NORINCO Type 59 (Makarov)

Semi-Automatic Pistol

China | 1959

"The Type 59 pistol is a Chinese copy of the Soviet Makarov semi-automatic pistol design with slight variations."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 08/15/2021 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

China produces a near-exact copy of the Soviet-Russian Makarov semi-automatic sidearm as the Type 59. The original Makarov was introduced in 1951 as the standard Soviet Union military pistol and it served in this role until 1991. Its global operators proved many and several nations took to local production with slight variations introduced. Among these was China which adopted the pistol in 1959 (hence its designation), differentiated from the Soviet -era design by its blued finish, applicable Chinese markings, widened sight rail and revised safety lever. This has therefore produced a pistol that also varies in overall weight and listed dimensions when compared to the original Makarov offering.

At its core, the Type 59 retains the same blowback action as the Makarov and is chambered for the 9x18mm Makarov cartridge feeding from an 8-round, spring-loaded detachable box magazine inserted into the pistol grip. The frame is smooth and sleek as in the Makarov and displays the requisite ribbed slide grip area and iron front and rear sights (front blade, adjustable rear notch). The trigger is well-curved forward and enclosed in a thin protective ring integrated into the gun's design. Various levers are all within easy reach of the primary hand's thumb while the slide recoils in the usual fashion and manages the slightly-exposed hammer at the rear. Spent shell casings are ejected through a port along the right side of the slide in the usual way. A patterned grip ensures a firm hand hold.

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Muzzle velocity is listed at 1,030 feet per second with an effective range out to 50 meters. As a semi-automatic pistol, the weapon can be fired with a single trigger pull once cocked by a pull of the slide (therefore introducing a fresh cartridge into the firing chamber), the subsequent firing action then ejecting any spent shell casings and stripping a fresh cartridge from the awaiting magazine in conventional fashion (this action recognized as "Double-Action").

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Physical
The physical qualities of the NORINCO Type 59 (Makarov). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

162 mm
6.38 in
O/A Length

93 mm
3.66 in
Barrel Length

1.61 lb
0.73 kg
Weight

Semi-Automatic; Recoil-Operated
Action

9x18mm Makarov
Caliber(s)

8-round detachable box magazine
Feed

Front and Rear
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the NORINCO Type 59 (Makarov). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

164 ft
50.0 m | 54.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

1,030 ft/sec
314 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the NORINCO Type 59 (Makarov) Semi-Automatic Pistol family line.

Type 59 - Base Series Designation

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the NORINCO Type 59 (Makarov). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): NORINCO - China

[ China ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

PISTOL/SIDEARM

SPECIAL FORCES

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Going Further...
The NORINCO Type 59 (Makarov) Semi-Automatic Pistol appears in the following collections:

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