Chinese Preban AK Imports Part 3 - Rare Importers
History
Following the pioneering Clayco Sports imports of 1983 and the larger-volume Golden State Arms Distributors (GSAD) shipments that began in 1984, a number of smaller or shorter-lived American companies brought in Chinese Type 56-pattern semi-automatic rifles before the March 1989 import restrictions (and the later 1994 Assault Weapons Ban) cut off the flow of “assault rifles” configured with military features. These lesser-known importers never matched the volume or name recognition of later Norinco and Poly Technologies (Polytech) shipments, but their rifles represent some of the earliest and scarcest examples of Chinese Kalashnikovs to reach U.S. civilian hands.
In addition to better-documented names such as Sile (New York) and early B-West, several particularly scarce importers appear in collector records and on surviving rifles. Verified or strongly attested examples include RAI (Royal Arms International / related markings, Woodland Hills, CA), DIG (Delta Investment Group, Inc., Virginia Beach, VA — often misidentified in older sources as “Dominion”), IACO / IA Co. (Interstate Arms Corporation or related Sacramento, CA entity), PROCHINE (Prochine Corp., frequently appearing alongside other exporter/importer markings), GLNIC (GLNIC Corporation of America, El Monte, CA), and ARMCO. These companies operated primarily in the mid-to-late 1980s window of relatively open Chinese small-arms importation.
RAI (associated with Royal Arms International of Woodland Hills, California, headed by Randolph J. Brill) imported Chinese AKs in the late 1980s. Documented examples carry 87-prefix serial numbers (e.g., 870xxxx range, consistent with 1987 manufacture) and markings such as “AKS-762 7.62x39mm MADE IN CHINA” or “AK47S 7.62x39MM MADE IN CHINA.” A 1998 Los Angeles Times account references large orders (thousands of rifles) placed through Royal Arms International by California dealers around 1988. Some identical configuration rifles from the same production appear with “PROCHINE CORP” markings instead of or in addition to RAI stamps, indicating shared supply chains or concurrent distribution.
DIG (Delta Investment Group, Inc., Virginia Beach, Virginia) is confirmed through import stamps reading variations of “D.I.G. INC, VA. BH. VA” or “DIG INC, VA BCH,VA” paired with “MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO.” Archival research (including period yellow-pages and corporate records) establishes that DIG was the operating name in the late 1980s; claims equating it with “Dominion Investment Group” or “Dominion Import Group” are incorrect—those entities appear later (post-1994 or 1997). DIG handled both AKs and SKS rifles and was noted among significant Chinese arms importers in contemporary reporting (e.g., Washington Post references around 1989). Some earlier related Virginia Beach activity involved China Trade International / C&A markings before a name transition.
IACO / IA Co. (Interstate Arms Corporation or IA Co., Sacramento, California) appears on import stamps such as “IACO SAC CA” or “IACO, SAC, CA.” These markings are documented on Chinese Type 56-pattern rifles (and SKS examples). Collector references and video documentation place IACO among the mid-1980s importers that brought in wood-stocked and side-folder configurations as the “56S” designation became more common (replacing earlier “AKS” markings around 1985–86). Quantities were modest compared with major channels.
PROCHINE (Prochine Corp.) markings appear on the left side of receivers, often in conjunction with other exporter stamps such as “SHER WOOD INT’L EXPORT CORP.” or on rifles that otherwise match RAI-configured examples from the 87-prefix production. These are documented on auction and collector examples of AK47S rifles. Prochine appears to have functioned as an exporter or intermediary marking rather than a high-volume standalone U.S. importer, contributing to the scarcity of cleanly attributed examples.
GLNIC (GLNIC Corporation of America, 10501 Valley Blvd Suite 230, El Monte, CA 91731) was a U.S.-registered entity with officers including Jun Liu (CEO/Sec.), Shao Chun Liu (CFO), and directors Gen Bao Zone, Shao Chun Liu, and Jun Liu. Collector research links it to People’s Liberation Army-associated export activity. Early GLNIC AK47 and Type 56 rifles frequently carry “CGA” as a serial-number prefix or exporter mark; CGA is understood to have been the primary Chinese exporter for most pre-1989 GLNIC imports of both AKs and SKS rifles. Surviving examples include fixed-stock and underfolder “spiker” configurations. GLNIC activity largely tapered around the 1989 restrictions, though limited later examples exist. Some early GLNIC rifles show minimal receiver markings beyond serial numbers and safety indicators.
ARMCO imported Chinese pre-ban AKs (documented examples marked AK47S or similar) in the mid-1980s (approximately 1985–1987). Owner Steven Holmquist was later convicted on multiple counts related to false statements on firearms importation and restricted exports to China. ARMCO rifles are scarce; known examples include matching-number guns with electropenciled or light import marks, wood furniture, and standard Chinese Type 56 features. Some collectors note early electropenciled markings as characteristic of certain ARMCO shipments. ARMCO also appears on SKS imports.
These imports occurred against the backdrop of improving U.S.–China trade relations after China received most-favored-nation status in 1980. Chinese state export entities supplied semi-automatic “sporter” versions of the Type 56. Quantities for these rarer importers were modest—often low hundreds to a few thousand at most—before the 1989 executive order halted further importation of rifles with certain “assault” features. Rifles from these rare importers generally followed standard Chinese Type 56 construction of the era: approximately 1.5 mm stamped receivers, chrome-lined barrels, typical Chinese rivet patterns, and robust bluing.
RAI examples often show 87-prefix serials, “AKS-762” or “AK47S” model markings, and “MADE IN CHINA.” Fixed-stock and underfolder configurations are documented. Some share production traits with Prochine-marked rifles.
DIG rifles carry clear “D.I.G.” or “DIG INC” Virginia Beach stamps, frequently with Norinco exporter language. Both fixed-stock and other configurations appear; quality is consistent with mid-1980s Chinese export production.
IACO / IA Co. stamps (“IACO SAC CA”) appear on receivers or barrels. These include wood-stocked 56S-pattern rifles and some side-folders from the period when the “56S” designation became standard.
PROCHINE markings are typically roll-stamped on the receiver (sometimes with additional exporter names). Configuration matches contemporary Chinese exports (wood furniture, standard sights, bayonet lugs on many examples).
GLNIC rifles may show “GLNIC” or related marks (sometimes light or electropenciled), “CGA” serial prefixes, and minimal other factory codes on early examples. Spiker underfolders and fixed-stock models with original Chinese furniture and magazines are documented. Some early pieces lack extensive receiver text beyond serial and selector markings.
ARMCO examples often feature light or electropenciled import marks, matching numbers, and standard Type 56 features (including underfolders in some cases). Original accessories and Chinese magazines accompany better-preserved specimens.
Spike bayonets (“spikers”), ported gas tubes, hooded or open front sights, and the characteristic Chinese front-sight and trunnion details are common. Quality of fit, finish, and materials is generally high—consistent with better Chinese pre-ban production—though individual examples vary by factory and production lot. Some early rifles from these importers show lighter or less prominent markings than later high-volume Norinco/Polytech guns.
At the time of importation, these rifles sold as relatively affordable alternatives to Egyptian Maadis and Finnish Valmets. Retail prices were typically in the mid-hundreds of dollars. They appealed to shooters seeking an authentic-looking AK with wood furniture and military silhouette.In the collector market today, these rarer importers command strong premiums because of low production volumes, early arrival dates, and limited surviving documentation. Unmolested, matching-number examples—especially underfolders, spikers, original-boxed pieces, or those with clear, uncommon importer stamps—are significantly harder to locate than common later Norinco or Polytech pre-bans. Values have risen steadily as pre-ban Chinese AKs have become more sought-after for their historical significance, robust construction, and original “pre-ban” features (bayonet lugs, threaded barrels, folding stocks, etc.).GLNIC and ARMCO examples are particularly scarce and closely examined for originality of markings. RAI and Prochine rifles from the 87-prefix group are valued for their documented late-1980s timing and shared production traits. DIG and IACO stamps are recognized by specialists but appear infrequently enough to elevate interest. Collectors emphasize verifying markings against known patterns, as some early rifles have minimal text and later modifications or incorrect attributions occasionally circulate.
As with the Clayco and GSAD rifles covered in Parts 1 and 2, these rare-importer examples illustrate the brief window of relatively unrestricted Chinese AK importation in the 1980s. They remain important, low-volume links in the pre-ban story.
(Special note to collectors: Always verify markings, serial ranges where documented, and originality against primary evidence such as period import records, corporate filings, and high-resolution photos of known examples. “Pre-ban” status is determined by configuration and import timing relative to the 1989 restrictions, not solely by importer name. Information above draws from collector documentation, period newspaper accounts, corporate records, auction descriptions, and specialist forums; some details remain incomplete due to the age and limited surviving paperwork of these smaller operations. Consult experienced collectors and primary sources when evaluating specific rifles.)
