Norinco Catalog May 2026

Norinco built its reputation on rugged, high-volume production of existing designs. Their small arms catalog is a museum of 20th-century firearms engineering:

The AK Variants: The Type 56 is perhaps their most famous export, a Chinese iteration of the AK-47.

Western Copies: They produce the Norinco 1911A1, a forged steel copy of the legendary Colt pistol, and the CQ family, which includes semi-automatic and automatic versions of the American M4 and M16.

Civilian Modifications: For international markets with strict import laws, the catalog includes "hunting" variants like the M313, which modifies military rifles into thumbhole-stock, limited-capacity configurations. 2. Heavy Armor and Land Systems

Moving past handguns and rifles, the catalog scales up to heavy machinery designed for sovereign defense:

Main Battle Tanks: The catalog features the Type 99, China's premier heavy tank, alongside the Type 15 lightweight tank designed for high-altitude operations.

Armored Personnel Carriers: A wide array of amphibious and tracked vehicles, such as the Type 63 and Type 89 AFV, fill the pages. 3. Artillery and Missiles

Norinco’s catalog isn't just about direct fire; it covers broad-spectrum warfare:

Rocket Systems: Includes multiple launch rocket systems like the Type 70.

Anti-Armor: They offer the Type 69 RPG, a ubiquitous presence in global conflicts. 4. Beyond the Battlefield

Perhaps the most surprising part of the Norinco portfolio is how far it stretches into civilian life. The same catalog structure often links to:

Mining and Petroleum: They engage in international engineering and resource development. norinco catalog

Heavy Vehicles: Subsidiaries like Inner Mongolia North Hauler produce massive mining trucks.

Optronics and Chemicals: They manufacture everything from civilian explosives to high-end optical equipment. What

While Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) does not maintain a single, public-facing "consumer catalog" for the U.S. due to long-standing import bans, their historical and international product lines are widely documented through collector guides and recent defense trade reveals. Historical Civilian Firearms (Pre-Ban)

Many Norinco products are highly sought after by collectors in the U.S. as "pre-ban" items, typically imported before 1989.

Type 56 Series (AK Variants): Includes the popular Norinco Type 56S (fixed stock) and Norinco Type 56-1 (underfolder).

MAK-90: A post-1989 "sporterized" AK variant with a thumbhole stock. SKS Sporter: Often modified to take standard AK magazines. Handguns: Norinco Model 54-1: A clone of the 7.62x25mm Tokarev. Norinco Model 213: A 9mm Luger version of the Tokarev.

Norinco 1911: Known for being a robust, forged-steel clone of the classic Colt 1911.

Specialty Clones: Includes the Norinco 320 UZI and the Norinco Ultra 87 12-gauge shotgun. Modern Defense Catalog (International)

For international and military markets, Norinco's recent "catalogs" focus on heavy artillery and high-tech systems:

Introduction to Norinco Catalog

The Norinco Catalog is a comprehensive reference guide published by the China North Industries Corporation, commonly known as Norinco. Established in 1980, Norinco is a large-scale state-owned enterprise that integrates research, development, production, and trade. The company is a leading manufacturer and exporter of firearms, ammunition, and other defense-related products. Product Showcase : The catalog presents a vast

Overview of Norinco Catalog

The Norinco Catalog serves as a vital platform to showcase the company's extensive range of products, including small arms, artillery, ammunition, and accessories. The catalog provides detailed information on Norinco's products, featuring high-quality images, technical specifications, and descriptions. The catalog is widely distributed among defense industries, military organizations, and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Key Features of Norinco Catalog

The Norinco Catalog boasts several key features that make it a valuable resource:

  1. Product Showcase: The catalog presents a vast array of Norinco's products, including rifles, pistols, machine guns, and artillery systems.
  2. Technical Specifications: Detailed technical information, such as caliber, barrel length, and effective range, are provided for each product.
  3. Product Images: High-quality images of each product offer a clear visual representation of the equipment.
  4. Company Information: The catalog includes an overview of Norinco's history, mission, and achievements.

Norinco Products Featured in the Catalog

The Norinco Catalog features a wide range of products, including:

  1. Small Arms:
    • Rifles: Type 81, Type 86, and Type 03
    • Pistols: Type 54, Type 75, and Type 92
    • Machine Guns: Type 80, Type 85, and Type 95
  2. Artillery Systems:
    • Cannon: Type 96 and Type 99
    • Howitzers: Type 83 and Type 89
  3. Ammunition:
    • Rifle cartridges: 5.56x45mm, 7.62x39mm, and 7.62x54mmR
    • Pistol cartridges: 7.62x25mm and 9x19mm

Importance of Norinco Catalog

The Norinco Catalog holds significant importance for various stakeholders:

  1. Defense Industries: The catalog provides valuable insights into Norinco's products and capabilities, making it an essential resource for defense industries and procurement agencies.
  2. Military and Law Enforcement: The catalog offers a comprehensive overview of Norinco's equipment, helping military and law enforcement agencies make informed decisions about their procurement needs.
  3. Research and Development: The catalog serves as a reference guide for researchers and developers, providing information on existing products and technologies.

Conclusion

The Norinco Catalog is a vital resource for defense industries, military organizations, and law enforcement agencies worldwide. By showcasing Norinco's extensive range of products and providing detailed technical information, the catalog facilitates informed decision-making and fosters cooperation between Norinco and its international partners. As a leading manufacturer and exporter of defense-related products, Norinco's catalog is an essential reference guide for anyone interested in the global defense industry.

China North Industries Corporation, commonly known as , maintains an extensive catalog of defense products, ranging from small arms to heavy armored vehicles. For civilian and international export markets, their catalog is most famous for robust, cost-effective clones of classic firearm designs. Core Catalog Categories 1. Rifles and Carbines Norinco Products Featured in the Catalog The Norinco

Norinco's rifle selection is heavily rooted in Cold War-era Soviet designs, adapted for both military and civilian use. Norinco Firearms Product Catalog | PDF | Shotgun | Caliber

The Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) catalog encompasses a vast range of products, most notably military defense systems and civilian firearms. While specific editions like the Norconia 2020 Catalogue focus on sport shooting, the broader corporate portfolio includes everything from main battle tanks and long-range artillery to precision-strike missiles. Core Catalog Categories

Norinco’s offerings are generally divided into two major spheres: Category: 1. PISTOLS

4. Critical Warnings & Compliance Notes

  • US Sanctions: Norinco has been on the US Department of Commerce Entity List (subject to change). Importing Norinco firearms or ammunition into the US was banned under the 1994 Federal Assault Weapons Ban extension? Actually, check current ITAR / EAR regulations: many Norinco small arms were banned from US import in 2003 under a renewed Chinese military import ban.
    Always verify current OFAC and DDTC rules before attempting any transaction.

  • Fake Catalogs: Fraudulent “Norinco catalogs” circulating online often include non-existent product codes, impossible specifications (e.g., 5000m range for a pistol), or mix up military and civilian listings. Cross-check any unknown model number against actual UNROCA or manufacturer technical papers.

  • Serial Number Interpretation: Norinco export firearms typically use:

    • First two digits = year of manufacture
    • Next two digits = production batch
    • Remaining = sequential unit number
      (e.g., 04-12-12345 = 2004, batch 12)

1. Armored Vehicles & Artillery (Land Systems)

This is the heaviest section of the catalog. Norinco is the primary designer of the PLA’s ground forces.

  • Main Battle Tanks: The VT series (export versions of the Type 96 and Type 99), including the VT-4 (a 52-ton MBT with 1200hp engine and advanced ERA) and the lighter VT-5 light tank.
  • Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs): The VN-1 (8x8 wheeled amphibious vehicle) and the VN-12 tracked IFV.
  • Self-Propelled Howitzers: The SH series (SH-1, SH-15) featuring 155mm and 122mm artillery systems mounted on truck chassis.
  • Rocket Artillery: The infamous WS (Weishi) series of multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), including the WS-2 and WS-64, which boast ranges of up to 400 kilometers and can be fitted with anti-ship or GPS-guided munitions.

2. The Norinco Type 97 (The Bullpup)

One of the most exotic entries in modern Norinco catalogs. The Type 97 is a bullpup variant of the QBZ-95, chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO (instead of the Chinese 5.8mm) strictly for export.

  • Catalog Features: Ambidextrous design, polymer lower, top-mounted carry handle/rail.
  • Availability: Rarely seen in the US (banned), but popular in Canada (known as the Type 97 Gen 1, 2, and 3).
  • Collector Note: If you find a 1990s catalog listing the "Type 97 for civilian use," you are looking at a $4,000+ rifle on the secondary market.

The Norinco Catalog: A Comprehensive Guide to China’s State-Owned Defense Giant

When enthusiasts, collectors, and defense analysts hear the name Norinco (China North Industries Group Corporation), a specific image often comes to mind: robust, workhorse firearms like the SKS, the MAK-90, or the infamous Type 69 RPG. However, the official Norinco catalog represents something far more vast than just a few imported sporting rifles. It is a master document of global defense manufacturing, spanning from infantry small arms to intercontinental ballistic missile systems, armored vehicles, and civilian industrial machinery.

For decades, the "Norinco catalog" has served as a tantalizing, albeit often restricted, window into the technological capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and China's export-driven military-industrial complex. This article breaks down the history, the product lines, the civilian vs. military divide, and how to access (or understand) this elusive catalog in the modern era.

Physical Copies

  • Gun Show Bargain Bins: Look for old gun show flyers from the 1990s. Brokers like "Keng's Firearms" (a major Norinco importer) produced combined catalogs.
  • eBay: Search for "Vintage Norinco Brochure." Expect to pay $30–$100 for an original 12-page color catalog.
  • The Blue Book of Gun Values: This annual publication often reprints catalog pages as historical references.