One of the most popular tactical rifles in Canada is back with a new production run—and while it may see release in some other countries, this is one rifle that will not make it to the U.S. market anytime soon. In the Frozen North, Tactical Imports is now taking orders for the Type 81M, with several upgrades over previous versions of this semi-auto rifle.

Tactical Imports Corporation @ TFB:

• POTD: FAMAE SG 543-1M
• POTD: Type 81 SR
• POTD: VIS-à-VIS
• POTD: Type 81 Kobra Side Mount

The Type 81M is a civilian version of the Type 81 select-fire rifle, which China developed for its military in the 1980s. Similar to a VZ-58, the Type 81 may look similar to an AK-47 from a distance, but there are obvious differences once you look more closely. The rifle combines features of other ComBloc rifles, including AK DNA and a lot of SKS design principles.

Just as the Type 81 action became the basis for a range of military firearms, so it has also become the basis for a series of civilian arms, including the now-discontinued Type 81 LMG—a semi-auto version of a light machine gun, with heavy barrel, carry handle, bipod and a 75-round drum mag. To comply with Canadian laws, all versions of the Type 81 in that country have magazines pinned to only hold five rounds. Since the Type 81M is able to be purchased with a standard Possession-Acquisition Licence, the barrel length is 18.7 inches.

While the Chinese factory has shut down production of the LMG, at least for now, the heavier barrel profile carries on to the M-series rifles, along with other changes that are supposed to improve accuracy and usability. Here’s how Tactical Imports, which is bringing the rifle to Canada, described the updates:

The Type 81M is a modernized version of the Type 81 rifle, with a number of changes to improve the performance of the platform. These changes result in a rifle that is flatter shooting, more ergonomic, easier to use, and more modular. More than simply the sum of its parts, the Type 81M is simply the best performing and most accomplished Type 81 ever made.

• Front sight is moved to the end of the barrel to provide longer sight radius
• Rear sight “bar” and top quarter of front sight hood have been removed to provide superior sight picture and target acquisition
• Magazine release has been widened to a paddle type shape for better ergonomics and faster magazine changes
• Integration of palm swell in front handguard for better comfort, control and handling
• Bolt carrier has been blackened for monotone look
• Available with choice of fixed or underfolding stock
• Underfolding stock offers the best choice for compact storage and transportation
• Priced at just $1199

Note that the $1,199 MSRP applies to either the underfolder or the fixed-stock version. Converted to American dollars, that $1,199 CAD works out to roughly $900 USD.

Tactical Imports says the rifles come ready for muzzle devices, with right-handed M16-pattern threads. And while the underfolder option cannot take the optics side-mount that previous M81 rifles had, buyers can add an M-LOK forend to attach a red dot sight.

Business is booming for Tactical Imports at the moment; the company says they have extra staff assigned to order fulfillment as Canadians buy up tactical rifles ahead of constantly looming gun control. At its low intro price, the Type 81M is going to throw a massive wrench into the country’s second-hand rifle market, which has seen prices rising due to low supply and high demand.

From Tactical Imports’ online posting, it looks like some other markets might get the Type 81M as well… maybe. Who knows where China sells their arms, on the global market? But one place that won’t get the Type 81M legally, unless the rules change, is the U.S., which has a ban on this and similar Chinese firearms.

Want to ogle more photos? Check out Tactical Imports’ pages here and here.