In 2025 we visited some Swiss firearms stores while in country for Waffen Sammlerborse. It’s always a shock to see that in other countries citizens have access to a wider range of firearms than we do in the US.
I paid a visit to Aebi Waffen, which is an extraordinary company with a world-class selection of firearms. Their team is friendly and knowledgeable and they have exceptionally skilled gunsmiths on staff. If you are anywhere near Hasle bei Burgdorf, I highly recommend that you check them out.
On the list of firearms we will probably never see in the US is this Chinese Norinco T97NSR-A in 5.56mm. If I remember correctly, it’s not only a 5.56mm bullpup, it also accepts standard AR15 magazines. It also has a very long top rail for optics and backup sights.
The US has had an import ban on most Chinese firearms (with the exception of shotguns) since the 1990s. This ban doesn’t look like it will be overturned anytime soon, so your only option to see this guns is to go overseas.
Chinese firearms are all over Europe including a few different types of AK-47s, Chinese-made AR15s and a few others. Though they are known for being inexpensive, Chinese guns have a very good reputation in Europe and the T97 is no exception.
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