needs to be simplified to realize the military philosophy based on the use of masses in wartime. The weapon should facilitate the troops to be able to stop the enemy advance by rifle shots at extremely long distances as well as the use of the automatic fire for the final close-quarters engagements. The initial production of the rifle showed a promising result. Comparing to the Type 56 assault rifle, which is an AK-47 clone, the Type 63 has higher reliability and better accuracy. It is fitted with the bolt hold-open device that both the AK-47 and Type 56 lacks. The service life of the Type 63 is 15,000 rounds due to efficient structural design and a streamlined manufacturing process, making it significantly better than the 6,000 rounds of Type 56 and AK-47 at the time. Production Although the initial production of Type 63 received positive feedback from the troops, the final production of Type 63 encountered enormous disruption due to the Cultural Revolution. The quality control of the production was severely affected, and the initial design was not respected. After the first batch of Type 63 finished production in 1969, subsequent batches received design changes that yielded questionable results. The service life degraded to 10,000 rounds instead of the promised 15,000 rounds. By the time it was finished, the weapon design was outdated as more compact, short-barreled assault rifles were taking the spotlight in modern warfare as shown in the US engagement in Vietnam. Users : Used by the Mujahideen. : As of 2020, the Type 63 is mainly used in ceremonial events or with military honor guards. : People's Movement for the Liberation of Azawad : The Korean People's Army (KPA) has used the Type 63 rifle in service due to support from the People's Republic of China, but now mainly uses it as a ceremonial weapon or in military parades. The Worker Peasant Red Guards however are known to use the Type 63 as they are a paramilitary organization who uses older weapons that were once used in the KPA. The DPRK also produces their own version of the SKS which also is called the Type 63 and has the North Korean star on the receiver however it bears more resemblance to the regular SKS in some areas of their produced Type 63 rifles. : In Vietnamese service the rifle is designated K63. It saw very little service