Type 85 submachine gun

Design of the Type 85 started between 1979 and 1983 and it was classified in 1985. Design work was done by the 208th Research Institute of China Ordnance Industry. Type 85's design is simplistic and straight-forward, and ease-to-manufacture. During development, there was criticism of its appearance, and it earned nicknames like "toy gun" or "the master work of plumber" The Type 85 was eventually adopted to start replacing the Type 64 in PLA service. The development of the Type 85 was planned to eventually replace the Type 79 submachine gun in PLA service. Type 79's service was rather disappointing due to its reliability issue. The development plan to replace the Type 79 was initiated in 1979. ==Design==

The Type 85 submachine gun is a simple blowback weapon that fires from an open bolt. The weapon's mechanism was partially based on the Type 64. Parts made for the regular and suppressed version are interchangeable, except for the barrels. The safety and fire mode selector lever is located at the right side of the trigger unit, above the trigger guard. The Type 85 allows for single shots and full automatic fire, which is indicated in the receiver 0, 1 and 2. The weapon is optimized for special 7.62×25mm (Type 64) ammunition with heavy, subsonic bullets, but can also fire standard 7.62mm Type 51/7.62×25mm TT ammunition (with increased loudness). There was a 5.8mm version being researched for potential adoption, but it was never adopted into service. The Type 85 SMG is fed using the same 30-round box magazines as the Type 64 SMG. There is also a steel shoulder stock, which folds to the right side. ==Variants==

Type 85 suppressed A version of the Type 85 with an integral suppressor. The barrel and sleeve were changed. ==Users==

• : Known to be used by Chinese special forces units • : With Comoran soldiers involved in the 2008 invasion of Anjouan. • : With Tanzanian soldiers involved in the 2008 invasion of Anjouan. ==References==