Type 97 (Chinese semi-auto QBZ-97 bullpup) coming to Canada
Those lucky Canadians will be able to purchase the Norinco Type 97 later this year.
Type 97A. Click to expand.
The Type 97 is the civilian export version of the QBZ-97 rifle, which in turn is the export version of the 5.8×42mm QBZ-95. It is chambered in 5.56×45mm and takes STANAG magazines. Looking at the photo I think it has a 20″ barrel.
According to CanadaAmmo it will be available in December 2008 and will sell for $849.00.
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I’m saving for the tavor that’s out here…. It’s a bit pricy at 3k, but once you have it you’ll get over the sticker shock.
Cool story! we’re all anxiously awaiting this one in Canada.. they’re coming in pretty cheap too ~ $800. I added this story to http://gearcult.com
OOOO! OOOO! I WANT ONE!!!!!!!
Oh! That “Alex Bullpup”? Where can I get one of THOSE? Nice!!!! Linked above.
Does anyone question the quality of Norinco Type 97? My local gun store said they wouldn’t import Norinco of any type. Just want some opinionsoks to be too good a deal.
Last I was aware, when the Navy SEALs, Marine Recon, and Army Special Forces carry AKs, they’re Chinese. Supposedly the receiver is 50% heavier(or was) so the Chinese make a more durable, longer lasting, tougher AK variant. May have changed, this was a number of years ago.
I am looking for any opinions that are recent, on the Norinco Type 97 bullpup rifle. The price is good but I wonder about the quality.
Dennis, as far as I know Canada is the first and possibly the only country that is receiving the Type 97. It is best to ask Canadian gunshops that are selling it what they think. I have not owned any Norinco rifles but I have heard they are ok, although sometimes the finish on them is not all that great.
Again, I can’t help but think that they are just as good as they were back when you could buy Norinco here in the states before Slick Willies import ban. Now all we have to do is figure out how to get THESE stateside.
As much as I would like to pin the import ban on Slick Willie, George H.W. Bush gets the honor.
Don’t know how the Norinco Type 97 got into Canada but I am surprised being that we aren’t supposed to have firearms that look military in style. The rifle will have to be semi-auto and can’t hold more than 5 rounds so the mags, have to be pinned. Still a good deal.
It’s funny really but I first heard about the Type 97 from a friend at the range who is from Thialand. I was going to modify my Ruger Mini 14 to look more military but he said not to bother and to get the Type 97. Better firepower, looks cool and the barrel wont overheat. It will also accept more accesories.
“As much as I would like to pin the import ban on Slick Willie, George H.W. Bush gets the honor.”
Fine, you are correct. Bush 41 WAS responsible for said import ban. Slick Willie was responsible for the AWB. Both stupid. Both violations of the 2A. Regardless, I like that “Olde 97″! I want one!!!
Yippee!! My order was approved for my Type 97. They may be in stock in November even I hope. I can see myself shooting in the freezing weather. Oh, what the heck, I’m sure the 97 will heat up and keep me warm. Just have to get ahold of a couple more mags.
How to get one here in the USA?
Well, for starters, you could ask your new President to have better trade relations with China. I know they’re Communist but actually, since I was over there last year, it seems they are more capitalist than we are. Man you can get anything over there. Great people too. The ironic part is that the Chinese are not allowed to own firearms of any type at all and yet they are exporting them to us. Governments are weird.
I have several Norincos, a 45 - finish is not the best, but shoots great, and a SKS (7.62 X 39), i can pick the wings off a house fly at 100 yards. Based on my previous experience, I pre-ordered a Type 97. Because they accept the standard 5.56 NATO mag, they can accept the mags from a AR pistol, thus allowing us Canadians to go from a 5 pinned mag to a 10 round LAR mag.
Would be a lovely acquisition, indeed.
how about using a beta mag on one of these?
and would it be legal for an american to go into canada,buy one of these rifles and come back home with it?
recon985, I would be surprised if a beta c-mag could fit without modifications to the rifle, magazine or both.
No it would not be legal. You would still be importing a Chinese firearm.