Type 79 Submachine Gun

The Type 79 is the first generation indigenous submachine gun used by the Chinese military, security, and police forces. The submachine gun was type classified in 1979 and entered mass production in 1983.

The Design type of the Type-79 submachine gun was completed in 1979. The production model was completed in 1983. From the 1981 pilot production, the total production of the Type 79 was nearly 200,000 until 1992. The highest years of production were between 1988 and 1991. During that period the Type 79 was produced at a rate of more than 30,000 per year. Generally firearms take between five and seven years to develop with a typical staff of between four and ten people. The developmental period of Type 79 was 15 years with a staff of over 70 people.

The Type 79 is widely equipped by the PLAAF, scout and special operation units, as well as the People's Armed Police (PAP) and the Police Services.

The Type 79 fires 7.62 millimeter caliber steel-cored pistol bullets in either the automatic or semiautomatic mode. The gun is gas-operated, with a foldable butt stock. The basic configuration of this submachine gun makes for an ideal size, weight, and capable (in terms of accuracy, lethality, reliability, etc.) close quarters battle (CQB) weapon. It accepts a 20-round magazine and has an effective range of 200 meters.

1979 Nianshi Chongfeng Qiang
Type	Submachine gun
Place of origin	People's Republic of China
Service history
In service	1979- present
Used by	People's Republic of China
Production history
Designer	208 Institute of the Ministry of Ordnance Industry
Designed	1970-1979
Manufacturer	China North Industries Corporation and China South
Produced	1981—present
Number built	+290,000
Specifications
Weight	1.75kg
Length	740mm stock extended/470mm stock closed
Barrel length	250mm
Cartridge	7.62x25mm Tokarev
Action	Gas-Operated, Rotating bolt
Rate of fire	500 rounds/min
Muzzle velocity	515 m/s
Effective range	200m
Feed system	20-round box magazine
Sights	Rear sight notch