Type 87
China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) · Assault Rifle · Discontinued · 1987
Also known as: Type 87A, QBZ-87
Overview
The Type 87 is a Chinese experimental gas-operated, selective-fire assault rifle developed in the late 1980s as a test-bed for the new 5.8x42mm DBP87 cartridge. Derived from the Type 81 rifle, it retained the short-stroke gas piston operating system and stamped steel receiver while adopting plastic furniture and an L-shaped folding stock. It was produced only in limited numbers and never entered full-scale production, but it proved instrumental in validating the 5.8mm caliber that would equip later generations of Chinese small arms such as the Type 95 and Type 03.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3400 g (119.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 950 mm (37.40") |
| Barrel Length | 445 mm (17.52") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| 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) |
| Rate of Fire | 700 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Phosphate |
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
- Features: Selective Fire, Short Stroke Gas Piston, Folding Stock, Stamped Steel Receiver
Base model
Service history
Operators
- People's Liberation Army · adopted 1987
Production
Production years: 1987-1995
Produced in limited numbers for field trials; never mass-issued
Origin
Country of origin: China
Designer: Chinese Armament Bureau
Discontinued: 1995
Notes
Sometimes designated Type 87A. Served primarily as a transitional platform to evaluate the 5.8x42mm round against the 7.62x39mm Type 56 standard.
Background
Although it never saw widespread service, the Type 87 was the rifle that convinced the People's Liberation Army to commit to the indigenous 5.8x42mm cartridge, laying the groundwork for the bullpup Type 95 family.