close the
body at the bottom, The projection on the locking latte catches the bottom cover to prevent
it from slipping out.

36. Cartridge-lifting action. When the bolt moves backward and the cartridge-
Dushing lug leaves the feed way, the spring extends and pushes the follower and
cartridges up until the cartridge on the top is resisted by the cartridge-resisting face at the
folding parts of the feed way. So, the cartridge is located to its position by the cartridge
holding face and the follower. When the bolt returns, and the cartridge-pushing lug pushes
the located cartridge forward into the chamber along the cartridge guiding slant, the
cartridge bottom leaves the folding parts. Ihe SD ring once again extends and pushes the
follower and cartridges up until the cartridge on the top meets the lower arc face of the
bolt carrier body. Note: The dimensions of the magazine feed way of 7.62 mm
Submachine Gun Type 56 1s different from the one of the magazine and magazine drum
of 7.62 mm Gun Family Type 81, so the magazines of the two types of guns are not
interchangeable.

Trigger Mechanism

37. The trigger mechanism serves to conduct firing, or to set the gun in cocked position
or in safety. It consists of a trigger, hammer, disconnector, semi-automatic sear and
selector.

38. Trigger. It serves to control the gun in cocked position and conduct firing in
safety. There is a sear on the front part of the trigger. Its cocking face serves to catch the
cocking faces of the hammer and makes the hammer stop in its cocking position. When
the hammer is in the front and the moving parts are moving backward, the upper slant
serves to push the arc face of the hammer so as to turn the trigger forward to give way to
the hammer. When the hammer is set in safety, and the moving parts move backward,
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the upper slant resists the hammer and makes it impossible for the hammer to be turned
backward to the cocking position, and the bolt passes the feed way when moving
backward. Thus, the anti-accidental firing safety is set on.

39. Hammer. The hammer is used to strike the firing pin and provide the firing pin
with the energy for striking the primer. It has the following parts:

40. Single fire sear. In single fire, it serves to catch the single fire face to stop the
hammer in its rear position when the trigger is pressed by hand. The single fire spring
serves to keep the hook forward and downward so that the hammer can be caught tightly.
There is a trigger hook and a rear projection on the semi-automatic sear. The single fire
sear is fitted into the trigger by the trigger pin and both the single fire sear and the trigger
rotate on the same pin.

41. Disconnector. The disconnector serves to hold the hammer when the bore is
not locked properly. It also acts as an automatic fire sear during automatic firing. The
disconnector spring provides the disconnector with the energy for turning itself always
backward so as to catch the disconnector pin, hammer pin and the trigger pin to prevent
them from slipping out.

Figure 11: Trigger mechanism

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42. Catch. The catch catches the notch of the hammer as well as the hammer itself
to form the disconnecting safety. It also acts as an automatic fire sear during automatic
firing.

43. Rotary arm. Being pushed by the release projection of the carrier body in the
free travel of the bolt carrier, the rotary arm serves to turn the disconnector forward so
that the catch leaves the hammer notch, and the disconnecting safety is released. Thus,
automatic fire becomes possible.

44. Selector. It is used to set the submachine gun in automatic or single fire or in
safety. The selector is made up of two riveted parts, a selector handle and a lower
projection.

(a) Selector handle. It provides convenience for operating the selector and
serves to cover the hole for handle on the receiver to prevent the dust from entering
the receiver. When the hammer is set on safety in the cocking position, the handle
serves to resist the bolt carrier and prevent it from moving backward as well as
prevent the cartridges from moving out of the chamber. The selector handle is
elastic. The locating projection at the handle's front end, in cooperation with the
selector locating projection recess on the receiver, serves to set the selector to the
positions of safety, the automatic or single fire.

(b) The lower projection. It serves to set the safety on by limiting the right
rear projection and set the submachine gun to the position of automatic fire by
limiting the rear projection of the single fire sear.

Operation of trigger mechanism

45. Single firing action. After the cartridges are loaded, place the selector handle
to "Single" (or "D") position to act single fire. Then the selector lower projection moves
rearward and leaves the rear projection of the semi-automatic sear.
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Figure 12: Single firing action

46. When the trigger is pressed, the trigger rotates forward together with the semi-
automatic sear, the long end of the hammer spring is lifted to press its spring. After the
sear releases the cocking face of the hammer, the hammer rotates forward under the
action of its spring, thus firing takes place. After firing, the bolt carrier moves rearward,
the release projection leaves the disconnector rotary arm, the rear projecti0n and rear
inclined face of the bolt carrier turn the hammer down, and the hammer spring 1s pressed
down. When the hammer is turned rearward and its notch turns to the back of the
disconnector catch, the disconnector spring stretches out to turn the disconnector
rearward and the catch enters the hammer notch. The bolt carrier goes on to move
rearward to press the hammer down backward. The arc face on the hammer presses the
semi-automatic sear and turns it rearward to press down the semi-automatic sear spring.
The spring stretches out after the single fire face of the hammer passes over the hook of
the semi-automatic sear. The semi-automatic sear turns forward and its hook holds the
single fire face of the hammer. The moving parts move backward to the position and return
forward to release the hammer, which, under the action of its spring, turns forward a little,
and then it is caught by the semi-automatic sear and stops in its rearward position. (If the
trigger is pressed once more after the release. The semi-automatic sear will leave the
hammer, which turns forward a little and then be caught by. catch on the disconnector.
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Thus forms the disconnecting safety). When the moving parts return to projection pushes
the front position and the bore is locked properly, the bolt carrier's release presses down
its rotary arm forward in the locking free travel. The disconnector is turned forward to
spring. The disconnecting safety is released after the catch leaves the hammer notch.
The trigger should be released to fire another cartridge. After the trigger is released, the
two long ends of the hammer spring press down the rear projection of the trigger and the
trigger guides the semi-automatic sear to turn backward together. The hook on the single
fire sear leaves the single fire face and the hammer tums forward a little under the action
of its spring. The cocking face of the hammer is caught by the cocking face of the trigger's
sear and the gun is cocked.

47. Automatic firing. Set the selector at "Automatic Fire" (or "L'") position, and the
selector lower projection moves on to the top of the rear projection of the semi-automatic
sear.

Figure 13: Operation of trigger mechanism

48. When the trigger is pressed, it turns forward on its pin and the sear frees the
hammer, the hammer rotates forward under the action of its spring. Fire occurs. The semi-
automatic sear is held on its rear position by the selector lower projection. After firing, the
bolt carrier moves backward, pressing down the hammer with its spring pressed. The
disconnector spring stretches out, the disconnector rotates backward, and its catch
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engages the hammer notch. When the bolt and its carrier move backward to the position
and return forward to release the hammer. The hammer rotates forward a little and then
remains in its rear position with its notch engaged by the disconnector catch. Thus, the
disconnecting safety is set on. After the moving parts return to the front position and the
bore is locked properly, the bolt carrier is in the free travel while the release projection
pushes the rotary arm forward. The disconnector turns forward and its spring is pressed
down. When the catch disengages the hammer notch, the hammer rotates forward under
the action of its spring and the fire occurs again. Automatic firing will continue as long as
the trigger is pressed.

49. To stop firing, the trigger should be released and return to its original position.
When the bolt carrier moves backward to press down the hammer its actions are the
same as before, but the cocking face of the hammer moves down below the sear. After
the moving parts lock the bore and the disconnector catch disengages the hammer notch.
The hammer rotates forward a little and then is caught by the sear on the trigger and
remains in the cocked position.

50. Anti-accidental firing safety. Turn the selector to the position of safety, and it
is called the anti-accidental firing safety. After the safety is on, the selector handle is in its
upper position and covers the notch on the receiver cover, and the lower projection turns
forward on the right rear projection of the trigger. After the safety is set on, the functioning
is described as below:

Figure 14: Safety in cocking position

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(a) The selector is set on safety as the gun is in cocked position:

(i) The trigger can't be pressed, and firing is impossible. It is

because the right rear projection of the trigger can't move upward as it is
caught by the selector lower projection, so the trigger can't rotate, and the
fire sear can't turn forward to leave the hammer. Thus, any accidental firing
is prevented.

(ii) The moving parts cannot move to its rear position and the cartridge
inside the chamber cannot be unloaded. It is because the carrier 1s stopped
by the selector handle, so cartridges will not be unloaded, and empty
chamber is avoided.

(b) The selector is set on safety with the hammer in released position.
The moving parts cannot be pulled fully to the rear to turn down the hammer to the
cocked position, and the bolt can't be pulled to be behind the feed way to push the
cartridge into the Chamber while returning forward. It is because that the trigger’s
right rear projection is caught by the selector’s lower projection and not turned
back. The upper slants of the sear stop the hammer and make it unable to turn
back to its right position and the moving part cannot move backwards to the right
position either, thus an accident cocking is avoided.

Figure 15: Safety with the hammer in released position

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51. Formation and releasing of disconnecting safety. The disconnecting safety

is formed by the disconnector when catching the hammer. When the moving parts move
rearward and press down the hammer, the disconnector, under the action of its spring,
rotates backward, with its catch catches the notch on the hammer. When the moving parts
return to release the hammer, press the trigger to fire before the locking action. Then, the
sear can release the hammer, but the catch on the disconnector catches the hammer and
makes the hammer unable to rotate forward to hit the firing pin. Thus, the disconnecting
safety is formed. After the locking action, the bolt carrier's release projection pushes the
rotary arm forward in the free travel. The disconnecting safety is released after the catch
leaves the hammer notch.

52. Formed by the rear of the bolt carrier stopping the hammer. If the above
disconnecting safety is out of use, that is, when the trigger is pressed and the hammer
can be turned forward before the locking action, the rear projection on the bolt carrier
hinders the hammer and makes the hammer unable to hit the firing pin. Thus, the
disconnecting safety is formed. After the locking action, the rear projection of the carrier
moves forward to the front of the bolt's back end. Thus, the disconnecting
safety is released.

Figure 16: Disconnecting safety

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Sight

53. The sight serves to set the superelevation and the line of fire while firing on targets
at various distances. It is used to aim at the target and set the superelevation and line of
fire to provide the barrel with correct locus. The sight consists of the rear sight leaf and
the front sight.

Figure 17: Disconnecting safety

54. Rear sight leaf. It serves to mark the fire range to set a superelevation of a
certain distance. It is the rear part of the sight which defines the aiming line. The rear sight
leaf consists of a plate, slide, leaf spring and the rear sight base.

(a) Rear sight leaf. It serves to mark the fire range, and it is the rear part of
the sight defining the aiming line. There is a "U" shaped notch on its rear end. On
the plate a scale of 1~8 is inscribed, and the numbers indicate the firing distance
in hundreds of meters. The one indicated by letter "D” or "TT" is the normal
graduation corresponding to sight number "3". On the right side of the sight plate
are catch cuts for fastening the slide in a set position. The locating slide is on a
certain graduation. On the front end are the trunnions for connecting the sight plate
to the sight base which serves as a turning pivot.
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(b) Slide. It is used to set the fire range. Cooperating with the rear sight leaf
(sight graduation) and the rear sight base, the slide serves to adjust the height of
the notch - setting the superelevation corresponding to a certain distance. The
slide consists of a slide body, slide catch and a spring.

(c) Leaf spring. It serves to keep the back end of the rear sight leaf
downward so that the notch can be properly fixed to its set height. The leaf spring
has its back end located in the rear sight base and its front end under the front end
of the rear sight leaf, for supporting the plate.

(d) Rear sight base. It serves for assembling all parts of the rear sight and
it is mounted on the barrel. Cooperating with the plate (sight graduation), it also
serves to adjust the height of the notch. There are arc racks and inscribed letters
of "D" or '"IT” at the back end of the upper part of the rear sight base, for adjusting
the needed height of the notch for certain distances. At the front end of the base,
there is a groove and a hole for connecting and locating the plate trunnion. There
is a groove and a hole on the plate trunnion for fitting the back end of the leaf
spring. There is a semicircular groove at the back end and a gas cylinder groove
and a gas cylinder locking lever at the front end for locating and fixing the front end
of the receiver cover and the back end of the gas cylinder. The rear sight base is
press-fitted on the barrel and locked by a pin.

55. Front sight. The front sight is the front point for defining the aiming line. It
consists of the front sight, front sight slide base and the front sight base.

(a) Front sight. Its upper part is cylinder-shaped, and its middle part is in the
shape of a pancake. On the lower part there are a screw thread of M6x0.75 and a
split which provide the lower part with elastic force, preventing the front sight from
loosening in the front sight slide.

(b) Front sight slide. It serves as a middle-connecting part between the front
sight and the front sight base for adjusting the lateral position of the front sight. It
is tightly fitted in the front sight base. There is a marking line at the front of the front
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sight slide, which, in cooperation with the index line on the front sight base, marks
the lateral position of the front sight slide.

(c) Front sight base. It serves for assembling all parts of the front sight and
it is mounted on the barrel. The upper part of it is the front sight guard for protection
and shading the front sight for aiming. At the lower part is the cleaning rod support
for preventing the cleaning rod from falling out. For the handle, in cooperation with
submachine guns with dismountable bayonets, the bayonet the bayonet catch.
limits the axial play of the bayonet. The front sight base is press-fitted on the barrel
and locked by two pins. For the submachine guns with protection nuts on the
muzzles, there on the upper front part of front sight base, locating the protection
nut, accessory is a spring latch tube cover and the muzzle booster for firing blank
cartridges.

56. The functions and the functioning principles of the normal sight graduation
“D” or “II”. Usually, the slide is set to the letter “D” or “II” on the rear sight leaf. The
purpose is to be able the slide is set to the letter "D" or "I" on the rear sight leaf. The
purpose is to aim and fire rapidly and timely at the 50cm-high-target (chest silhouette-
prone position) within the range of 350m (without resetting the locating slide on other
graduations). But while selecting the aiming point, the following should be noted that the
aiming point should be at the lower edge of the target within 300m. When the target is
within 300-350m, the aiming point should be higher and on the upper part of the target.

Wooden Stock

57. Use of wooden stock: It serves to facilitate the operation of the submachine gun
and attack the enemy in bayonet fighting. It consists of the upper and lower hand guards,
grip and the stock.
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Figure 18: Stock of 7.62mm Submachine gun Type 56-1

58. Upper and lower hand guards, grip. They serve to facilitate the operation of
the submachine gun. The hand guards can prevent the hot barrel from burning the
shooter, and there are two kinds of materials: wood and fiberglass reinforced plastic. The
grip is fixed under the receiver by the screw rod and grip base.

59. Stock. It serves to facilitate the operation of the submachine gun and attack the
enemy in bayonet look in the allowed. He best began gun Type 1956 is equipped with a
fixed wooden stock. There is a sling grommet on the rear lower part of the stoke.

(a) Stock of 7.62 mm Submachine gun Type 56. Part of the rear end and
inside the house fastened a spring for fighting. pushing out the accessory tube.
The butt plate and the accessory tube cover are screwed on the rear. The 7.62mm
Submachine accessory tube house in the central part the accessory tube end of
the stock by wood screws to protect the rear end of the stock and cover the
accessory tube. There is a sling grommet on the rear lower part of the stock.

(b) Stock of 7.62 mm Submachine gun Type 56-1. It is a foldable metal

double-strut stock, consisting of brace rod, shoulder support, stock shaft and stock
catch.
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(i) Brace rod. There is a connecting lug on its front end and locking
keyhole and notch on the left connecting lug, so as to be matched with the
locking key to fix the gun stock in extension and folding. There is a locating
face on the rear end of the brace rod for locating the shoulder support at
unfolding or folding state.

(ii) Shoulder support. It is convenient for supporting the shoulder.

(iii) Stock shaft and stock catch. They connect the stock on the
receiver and fix it in unfolding or folding. The sling ring is sleeved on the left
of the stock shaft, and lining tube sleeved in the middle to prevent the
receiver from deformation. On the right are rotation limit pin, screw ring and
latch to limit the rotation and axial movement of the stock shaft. The stock
catch consists of catch. spring and button. Each part of the catch is
connected with the stock shaft and lining tube in sliding fitting so that they
can move axially but not rotate. The front and rear locking keys fit with their
notches to fix the stock in extending state. The rear locking key cooperates
with its notch to fix the stock in folding.

(c) Stock of 7.62mm Submachine gun Type 56-2. It is a right-foldable metal

stock. It consists of the stock frame, seat, shaft and catch.

(i) Stock frame. It is a one-piece frame made of a steel belt through

feed pressure. The front end engages with the stock base, and they are
riveted into a whole four rivets. In the front center is assembled the
accessory tube spring and bearing plate, on its left and right sides are
assembled the Jeft and right guard plates, which are fixed with locating plate
and fixing screw: The accessory tube spring and bearing plate are located
in the stock frame by the left and right guard plates. In the upper center of
the frame there is a locating pin hole so as to work together with the clastic
locating pin on the accessory tube to locate the accessory tube in the stock
frame.
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(ii) Stock base. It links the various parts of the stock into a whole and
it is connected with tail seat of the receiver through the stock shaft. Its front
plane contacts with the rear plane of the tail seat evenly so as to bear and
transfer the recoil of the rifle.

(iii) Stock catch. It works together with the tail seat to fix the stock in
the unfolded or folded condition. It consists of the catch, catch spring and
locating pin. The rectangular ug in its lower part of the catch gets into the
notch of the lug in the stock base to fix the catch: the oblique plane of its
lower locking tooth gets into the lower locking tooth groove of the tail seat
to fix the stock in the folded condition; the oblique plane of its upper locking
tooth gets into the upper locking tooth groove of the tail seat to fix the stock
in the unfolded condition. The catch spring is placed in the inner hole of the
catch. Its lower end pushes against the locating pin to keep the catch
upward at normal times. The locating pin is inserted through the ellintic hole
and assembled on the stock base and locate the catch in the base and limit
the downward position of the catch.