AK-47 Ammunition bandolier/Chinese/North Vietnamese/Vietcong Type 56 chest rig (bandolier)

Highlights

Chinese Type 56 chest rig (bandolier), used for 7.62×39 mm SKS and AK-47 ammunition.

• Five main pouches across the front, each sized for a 10-round SKS stripper clip or a 30-round AK magazine.

• Two small side pockets (one at each end) for oil bottle and cleaning kit.

• Cotton canvas body with sewn-in shoulder and waist ties instead of metal fittings.

• Typical colors: dark olive / black; earlier production was light green. All 3 shades available.

• Closures: metal “tooth” or “ball-and-loop” style fasteners, later press studs as seen here.

• Era: introduced mid-1950s; widely used by Chinese, North Vietnamese, and other forces through the Vietnam War and beyond.