Ok, a need to share - even if prematurely. Put the type I together today sans bipod legs, sights, and of course bayonet. No sights as there just wasn't time and this was a first time function test for semi auto so 10 feet away from the backstop - I can hit it!
After having taken it out and shot it I just had to compare it to something laying handy which just happened to be a Chinese "paratroop" SKS. You know, the para rifle with full stock, 16" barrel, and detachable 10 round mag. That rifle weighs 7.9 lbs with empty 10 round mag and as shot the type I was 9.5 with empty 20 round mag. Type I was about 1/2" shorter standing next to each other on the bench as well sporting a 20" barrel vs the 16" on the SKS......
Oh yeah, shooting. First two rounds no full cycle so open the port a little and now we are shooting! Observations for the test. Mag catch face angle wrong as mag levers itself out after a few rounds. Hard to hold that group with no sights. And last, coming in 2 lbs lighter than the production type II as shot I feared - and have been worrying about the recoil difference.......
How about feeling about the same recoil wise as the type II or maybe less? Oh yes, this should be one cool little rifle! And yes even at near 10lbs this is one small feeling rifle..... Getting closer!
Rick