QBZ-03 (Type 03)
China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2003
Also known as: Type 03, Qing Buqiang Zu Dongshi 03
Overview
The QBZ-03 (Type 03) is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.8x42mm DBP87, produced by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) since 2003.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3850 g (135.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 950 mm (37.40") |
| Folded Length | 670 mm (26.38") |
| Barrel Length | 440 mm (17.32") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 930 m/s (3051 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1795 J (1324 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.8x42mm DBP87 · primary — also known as 5.8mm Chinese, 5.8x42mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Hammer Notch
- Features: Chrome Lined Barrel, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Side Folding Stock, Conventional Layout, Indigenous Caliber
Variants
- QBZ-03 Carbine — Compact
Base model
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 2006 · as QBZ-03
- People's Armed Police · adopted 2006 · as QBZ-03
Production
Production years: 2003-present
Production numbers classified; issued alongside QBZ-95 to PLA units preferring conventional rifle layout
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
The QBZ-03 exists because many PLA units expressed dissatisfaction with the bullpup QBZ-95's ergonomics, particularly its awkward magazine changes and left-hand ejection issues. The QBZ-03 provides conventional AK-style handling in China's indigenous 5.8mm caliber. The 5.8x42mm cartridge was developed specifically for the PLA and is not used by any other nation, offering ballistics intermediate between 5.56mm NATO and 7.62x39mm. The short-stroke gas piston inherited from the Type 81 provides reduced recoil compared to AK-pattern long-stroke designs. Not exported due to China's proprietary caliber - export versions would require rechambering to 5.56mm NATO.
Background
The QBZ-03 exists because Chinese soldiers complained so much about the bullpup QBZ-95's awkward ergonomics that the PLA developed an entirely separate conventional-layout rifle in parallel. It uses China's proprietary 5.8x42mm cartridge, which is not used by any other nation in the world.