Welcome to the group!

The 66 stamp was used at least in the USA imports up to the 1994 import ban. While I have not handled any newer Norincos I would guess that they continue to use that designation.

 

Many thanks Indykid. Much appreciated. I'm actually trying to figure out what distinguishes pre-74 Type 56-1 units from post-73 items. But maybe I should start a separate thread. Let me read a bit more first though.

 

From researching for my book series, "the AK47 catalog", the Chinese had over 20 different trunnion factory codes.. 66 being the "main" and most common one.

"The following codes have been observed by various sources; 26, 36, 56,66, 68, 116, 266, 313, 356, 386, 416, 626, 962, 976, 5506, 9236, 9336, 9616,
9696, and 9846. This does not count rifles that only have a serial number.
Many of the factory codes seem to be a play on the original factory number in
order to hide its true origin.
The are subtle differences between many of the rifles produced at the
different factories, but between the factories possibly having multiple codes,
not all factories producing rifles at once, many of the factories only assembling
rifles using parts made by other factories, and factories sometimes using old
parts, it difficult to pinpoint if the differences were an intentional design
change, or natural variation from everything being made manually."

Other then the early "slabside" rifles, it's difficult to try to date a Chinese rifle. There have been "collector theories", but they seem to have been busted.

From researching though, the original Code 66 factory that was built by/with the Soviets is closed and long empty.

 

Thank you Stottman, that is very helpful. Are you able to elaborate any more on the following point and in particular indicate any reference source?

"From researching though, the original Code 66 factory that was built by/with the Soviets is closed and long empty."

 

It was awhile ago, but it was from basically trying to find some sort of contact info... The "brand" itself seems to still be active, but the old physical factory itself is gone.

Basically the factory town is gone, but some of the things like Soviet style hotels are still there and in operation.. It was from an old travel blog someone did.

 

Thank you very much for that. It gives me a lead. Let me see what I may be able to find.