File:Okamura AR-56 A3 (Armoured Man).png

AR-56

Designed as a replacement for WWII vintage battle rifles the AR-56 assault rifle was Zipangs standard issue service rifle from 1956 to 2004, with the C-77 carbine variant still seeing some limited use by Zipang special forces.

The cartridge that the rifle fired was the Zipang 6.35x53 cartridge which was originally developed for the cancelled type 1947 battle rifle. the weapon quickly proved itself to be very popular with troops, with a rate of Fire of 700 rounds per minute combined with the smaller cartridge then traditional rifles, meaning that it was easy to keep the rifle and target on full auto.

The rifle would be upgraded throughout the latter years of the 20th century resulting in the A1, A2 and A3 models each a iterative improvement, the rifle will also be developed into the C-77 carbine entering service in 1977 and and also being the only variant of the rifle that is still in service albeit in limited numbers.

In service: 1956 - 2004 A1, A2 and A3

Designed: 1949 - 1955, by Shinji Yamamoto

Manufacturers: Okamura Industries, Saito armoury, Okamoto heavy Industries

Produced: 1956 - 1978

Length: 41.9 in

Barrel Length: 20 in

Cartridge: 6.35x53mm

Action: Gas-operated, rotating bolt

Rate of fire: 700 rounds/min automatic

Feed system: 20-round detachable magazine