QBU-10
Norinco · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2010
Also known as: Type 10, QBU10
Overview
The QBU-10 (Type 10) is a Chinese semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle chambered in 12.7x108mm, designed and manufactured by Norinco. First introduced in 2010, the QBU-10 serves as the People's Liberation Army's primary anti-materiel sniper system for engaging light vehicles, crew-served weapons, radar installations, and personnel behind cover at extended ranges. The rifle features a unique gas-operated short-stroke piston action combined with a recoiling barrel to manage the substantial recoil of the 12.7x108mm cartridge, fed from 5-round proprietary detachable box magazines. Each QBU-10 is issued with a YMA09 8x telescopic sighting unit that integrates a ballistic computer and laser rangefinder for rapid target acquisition. The rifle uses the DBT-10 12.7x108mm precision sniper cartridge with aerodynamically optimized bullets achieving a muzzle velocity of approximately 820 m/s. At 13.3 kg empty, the QBU-10 is relatively portable for a semi-automatic anti-materiel rifle, designed to be operated by a two-person sniper team.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 13300 g (469.1 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 14000 g (493.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1380 mm (54.33") |
| Barrel Length | 780 mm (30.71") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Rotating Bolt |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 820 m/s (2690 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 16234 J (11974 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 1500 m (1640 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 4000 m (4374 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 10 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 12.7x108mm · primary — also known as 12.7mm Soviet, 12.7x108mm Russian, DShK round
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Semi Automatic, Gas Operated Recoiling Barrel, Short Stroke Piston, Yma09 8x Scope, Integrated Ballistic Computer, Laser Rangefinder, Muzzle Brake, Bipod, Carrying Handle, Padded Buttstock, Recoil Absorbing Stock
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force · adopted 2010
- People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps
Production
Production years: 2010-present
In active production for the People's Liberation Army.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The QBU-10 is notable for its semi-automatic action in the anti-materiel rifle class, where most competing designs use bolt-action or single-shot mechanisms. The combination of gas operation and recoiling barrel provides a unique dual-recoil-management system that makes the rifle controllable despite the powerful 12.7x108mm cartridge. The integrated YMA09 optic with ballistic computer represents a significant investment in first-round hit capability, reducing the time required for range estimation and holdover calculation. The QBU-10 has been widely photographed in PLA exercises and was prominently featured during the 2015 Beijing military parade. It supplements rather than replaces the bolt-action Norinco M99 anti-materiel rifle already in PLA service.
Background
The QBU-10's semi-automatic action gives Chinese snipers a decisive advantage in anti-materiel engagements -- the ability to rapidly engage multiple targets or deliver follow-up shots without breaking their sight picture, a capability most competitors lack with their bolt-action designs.