ASH-78
{{Infobox weapon
| name = ASH-78 Rifle
| image = File:Ash-78.jpg
| image_size = 300
| caption = The ASH-78
| origin = Albania
| type = Assault rifle
| is_ranged = yes
| service = 1978 - present
| wars =
| design_date = 1978
| unit_cost = N/A
| production_date = 1978-1993
| number = 100,000+
| variants = ASH-78/1, ASH-78/2, ASH-78/3
| weight = 3.8kg
| length = 882 mm (37.0 in)
| part_length = 414 mm
| caliber = 7.62x39mm
| action = Gas-operated, rotating bolt
| rate = 600 rounds/min
| velocity = 710 m/s (2,330 ft/s)
| range = 400 m (effective range)
| feed = 30-round detachable box magazine
| sights = Iron sights, optional optical sights
}}
The ASH-78 ({{Langx|sq|Automatiku Shqiptar 78}})https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/05/02/an-albanian-kalashnikov-in-kabul/ is an Albanian assault rifle developed in the 1970s as a licensed variant of the Chinese Type 56, itself modeled after the Soviet AKM.
History
The ASH-78 was developed in Albania in 1974 during a period of isolation from Western and Eastern military powers. It was intended to provide the Albanian military with a reliable, domestically produced firearm based on the design of the Chinese Type 56.{{Cite web |title=ASH-78 {{!}} History |url=https://en.faktoje.al/weapon-production-line-for-ukraine-albania-with-eyes-towards-the-west/ |access-date=2024-02-05 |language=en-US}} Albania acquired a license from China prior to production.https://en.faktoje.al/weapon-production-line-for-ukraine-albania-with-eyes-towards-the-west/
The ASH-78 was produced in Albania's Gramësh factory and used by the Albanian People's Army and later the Albanian Armed Forces. Production began in 1978 and continued through the 1980s.{{Cite web |title=ASH-78 {{!}} Production |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/364668628 |access-date=2021-01-11 |language=en-US}} Production ended by 1992.
The ASH-78 was used primarily by the Albanian military but has found its way into other hands during conflicts in the Balkans.
Design details
{{See also|Type 56 assault rifle|Kalashnikov rifle}}
The Albanian ASH-78 is a variant of the AK family of rifles, specifically modelled after the Chinese Type 56. The design was heavily influenced by the Chinese AK models because Albania had close ties with China during the Cold War, particularly after its split from the Soviet Union.
The ASH-78 is chambered in 7.62×39mm cartridge, and does not have a magazine guide depression on either side of the stamped receiver. There are markings for “Auto” (A) and “Single” (1) select-fire capabilities.
The ASH-78 is considered to have moderate accuracy, in line with similar AK-pattern rifles. It is capable of effective fire at ranges of 300 to 400 meters.
Variants
=Tip-1=
Base model of the ASH-78.
=Tip-2=
Heavy-barrelled variant for sustained fire.
=Tip-3=
Equipped with grenade launcher capability.
Users
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2025}}
- {{flag|Albania}}
- {{flag|Afghanistan}}:
- Afghan National Army provided 30,000 rifles from Albania.
- Many of the rifles were later captured by the Taliban during the 2021 Taliban offensive.
=Former=
- {{flag|Bosnia and Herzegovina|1992}}: Bosnian Muslims received weapons from Sali Berisha during the Bosnian war.
=Non-state actors=
Gallery
File:NATO Operational Mentor Liaison Team Training Exercise XXIII 120512-A-GM460-004.jpg|Albanian soldier on military exercise.
File:Albanian soldier with AK47.jpg|Albanian soldier with Ash-78.
References
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{AK47 derivatives}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:ASH 78}}
Category:Assault rifles of Albania
Category:Military equipment of Albania