Initially manufactured using equipment and information supplied by the Soviet Union in the 1950s, the Type 56 is China's version of the famous Kalashnikov-designed assault rifle. Manufactured for both domestic military use and export, the Type 56 was seen at many global flash points during the Cold War and beyond, probably most famously in the hands of the People's Liberation Army during the Vietnam War. This Type 56 uses an early pattern forged receiver with integral trunnion and has been outfitted with a Soviet-style front sight base and gas block; it does not have the traditional Chinese "pig sticker" spike bayonet or a lug for mounting a Soviet knife bayonet. Post front and tangent rear sights, with a threaded muzzle, "66 in triangle" marking next to the serial number on the left side of the receiver, and matching numbers on the dust cover, recoil spring guide, bolt carrier, bolt and gas cylinder. Sling mounts are present on the left side of the gas block and receiver, with a smooth forearm, checkered pistol grip, and smooth buttstock with steel buttplate.