original version of the KL-7.62 was indistinguishable from the Type 56, but in recent years DIO appears to have made some improvements to the Type 56 design, adding a plastic stock and handguards (rather than wood) and a ribbed receiver cover (featured on most AKM variants, but missing from the Type 56), as well as picatinny rails on newer versions. MAZ – Sudanese licensed copy of the Type 56 made by Military Industry Corporation. ASh78 (Automatiku Shqiptar 78) – Albanian licensed copy of the Type 56. TUL-1 - North Vietnamese-made variant, but with stock of an RPK, barrel sights from an RPD. The TUL-1's body was thin, only 1 mm compared to the 1.5 mm of an RPK. It was also heavier and had an inferior rate of fire compared to the RPK. However, the firing rate and effective range of the weapon was better than an AK-47-based rifle. The TUL-1s were manufactured between 1970–1974 and ended after Vietnam obtained production rights to the RPK itself. They're known to use 30-round magazines from AK-47-based rifles with the occasional 40-round magazine. Other Type 56 weapons The "Type 56" designation was also used for Chinese versions of the SKS and of the RPD, known as the Type 56 carbine and Type 56 light machine gun respectively. However, unlike the popular Type 56 rifle, all Type 56 carbines have been removed from military service, except a few used for ceremonial purposes and by local Chinese militia. Users Locally produced under small modification of the Albanian Army needs. Main armament of the army until recently when it's being replaced with ARX-160, and M4A1. Boko Haram : Type 56 and Type 56-1 Limited numbers seized from criminals and issued to the Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro : Burundian rebels. : Used by Croatia in its war of independence. : Purchased in the 1990's and used by Finnish Army reserve personnel. Now in long-term storage. : Uses thousands of captured Type 56s for Indian police/military/paramilitary forces. Libyan National Army: Type 56-1 : Used by the Nepalese Army and formerly by the People's Liberation Army rebels : Contras. : South Sudan Liberation Movement, South Sudan Democratic Movement, Sudan People's Liberation Army and Lou Nuer militias. Lord Resistance Army Captured rifles issued to MACVSOG : Captured from Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army during the Vietnam War. : supplied by Iran to Houthi rebels. See also Type