Type 79
Summary
| Country | 🇨🇳 China |
| Category | Submachine gun |
| Manufacturer | China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) |
Technical specifications
| Type 79 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 500 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 7.62 x 25 mm |
| Magazine | 20 rounds |
| Length | 740 mm (29.1 in) |
| Weight | 1.9 kg (4.2 lb) |
| Range | 150 m (492 ft) |
Description
The Type 79, officially known as the 1979 Year Type Submachine Gun, is recognized as China's first indigenously developed submachine gun. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Staff Department initiated its development in August 1965, seeking a weapon suitable for jungle environments. The 208th Research Institute of China Ordnance Industry led the design effort, starting prototype development in 1966. The project faced disruption due to the Cultural Revolution, with repeated cancellations between 1966 and 1970. Reinstated in March 1970, prototypes underwent testing from 1971 to 1978. Mechanical issues were identified, primarily related to handling the chamber pressure of Chinese steel-core 7.62×25 mm ammunition, which necessitated several design changes. The weapon was certified in 1979, lending it its name, and mass production commenced in 1983. From 1981 to 1992, total production reached nearly 200,000 units, with peak production exceeding 30,000 per year between 1988 and 1991.
The Type 79 features a gas-operated, closed-bolt action with a short-stroke gas piston above the barrel. It fires 7.62 mm steel-cored pistol bullets and includes a foldable buttstock. The bolt group and fire selector design incorporate influences from the Type 56 assault rifle, with the receiver and stock constructed from stamped steel. The fire selector allows for semi-automatic and burst modes. The extended magazine housing serves as the primary forward grip area.
Several modernization kits and variants have been developed or tested for the Type 79:
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The ACE Mod kit (c. 2000) allowed for the attachment of tactical lights and laser sights.
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The PEAK 79 (2002), featuring an MP5-type fore-end with a built-in light and an optic mount.
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The WTW-79H (2008), a simplified version of the PEAK 79.
The TAPS79 system added MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails for accessories and optic mounting. The MAPS79 represented an improvement, incorporating a chassis with modular stock options. An unnamed test kit from 2014 added rails over the barrel and a collapsible stock, followed by the Defender series kits featuring a distinct handguard and telescopic stock. An operational briefcase system was also tested. The Chengying kit, popular in the early 2020s, provided ergonomic enhancements through a new handguard, stock options, muzzle brake, pistol grip, extended magazine, and ambidextrous controls.
The Type 79 entered service with the PLA following initial production batches between 1981 and 1982 and saw use in recon operations alongside the Type 64 during conflicts with Vietnam. However, feedback from PLA personnel highlighted issues with:
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Excessive rate of fire
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Limited magazine capacity
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Reliability problems (particularly jamming in jungle environments)
deeming it unsuitable for such conditions.
The PLA subsequently decided to phase out the Type 79 from frontline service, later replacing it with the QCW-05 in 2001. Upon being phased out by the PLA, the weapon found acceptance within the People's Armed Police and Public Security Police forces. It proved popular in urban settings and was valued for its accurate semi-automatic fire capability due to its closed-bolt design. Subsequent modifications have addressed many earlier reported problems. Due to its large production run, the Type 79 remains widely used by Chinese police forces. In the early 2000s, efforts began to modernize existing weapons by retrofitting them with railed fore-ends to accept accessories.