Norinco CQ

Norinco

Industry	Firearms manufacturing
Headquarters	China
Products	Firearms, including Type CQ rifle series

The Type CQ represents an unlicensed Chinese adaptation of the M16 rifle, manufactured by Norinco. Officially designated by Norinco as the CQ 5.56, this rifle incorporates distinctive features such as an elongated, revolver-style pistol grip, rounded handguards, and a uniquely contoured stock, setting it apart from other AR-15 and M16 design derivatives.

History

China initiated production of firearms based on weapons captured from American forces and their allies during the Vietnam War, as well as from communist partners including the Warsaw Pact and North Korea, primarily for assessment purposes.

The CQ rifle emerged in the early 1980s, chambered for 5.56×45mm ammunition and intended mainly for export markets. Two principal versions were developed: the select-fire CQ 5.56 (also known as CQ-311 or CQ M-311), aimed at military and law enforcement users; and the semiautomatic CQ M311-1, designed for civilian ownership. Subsequently, a carbine model called the CQ 5.56mm Type A was introduced. The semi-automatic variant gained traction among civilian shooters.

Though never formally adopted by the Chinese armed forces, the CQ has been reported in service with guerrilla and insurgent factions across Southeast Asia.

Differences

While bearing a resemblance to the M16 rifle, the Type CQ incorporates several unique alterations including a distinct handguard and stock design, a curved pistol grip, and a hooded front sight.

Both the military/law enforcement and civilian editions employ a 1:12 rifling twist rate, optimized for stabilizing the M193 "Ball" 5.56 mm cartridge along with its Chinese equivalent, the Type CJ, as well as commercial .223 Remington rounds weighing up to 55 grains. However, despite being chambered in "5.56×45mm NATO," the Type CQ is not well-suited to stabilize NATO-standard SS109/M855 rounds, which require a faster rifling twist between 1:9 and 1:7 due to their heavier 62-grain bullets.

Type CQ assault rifle

Commonly referred to as the CQ 5.56, CQ-311, or CQ M-311, this select-fire assault rifle is intended for military and police deployment. It operates via gas with a rotating bolt mechanism and accepts factory-produced 20- or 30-round STANAG magazine clones, firing Norinco-manufactured M193 "Ball" 5.56×45mm NATO cartridges (marketed as the Type CJ cartridge). The Type CQ includes a three-position fire selector offering safe, semi-automatic, and fully automatic modes. Its barrel measures 508 mm with a 1:12 twist rate. Differences from the American M16 encompass modified shapes of metal and polymer components—such as the stock, grip, handguard, and flash suppressor—and utilization of T60-60 aluminum formed through metal injection molding instead of forging.

Norinco claims that the Type CQ can be fitted with under-barrel grenade launchers modeled after American M203 types (LG2-I and LG2-II) or Russian GP-25/GP-30 systems (LG-1), in addition to various anti-riot launchers. Nevertheless, its handguard lacks the quick-detach feature found on American M16A2 and M4 rifles, necessitating partial replacement of the handguard to mount grenade launchers.

Type CQ semi-automatic rifle

Known under designations such as CQ 311-1 or CQ M311-1, this civilian semi-auto version closely resembles its military counterpart but omits full-auto functionality. More recent iterations have moved away from the original Type CQ’s curved pistol grip and hooded front sight in favor of more conventional AR-15 style components. It employs a semi-automatic trigger mechanism with a two-position selector: Safety and Fire. The 1:12 rifling twist effectively stabilizes lighter .223 Remington commercial rounds (55 grains or less) along with surplus military 5.56×45mm M193 ammunition.

Introduced to North American markets in 1987 with only approximately 500 units sold before imports ceased due to U.S. restrictions enacted from 1989 onward—potentially influenced by legal challenges involving Colt or other factors, though none officially confirmed—the CQ M311-1 remained available in Canada until it was reclassified as a Prohibited Firearm on May 1, 2020. Imports into the United States have been prohibited under legislation spanning from the mid-1980s through the early 2000s.

The rifle is also distributed in European countries (notably Italy), accompanied by a 10-round transparent plastic magazine produced by DPMS Panther Arms in the U.S., imported alongside Norinco rifles through NUOVA JAGER srl.

CQ 5.56mm Type A Assault Carbine

First revealed in 2006 at international defense exhibitions such as MILIPOL, the CQ 5.56mm Type A is a reproduction of the American M4A1 carbine. It incorporates a telescoping stock, a detachable carrying handle mounted on a Picatinny rail, and a 14.5-inch barrel length. The weapon is designed with a 1:9 twist rifling in the barrel, enabling stable firing of both M193 "Ball" and SS109/M855 5.56 mm ammunition. Its handguard and stepped barrel design facilitate rapid attachment of grenade launchers.

This model stands out as the sole Type CQ variant officially adopted by a national military, having been procured extensively by Paraguay’s DECEI (Destacamento Conjunto de Empleo Inmediato) within the Paraguayan Army. Additionally, semi-automatic versions were available to civilian sport shooters in countries including Canada (prior to restrictions), Italy, Ukraine, and South Africa.

CS/LM11

Introduced by Huaqing Machinery Company at global arms exhibitions in 2010, the CS/LM11 squad automatic weapon fires both SS109 and M193 5.56 NATO cartridges. As an advancement of the CQ platform, it boasts an enhanced barrel life, extending from 6,000 rounds to 12,000 rounds, thereby improving reliability during prolonged engagements.

DIO Model S-5.56 Assault Rifle

In 2003, Iran’s Defense Industries Organization launched the S-5.56 (Sayyad) rifle, an unauthorized copy of the Type CQ also referred to as SRAG-15. Initially intended for export markets, it has been deployed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force.

This rifle is available in two configurations: the S-5.56 A1 features a barrel with 1:12 rifling optimized for M193 Ball ammunition, while the S-5.56 A3 includes a barrel with 1:7 rifling tailored for SS109 rounds.

Certain variants incorporate quad-rail handguards and a telescoping CAA CBS-style stock, occasionally equipped with an extended quad-rail system and a cut-out carry handle.

TERAB Rifle

Manufactured by Sudan’s Military Industry Corporation (MIC), the Terab rifle is modeled after Iran’s DIO Sayyad-5.56, which itself traces its design lineage to the Norinco CQ. Although MIC’s official website initially described it as chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO, aligning it more closely with the AR-10 platform historically used by Sudan from 1957 to 1989, more recent information identifies the Terab as a rifle chambered for 5.56 NATO.

Armada Rifle and Trailblazer Carbine

The Armada rifle is a Norinco CQ clone produced by Shooter's Arms Manufacturing (S.A.M.) located in Metro Cebu, Philippines. Introduced in 2009, it is marketed primarily to local government units and law enforcement agencies both within the country and abroad. This select-fire rifle features forged aluminum upper and lower receivers, a barrel with a 1:9 twist rate compatible with M193 and SS109/M855 5.56mm cartridges, plastic furniture styled after the Norinco CQ, adjustable flip-up sights, and utilizes STANAG magazines for feeding. It weighs approximately unloaded and has an overall length of .

S.A.M. also offers the Trailblazer, a carbine variant closely resembling the Norinco CQ 5.56mm Type A model.

CQ-D

The CQ-D represents an export-oriented automatic rifle variant within the CQ series, upgraded with Picatinny rail systems and a foregrip. This model is marketed by China Jing An Import & Export Corporation.

Operators

• : The Royal Cambodian Army and the 911 Para-Commando Special Forces employ the Type CQ 311.
• : The Snow Leopard Commando Unit of the People's Armed Police uses this rifle.
• : Ghanaian peacekeeping forces in Mali and the Ghana Navy are equipped with this firearm.
• : Iran’s Revolutionary Guards special units operate both the CQ 5.56mm and select CQ Type A versions; furthermore, Iran manufactures the S-5.56 domestically.
• : The National Liberation Army in Libya utilizes this weapon.
• : The RELA Corps incorporates it for training purposes alongside the M16A1, with some M16A1 rifles modified to include CQ-style grips to reduce costs.
• : Produced indigenously within this country.
• : Both CQ and CQ-A models are deployed by the Korean People's Army Ground Force.
• : The Paraguayan Army has adopted the Norinco CQ-5.56mm Type A.
• : In 2017, 6,000 CQ-A5 rifles donated by China to the Armed Forces of the Philippines were subsequently transferred to the Philippine National Police.
• : Received a shipment of 1,000 CQ-A rifles from China in 2022.
• : The Sudan People's Liberation Army/Movement, South Sudan Liberation Movement, and various armed militias utilize this rifle.
• : The South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army is equipped with the CQ M311-1 variant.
• : The Syrian Arab Army uses these rifles, many captured from opposition groups during the ongoing civil conflict.
• : The Royal Thai Navy and Air and Coastal Defense Command have procured this firearm.

Non-state groups and terrorist entities

• : Rifles seized from Shiite militias as well as Syrian government forces have been documented here.
• Oromo Liberation Army: Employs "Terab" Rifles, which are Sudanese-produced copies based on the Norinco CQ 5.56 design.