Type 86 (T86)
Combined Service Forces 205th Arsenal · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 2000
Also known as: Type 86, T86 Bullpup
Overview
The Type 86 (T86) is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Combined Service Forces 205th Arsenal since 2000. Safety features include manual safety selector, reflecting modern design standards that prioritize safe handling and operation. With over 49 years of firearms manufacturing experience, Combined Service Forces 205th Arsenal brings established expertise in metallurgy, machining, and quality control to every product in their lineup, ensuring each firearm meets the standards expected by today's demanding market of knowledgeable shooters and professionals.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3170 g (111.8 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3620 g (127.7 oz) |
| Overall Length | 880 mm (34.65") |
| Barrel Length | 375 mm (14.76") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Rotating Bolt |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 840 m/s (2756 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1411 J (1041 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 400 m (437 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 600 m (656 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Select Fire, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Chrome Lined Barrel, C Mag Drum Compatible, Carrying Handle
Variants
- T86 LMG — Lmg
Service history
Operators
- Republic of China Army · adopted 2000 · as Type 86
- Republic of China Marine Corps · as Type 86
Production
Estimated total produced: 5,000 · Production years: 2000-2002
Fewer than 5,000 units produced in a short two-year production run before being superseded by the T91 carbine.
Origin
Country of origin: Taiwan
Discontinued: 2002
Notes
The T86 was produced in limited numbers between 2000 and 2002, with fewer than 5,000 units manufactured. It was intended as a compact alternative to the full-size T65 for vehicle crews, special operations, and urban combat roles. The bullpup conversion reuses much of the T65 platform's internal mechanism while significantly reducing overall length. The T86 is compatible with standard STANAG magazines as well as 100-round C-Mag drum magazines for use in the light machine gun role. The rifling twist rate of 1:178mm (1:7 inches) is optimized for heavier 62-grain SS109/M855 NATO ammunition. Despite its innovative design, the T86's limited production run and the subsequent introduction of the T91 carbine in 2003 meant it saw only limited adoption. The T86 served as an important developmental stepping stone, providing lessons that informed the T91 program.
Background
The T86 represented Taiwan's experiment with the global bullpup trend of the 1990s, joining the FAMAS, Steyr AUG, and L85 as bullpup service rifles. However, the ROC military ultimately decided that the conventional-layout T91 carbine better met their needs, making the T86 one of the shortest-lived bullpup programs in military history. The rifle remains in limited service as a niche weapon despite the shift to the T91 as the primary service rifle.