QBZ-03
Encyclopedia
The QBZ-03 assault rifle is a gas operated, selective-fire weapon and is the latest assault rifle design developed for the Chinese 5.8 x 42 mm DBP87
ammunition. Unlike the bullpup
QBZ-95
, the QBZ-03 is a weapon of conventional design loosely inspired by other rifles previously in Chinese service (most notably the Type 56 and Type 81 assault rifle
). The weapon is designed to be easily used by soldiers already familiar with previously issued rifles and machine guns. The QBZ-03 has a two-piece receiver largely made up of stamped steel with the stock, pistol grip, and handguards being made of a polymer compound. The gas block has a two position regulator, one for firing standard ammunition, the other to allow the use of rifle grenades. The sights are of a hooded Type 56 style front sight with a flip up rear diopter sight
similar to the American M16 rifle
. A scope rail is available to allow the use of various optics. The QBZ-03 has seen some issue within the People's Armed Police
, People's Liberation Army Marine Corps
, People's Liberation Army Airforce Paratroopers, and second line PLA ground units. An export-aimed version of the QBZ-03 also exists, first introduced in 2005 by the joint CJAIE (China Jing-An Import-Export) and Jiang-She Group Companies. The export version is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO
and feeds by STANAG magazines. The cyclic rate on the issued model is semi-automatic or fully automatic only, while the export model has an integrated three round burst mode
. The type's most notable public display was by the PLA Airforce Airborne Troops during the October 1st 2009 60th Anniversary Parade.
5.8 x 42 mm DBP87
The 5.8×42mm / DBP87 is a rifle cartridge developed in the People's Republic of China. There is limited information on this cartridge, although the Chinese military claims that it is superior to the 5.56×45mm NATO and 5.45×39mm Soviet cartridges...
ammunition. Unlike the bullpup
Bullpup
Bullpups are firearm configurations in which the action is located behind the trigger group and alongside the shooter's face, so there is no wasted space for the buttstock as in conventional designs. This permits a shorter firearm length for the same barrel length for improved maneuverability, and...
QBZ-95
QBZ-95
The QBZ-95 is an assault rifle manufactured by Arsenal 266, part of Norinco and Arsenal 296, under Jianshe Corp, China South for the People's Liberation Army, the armed forces of the People's Republic of China, Chinese People's Armed Police , and Chinese law enforcement. This weapon uses a...
, the QBZ-03 is a weapon of conventional design loosely inspired by other rifles previously in Chinese service (most notably the Type 56 and Type 81 assault rifle
Type 81 Assault Rifle
The Type 81 assault rifle was the principal automatic rifle used by the Chinese People's Liberation Army from the mid-1980s until 1995. It incorporates elements of the Dragunov Sniper Rifle, SKS, and AK series rifles in general looks...
). The weapon is designed to be easily used by soldiers already familiar with previously issued rifles and machine guns. The QBZ-03 has a two-piece receiver largely made up of stamped steel with the stock, pistol grip, and handguards being made of a polymer compound. The gas block has a two position regulator, one for firing standard ammunition, the other to allow the use of rifle grenades. The sights are of a hooded Type 56 style front sight with a flip up rear diopter sight
Diopter sight
The diopter is an aperture sight component used to assist the aiming of a guns/devices, usually those intended to launch projectiles, such as firearms, airguns, and crossbows...
similar to the American M16 rifle
M16 rifle
The M16 is the United States military designation for the AR-15 rifle adapted for both semi-automatic and full-automatic fire. Colt purchased the rights to the AR-15 from ArmaLite, and currently uses that designation only for semi-automatic versions of the rifle. The M16 fires the 5.56×45mm NATO...
. A scope rail is available to allow the use of various optics. The QBZ-03 has seen some issue within the People's Armed Police
People's Armed Police
The People's Armed Police , officially Chinese People's Armed Police Force is a paramilitary or gendarmerie force primarily responsible for civilian policing and fire rescue duties in the People's Republic of China, as well as provide support to PLA during wartime.In contrast to public security...
, People's Liberation Army Marine Corps
People's Liberation Army Marine Corps
The People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps is marine corps of the People's Republic of China's People's Liberation Army Navy...
, People's Liberation Army Airforce Paratroopers, and second line PLA ground units. An export-aimed version of the QBZ-03 also exists, first introduced in 2005 by the joint CJAIE (China Jing-An Import-Export) and Jiang-She Group Companies. The export version is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO
5.56x45mm NATO
5.56×45mm NATO is a rifle cartridge developed in the United States and originally chambered in the M16 rifle. Under STANAG 4172, it is a standard cartridge for NATO forces as well as many non-NATO countries. It is derived from, but not identical to, the .223 Remington cartridge...
and feeds by STANAG magazines. The cyclic rate on the issued model is semi-automatic or fully automatic only, while the export model has an integrated three round burst mode
Burst mode
Burst mode may refer to:*Burst mode , a computer term for the repeated transmission of data by a device without waiting for additional input....
. The type's most notable public display was by the PLA Airforce Airborne Troops during the October 1st 2009 60th Anniversary Parade.