Norinco Type 81 Keymod Rifle Spotted
Dickson 11.15.18
Last week at the Zhuhai Airshow in China, Norinco was spotted displaying a new variant of the Type 81 7.62x39mm rifle. The Type 81 is largely based on the SKS action with improved, modernized ergonomics. The rifle in semi-auto has found success in the commercial market in Canada in the past year. However, there’s difficulty in mounting optics as well as various accessories.
With this version, we see that the handguard is now made in machined aluminum with Keymod slots, saving precious weight as well as being more slimline. Keymod slots are avalable at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock for various optics, lights and vertical grips. It is shown with 2 pieces of detachable picatinny rails at 12 o’clock.
A scope rail on top of the receiver cover is shown as well for those who prefer to mount a scope on top which requires it to be mounted closer to the shooter instead of red dot optics on top of the keymod handguard. Despite that, the iron sights are available as a backup once the scope is dismounted from the rail.
AR15 compatible buttstock is now used by the way of a new trunnion that mates the AR15 buffer tube together with the receiver. This will certainly open up more options for mounting high power scopes that requires more cheek weld support.
We’re not sure when they will be available. However, if Norinco is displaying this at a trade show, that means we will see it in the near future as they are taking orders from various customers around the globe.
To those who are unfamiliar with the Type 81, please see the unboxing video below.
