North Korean Type 68-1 Export “Asian Contract” Underfolder (Semiauto Build)

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North Korea began making a version of the AKM in 1968. In addition to the Type 68 with a fixed stock, they also made the Type 68-1 with an underfolding stock. Both use stamped receivers and are generally parts-interchangeable with other AKMs, but have a number of unique and distinct features. It is also worth noting that manufacturing quality on these rifles is poor by AK standards, and construction most likely required hand fitting.

The most substantial elements visible from the exterior are a lightening cut in the rear face of the front sight block, a ribbed trigger guard, and a sling loop in the gas block. Internally, the front trunnion is reinforced, the rear trunnion (for the underfolder) uses a separate weldment to hold the hinge axis, and the gas tube is made form rolled and spot-welded sheet steel.

The Type 68 and 68-1 were sold extensively around the world to generate hard currency. The normal export models use a “III” battle sight marking, blank receiver, and selector markings of an infinity symbol and numeral 1. This rifle came form a batch sold to an Arabic-speaking nation (most likely Syria) and uses an Arabic “ta” character on the rear sight and selector markings of S, A, and R. Domestic North Korean military models use Korean characters and also have a Type 68 marking and circled star property mark on the front left of the receiver.

North Korean Type 58 video:

Conflict Armament Research guide to North Korean AK identification:
https://www.conflictarm.com/guide/identifying-materiel-manufactured-in-the-democratic-peoples-republic-of-korea-dprk/