A reader spotted an AK-style rifle chambered in 12 Gauge at the Norinco booth at IWA ’14. Stamped on the side, underneath “Jianshe Industry, Made in China” is “USSG COCOA, FL”. This is an import mark that means this particular gun is destined for EAA Corp. / USSG Inc. of Florida. EAA / USSG are best known for their Russian and Italian imports.

Did someone spell Jianshe incorrectly and have to correct it?

This 12 Gauge AK bears no resemblance to the Catamount Fury Chinese AK shotguns that were imported by Century Arms a couple of years ago. The receiver design is substantially different.

The stock is a import-legal sporting (thumbhole) stock. It has a standard AK rear sight and a open hood front sight mounted 1/3″ before the end of the gas tube. This is a less-than-ideal sighting system for a shotgun, suggesting that it has been designed for optics to be mounted on top of the picatinny rail.

The are additional markings on the receiver cover that suggests the gun is called [illegible] ANNIHILATOR.

There are also markings on the rear site block. There is a logo or proof mark, following by some text that ends in “12 R” (12 Gauge Rimmed).

What is especially interesting is that Norinco are promoting this gun. In 1993 Clinton banned all Norinco firearms except shotguns from being imported and in 2003 Bush extended that ban to all firearms. My understanding is that Norinco and Jianshe are separate entities, but they collaborate closely with regards to firearms. Jianshe and Norinco both manufacture the Norinco designed Chinese service rifle the QBZ-95. EAA Corp. are going to be furious when they find out that a gun with their name on it is being marketed by Norinco at the world’s second largest gun expo.

UPDATE: Readers have pointed out in the comments, the Hawk shotgun is exported by Norinco (but I don’t think its made by Norinco) is imported without problems.