QBZ-191
| Industry | Firearms manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Chongqing , China |
| Products | QBZ-191 assault rifle series |
The QBZ-191 Automatic Rifle () is a Chinese-designed assault rifle chambered for the 5.8×42mm intermediate cartridge, developed and manufactured by Chongqing Jianshe. It serves as the next-generation service rifle for both the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and the People's Armed Police (PAP). The acronym "QBZ" translates to "light weapon (Qīng Wǔqì) – rifle (Bùqiāng) – automatic (Zìdòng)".
This rifle was publicly introduced at the 70th Anniversary National Day military parade on 1 October 2019, where it was displayed by personnel from the PLA Ground Force and People's Armed Police.
Within the PLA classification system, it falls under the Type 20 () series, symbolizing a significant step forward in modernizing China's infantry small arms.
History
Starting in 2014, the Chinese military initiated development of conventional-layout service rifles, engaging several manufacturers in the process. Early prototype models surfaced online between 2016 and 2017.
The QBZ-191 was created by Norinco's 208 Research Institute, which is also responsible for the earlier bullpup-style QBZ-95 assault rifle. According to the institute’s leadership, this rifle forms a component of the "Integrated Soldier Combat System" (), an initiative focused on upgrading infantry equipment within the PLA.
Unveiled during the 2019 national parade, the QBZ-191 is designed to eventually supplant the QBZ-95 series. It specifically addresses ergonomic shortcomings found in the Type 95 design. Since 2021, evidence has confirmed its deployment as a replacement for both the QBZ-95 and QBZ-03 rifles in PLA service.
By August 2023, specialized units within Chinese special forces began adopting the QBZ-192 variant, with armored infantry formations following suit.
In July 2024, during the "Laos-China Friendship Shield" joint exercises, Chinese troops demonstrated the QBZ-191 to their Laotian counterparts.
In August 2024, Thailand became the first international operator of the QBZ-195T variant for its special forces. This decision was influenced by collaborative drills such as “Assault-2023” and “Blue Assault-2023”. Thailand’s procurement of this rifle aligns with its broader objective to diversify sources of military equipment.
Design
In contrast to the bullpup configuration of the QBZ-95, the QBZ-191 utilizes a traditional rifle layout akin to the QBZ-03, delivering improved handling, ambidextrous operation, and greater reliability in diverse conditions. This platform offers multiple barrel lengths and handguard designs, including a compact carbine model employed by vehicle personnel during the 2019 parade.
Equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail, the QBZ-191 comes standard with new 3× daylight prismatic optics (models QMK152 and QMK-171A), with optional thermal sight attachments available. Its designated marksman rifle (DMR) version includes a 3–8.6× variable telescopic scope (QMK-191) and supports mounting an IR5118 digital night vision/thermal scope. The backup iron sights fold away when not in use. Both upper and lower receivers are constructed from aluminium alloy and secured by two assembly pins, while the handguard, pistol grip, and telescoping stock are fabricated from polymer materials. The charging handle reciprocates on the right side, and the bolt-release button is positioned on the left above the "rock-and-lock" magazine well.
The rifle operates using a short-stroke piston gas system paired with a rotating bolt featuring four locking lugs and a helical cam-in locking method. A three-setting gas regulator is integrated into the gas block attached to the handguard. The fire control group is modular, offering safe, full automatic, and semi-automatic firing modes through a selector switch.
Ergonomic enhancements include a buttstock adjustable in four positions, an ambidextrous fire selector, and an extended magazine release lever designed for rapid reloads even when wearing gloves. The newly developed polymer magazine incorporates a textured surface for improved grip and a transparent window for quick ammunition checks, inspired by Magpul PMAG designs. It accepts transparent 30-round polymer magazines, legacy 30-round magazines from the QBZ-95, as well as 75-round magazines originally designed for the QJB-95 light support weapon. The handguard supports modular Picatinny rail segments at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions to accommodate accessories such as flashlights, laser aiming devices, foregrips, and bipods. Additionally, the platform is compatible with bayonets, suppressors, and under-barrel grenade launchers.
Chambered for the proprietary Chinese 5.8×42mm cartridge utilizing redesigned DBP-191 ammunition optimized for superior medium to long-range performance, the rifle is available in three configurations: a standard model with a barrel; a carbine variant QBZ-192 featuring a shorter barrel; and a long-barreled designated marksman rifle QBU-191. The standard QBZ-191 achieves a cyclic rate of 750 rounds per minute in full-auto mode. Full automatic fire capability is maintained in the QBU-191 DMR variant, which can also be adapted as a light support weapon using drum magazines.
Variants
- QBZ-191
- Assault rifle equipped with a barrel.
- QBZ-192
- Carbine version featuring a barrel.
- QBU-191
- Designated marksman rifle with an effective range, long heavy free-floating barrel, extended handguard, 30-round box magazine, and QMK-191 variable magnification (3–8.6×) telescopic optic. Maintains selective fire including full-auto mode for increased suppressive capabilities.
- QBZ-195T
- A QBZ-191 model chambered in 5.56mm NATO.
- CS/LR42
- A QBZ-191 variant chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO.
- CS/LR42A
- A QBZ-192 version chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO.
- CS/LR43
- A QBZ-191 variant chambered in 7.62×39mm.
- CS/LR43A
- A QBZ-192 variant chambered in 7.62×39mm.
- CS/LR44
- A QBU-191 variant chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO.
Users
- : Utilized by the People's Liberation Army as well as the People's Armed Police.
- : Seen in use by HKPF PTU personnel during a 2023 ceremonial event.
- : The QBZ-195T has been acquired for special operations units beginning in August 2024.