ULTRA RARE NORINCO NHM9U 5.56 AK-1990

SERIAL NUMBER: 301117. BARREL: 18". CALIBER: 5.56X45. MANUFACTURED: circa 1990. The Norinco NHM-90 (stamped NHM9U) is a semi-automatic, Chinese-manufactured sporting rifle built on the rugged Type 56 AK platform and chambered in the less common 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington). This specific rifle, bearing Serial Number 301117, was manufactured between 1990 and 1991 and imported by China Sports, Inc. out of Ontario, California ("ONT CA"). The rifle was originally built as a military-style Norinco 84S, but was caught in factory or customs inventory following George H.W. Bush's March 1989 Executive Order import ban. To legally clear U.S. customs, Norinco modified the receiver markings to the "NHM9U" designation, ground off the bayonet lug, neutralized the muzzle threads, and fitted the rifle with a distinctive wooden thumbhole stock to meet federal "sporting purpose" mandates. Today, this transitional rifle is highly prized by collectors for its exceptional build quality and historical scarcity. Chinese Norinco AK variants are renowned for their smooth actions, crisp triggers, and heavy-duty 1.5mm stamped steel receivers, which are significantly thicker than standard 1.0mm European variants. The "30" serial number prefix places it in the very first waves of converted inventory processed right at the start of the 1990s post-ban timeline. Because the importation of all Chinese firearms was permanently cut off by executive action in 1994, un-modified 5.56mm Chinese models remain exceptionally rare compared to their 7.62x39mm counterparts, making this an incredibly desirable and valuable piece of American firearms import history. CONDITION: Very Good. 985+. There is a little finish wear on the left side of the stock towards the butt. The bore is bright with sharp rifling. Operates normally. MODERN 37-339