Norinco Type 97 vs Steyr AUG

1997–present

1977–Present

Unknown

~500,000 units (estimated, including licensed variants)

755mm (29.7 in)

790 mm (31.1 in) with standard 508 mm barrel

490mm (19.3 in)

508 mm (20 in) standard; 407 mm (16 in) carbine; 350 mm (13.8 in) submachine gun variant

3.35 kg (7.4 lb) empty

3.6 kg (7.9 lb) empty with standard optic and 30-round magazine

30 rounds STANAG

30-round detachable box (standard); 42-round optional

Gas-operated, short-stroke piston, rotating bolt — bullpup

Gas-operated, short-stroke gas piston, rotating bolt

Bullpup linkage trigger

Two-stage trigger: first stage semi-automatic, second stage full automatic

High-profile carrying handle with diopter rear, hooded front post — 3 position

Integrated 1.5x or 3x optical sight in carry handle (A1/A2); Picatinny rail for iron sights or optics (A3/A3 M1)