Developed in China and imported in very limited numbers, the Model 313 (also known as the 81S) is part of the Type 81 family of longarms. While its predecessor, the Type 56, started life as a licensed copy of the Soviet AK-47, the Type 81 was an evolved, second-generation descendant, drawing positive features from multiple Soviet weapons to build a family of armaments, including a light machine gun variant similar in appearance and function to the Soviet RPK. Intended for export to the American market, the 81S was a pure semi-automatic rifle, and on paper it no doubt looked like a sure-fire winner, but as a result of an executive order by George H.W. Bush in 1989 restricting the import of semi-automatic rifles, Norinco was left spinning its wheels. Estimates on the number of Model 313 rifles that entered the U.S. and successfully passed through customs before the ban hit range from the single digits to the low double digits. This particular 313 rifle takes its cues from the LMG, with a folding bipod mounted directly behind the hooded post front sight and a drum-adjustable double-notch rear sight and three-position carry handle immediately ahead of the Dragunov-style ribbed dust cover. The gas system is a SKS-style short stroke piston with an adjustable port, the bolt carrier is fitted with a cylindrical cocking handle and a spring loaded hold-open device, and the safety is a two-position thumb switch which shows resemblance to Eastern European variants. Norinco's "gear" trademark is present on the left side of the receiver, along with the model and caliber markings and the importer marks of Cheshire & Perez of Monrovia, California; Cheshire & Perez was active until the early 1990s as a police equipment firm, as well as a Smith & Wesson distributor and warranty repair establishment. Reportedly C&P had an interest in marketing the 313 as a "target" rifle, which did not pan out. The forearm is vented on the sides with a squared-off bottom, the pistol grip is serrated, and the buttstock is the traditional "club foot" pattern with a swiveling metal door covering dual storage compartments. A pair of unmarked RPK-style drum magazines are included with the rifle.

Excellent, with 98% plus original blue finish, showing some light handling marks overall. The wood is very good, with some dings and dents concentrated on the forearm. Mechanically excellent. A very rare and high quality semi-automatic rifle, in addition to being mechanically novel and in prime condition.