A survey of the local market would show a steadily increasing rise in the prices of imported firearms. Traditional guns such as Colt, Smith and Wesson, Berretta, and Ruger have prices that have now gone through the roof in terms of affordability. European guns such as H & K, Glock, Browning, and FEG are now history, considering the European Union arms embargo against the Philippines. For the average gun enthusiast, spending the equivalent of over $1,500-2,000 dollars for a gun is no longer a viable option.

Enter China.

Since two years ago, there appears to be a proliferation of cheap and quality Chinese made guns in the market. The Norinco .45s of the ’90s led the way. Now, there are a host of Chinese-made copies of practically every western gun in existence. Thus, there are now Chinese copies of Sign Sauer P226 and P228, Mauser Kar 98k, Stage coach double barrel shotguns, Winchester 97 pump shotguns and hunting rifles. This not counting the superb Ak47s, RPDs, Makarovs, and Tokarevs that are being sold for bargain prices.  

Now, we have the excellent Norinco M4A1 5.56mm rifle which is equally functional, but sells at less than half of the U.S. made versions.

It would seem that skeptics have likewise been converted to China guns. Among its owners, the Norinco Ak is seen as a superb weapon, if you can find affordable ammo for it. And the Norinco 1911 is a favorite of gun smiths for its quality steel. Practically all scopes, tactical gear, and products are now made in China as well, and doing fine in the real world.

Just like all other consumer products, “made in China” no longer means inferior quality. This likewise signals the rise of China as a major small arms manufacturer and exporter.