Chinese Preban AK Imports Part 4 - B-West
History
B-West (also rendered B West or B-WEST) was one of the earlier American importers of Chinese Type 56-pattern semi-automatic Kalashnikov rifles. Following Clayco Sports in 1983 and Golden State Arms Distributors (GSAD) in 1984, B-West entered the market in late 1984 to early 1985, with many of their first complete Chinese-made rifles reaching U.S. dealers in 1985.
The company initially operated out of Los Angeles, California. Early import markings commonly read “B-WEST L.A. CA,” “B-WEST LA CA,” or variations that included “CHINA.” Later, B-West relocated operations to Tucson, Arizona, and the markings changed accordingly (e.g., “B-WEST TUC., AZ” or “B-WEST TUCSON AZ”).
During the mid-1980s pre-ban period, B-West imported fully assembled Chinese rifles. These were genuine Chinese arsenal products (often associated with factories such as 386) rather than U.S.-assembled guns. Configurations included fixed-stock models, underfolders, side-folders (the Type 56-2 / 56S-2 pattern), and “spiker” variants with the distinctive Chinese folding spike bayonet. Early examples were frequently marked simply “AKS” before the more formal “56S” designation became widespread.
After the March 1989 import restrictions on certain “assault rifles,” B-West shifted toward assembling rifles on U.S.-made receivers using Chinese parts kits. Those later “Made in USA” guns (particularly certain serial ranges) developed a poor reputation due to inadequate heat treatment of the receivers and are a completely different product from the pure Chinese imports of 1984–1988/early 1989.
B-West’s complete Chinese imports therefore occupy an important place in the early wave of pre-ban Chinese AKs that arrived before the major high-volume Norinco and Polytech shipments of the late 1980s.FeaturesAuthentic mid-1980s B-West Chinese imports are identified by “Made in China” (or equivalent) markings paired with the B-West importer stamp.
Typical features of these rifles include:
- Stamped receivers of Chinese thickness and construction (generally the heavier 1.5 mm style common to Chinese Type 56 production).
- Chrome-lined barrels.
- Standard Chinese rivet patterns and trunnion details.
- Hooded front sights on many examples.
- Wood furniture on fixed-stock and underfolder models; some side-folders featured red or black bakelite/polymer furniture.
- Bayonet lugs (including the Chinese spike bayonet on “spiker” models).
- Markings such as “AKS 7.62x39,” “AKS 7.62x39 MADE IN CHINA,” or similar, often with the B-West location stamp on the receiver (frequently on the bottom ahead of the magazine well or on the side).
- Some examples carry short serial numbers or BW-prefix serials on the trunnion.
Quality of the complete Chinese-made B-West imports is generally regarded as high and comparable to other good pre-ban Chinese AKs of the same period. The finish, fit, and reliability of the Chinese components are consistent with the better export production of the mid-1980s.Collectors must carefully distinguish these from the later U.S.-receiver B-West builds. The presence of “Made in China” (and absence of “Made in USA”) is the primary indicator of a desirable pure import.
Reception
In the mid-1980s the B-West Chinese imports sold as solid, affordable examples of the classic Type 56 design that American buyers wanted—especially once wood furniture became available. They helped expand the market beyond the earliest Clayco and GSAD shipments.
Today, confirmed Chinese-made B-West pre-ban rifles are respected by serious collectors. They are less common than high-volume later Norinco or Polytech examples and therefore command strong interest when found in original condition. Side-folders, spikers, and early low-serial or LA CA-marked guns are particularly desirable. Values have risen steadily along with the rest of the pre-ban Chinese AK market.
The later U.S.-receiver B-West guns, by contrast, are generally avoided or heavily discounted because of documented heat-treatment problems on many examples. This distinction is critical for both collectors and shooters.
As with the Clayco, GSAD, and rare-importer rifles covered in earlier parts of this series, the mid-1980s B-West Chinese imports represent an important chapter in the brief window of relatively unrestricted Chinese AK importation into the United States.
(Special note to collectors: Always verify “Made in China” markings, importer stamps, serial locations, and overall originality. “Pre-ban” status depends on configuration and import timing relative to the 1989 restrictions. Cross-reference with known examples and experienced collectors when evaluating a specific rifle.)
