Norinco M-14 copies have a mostly good reputation, especially concerning the risk of re-engineering and potential heat treating issues. The few AK and SKS models imported into the US before the ban bring high prices due to quality and rarity.
My guess is the Model 10 pictured is a legitimate Smith & Wesson.
I am sure folks here are more knowledgeable than me, but my understanding is across mainland China, the police are more like France. There are local municipal police and then the People's armed Police, more of paramilitary organization. The municipal police traditionally did not have regularly issued handguns until the last decade or two. They also likely have much less sanctioned handgun training than the PAP, which is closer to me military police or light infantry training. When the mainland municipal police received small arms, they were designed to have a specific cartridge under strict control.
China's Police Will Carry Guns Unlike Any Others - China Real Time Report - WSJ
Hong Kong Police still seem to follow the Poole-like model from the Colonial days. The gunplay pictures at the start of the thread are remarkable by it being one of the few, if only, times guns came out in the rioting to date. Regardless of the politics, the Hong Kong police have been circumspect in not shooting people with Molotov cocktails/firebombs. I have some real appreciation of the general restraint shown.
We have all seen mis-interpreted photos of US riot situations. One of the after actions I also think of is the Boston death caused by the FN303
Tragedy in Boston: The impact projectile death of Victoria Snelgrove. There were numerous times where having something like a FN would have been so much more effective and safer than a bean bag shotgun or getting into baton/taser/hands-on range. Too bad the Boston situation poisoned the brand.
