QBZ-95
China North Industries (Norinco) · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1997
Also known as: Type 95, Qingwuqi Buqiang Zidong 95, QBZ-97 (export)
Overview
The QBZ-95 (Qingwuqi Buqiang Zidong - Light Weapon Rifle Automatic, Model 1995) is a bullpup assault rifle designed and manufactured by Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) as the standard service rifle of the People's Liberation Army. Entering service in 1997, it chambers the indigenous 5.8x42mm DBP87 cartridge, which was specifically developed to provide performance between 5.56x45mm NATO and 7.62x39mm Soviet cartridges. The QBZ-95 employs a short-stroke gas piston with rotating bolt in a compact bullpup layout, placing the magazine and action behind the trigger group to achieve a 745mm overall length despite its 463mm barrel. The rifle features a distinctive carrying handle with integrated optics mount, polymer construction for reduced weight, and is produced as part of a complete weapon family including the QBZ-95B carbine, QBB-95 light support weapon, and QBZ-97/97A export variants chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. The improved QBZ-95-1 variant was introduced to address ergonomic shortcomings of the original design.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3250 g (114.6 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3700 g (130.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 745 mm (29.33") |
| Barrel Length | 463 mm (18.23") |
| 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 | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 650 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Polymer Reinforced |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Reinforced |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- 5.8x42mm DBP87 · primary — also known as 5.8x42mm Chinese, 5.8x42mm DBP87, 5.8mm Chinese
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Detachable Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Firing Pin Block
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Rotating Bolt, Select Fire, Carrying Handle, Integrated Optics Mount, Chrome Lined Barrel, Bayonet Lug, Grenade Launcher Compatible
Variants
- QBZ-95B — Compact
- QBB-95 — Light Machine Gun
- QBZ-95-1 — Modernized
- QBZ-95B-1 — Compact
- QBB-95-1 — Light Machine Gun
- QBZ-97 — Export
- QBZ-97A — Export
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1997
- People's Armed Police · adopted 1997
- Royal Cambodian Armed Forces · adopted 2007 · as QBZ-97
- Bangladesh Armed Forces · as QBZ-97
- Myanmar Armed Forces · as QBZ-97
- Laotian People's Armed Forces · as QBZ-97
- Sudanese Armed Forces · as Sinan
- Venezuelan National Armed Forces (Special Forces) · as QBZ-97A
Production
Production years: 1997-present
Production numbers classified; standard issue for the entire PLA and People's Armed Police, likely produced in the millions
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: Duo Yingxian
Notes
Export variants (QBZ-97, QBZ-97A, QBZ-97B) are chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO for international customers and use proprietary magazines not compatible with STANAG 4179 standards. The QBZ-97A added three-round burst capability and a bolt hold-open device not present in the original QBZ-95. The QBZ-95-1 modernization introduced the improved DBP10 cartridge with enhanced terminal performance. Cambodia was the first confirmed foreign military user of the system in 2007. Sudan locally produces the QBZ-97 variant designated 'Sinan' as part of the Kombo Future Soldier System. The 75-round drum magazine is primarily used with the QBB-95 light support weapon variant.
Background
The QBZ-95 was China's first bullpup rifle and the first weapon to chamber the indigenous 5.8x42mm cartridge, a caliber developed entirely in secret and not revealed to the world until the rifle's public debut. The export QBZ-97 variant in 5.56mm NATO notably uses proprietary magazines incompatible with standard STANAG magazines.