T91 Assault Rifle

205th Armory · Assault Rifle · In Production · 2003

Also known as: Type 91, T91 Combat Rifle

Overview

The T91 is a Taiwanese gas-operated, selective-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO. Developed by the 205th Armory and introduced in 2003 as a successor to the T86 and T65 family, it uses a short-stroke gas piston system derived from the AR-18 lineage paired with an AR-15-style fire-control group and STANAG magazine compatibility. It features a collapsible stock, Picatinny rail for optics, and serves as the standard service rifle of the Republic of China (Taiwan) Armed Forces.

Specifications

Weight (empty)3170 g (111.8 oz)
Overall Length880 mm (34.65")
Folded Length800 mm (31.50")
Barrel Length406 mm (15.98")
Action TypeGas Operated
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Action
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity975 m/s (3199 fps)
Effective Range400 m (437 yd)
Rate of Fire825 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Rifling Twist178 mm (7.01")
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Service history

Operators

Production

Estimated total produced: 140,000 · Production years: 2003-present

Over 140,000 units produced as of 2013, with production ongoing

Origin

Country of origin: Taiwan

Designer: 205th Armory

Notes

The T91 evolved the earlier T65/T86 lineage with improved ergonomics, a flat-top receiver, and a quieter, more reliable short-stroke piston action. A shorter-barreled CQC carbine variant (349 mm barrel) serves special operations and vehicle crews.

Background

The T91 is the standard-issue rifle of Taiwan's armed forces and a centerpiece of the island's indigenous small-arms program, succeeding the T65 and T86 in frontline service.