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QBZ-95

From Alfawiki
Norinco
IndustryDefense manufacturing
Founded1995
ProductsFirearms, including the Type 95 automatic rifle (QBZ-95)

The Type 95 automatic rifle (), also known as the QBZ-95, is a bullpup assault rifle developed and manufactured by Norinco. Introduced in 1995, it has become the standard infantry weapon for the People's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police, and multiple Chinese law enforcement bodies. The acronym "QBZ" corresponds to the Chinese military designation system: "'light weapon' (qing wuqi; 轻武器)—'rifle' (buqiang; 步枪)—'automatic' (zidong; 自动)".

History

The initial overseas distribution of the QBZ-95 was to Cambodia.

Development

China’s efforts to develop small-caliber firearms date back to 1971. The Type 87, an evolution of the Type 81 assault rifle, entered limited service in 1987.

Subsequent advancements produced bullpup prototypes during the early 1980s, including models such as the WTC-1 and WTC-2 (1983), along with the Type 86 bullpup rifle introduced in 1986.

In 1989, the People's Liberation Army commissioned Norinco to design a new series of small-caliber weapons prioritizing reliability, precision, modularity, and tactical flexibility. Manufacturing responsibilities were allocated to Norinco's Arsenal 266 and Jianshe Corporation's Arsenal 296.

Duo Yingxian, recognized as the lead designer of the QBZ-95, assumed project leadership in 1991 with a development schedule spanning four years—two for design and two for operational testing. Production commenced in 1995.

The QBZ-95 was unveiled to the public on 1 July 1997 during the Hong Kong handover ceremony. Featuring a modern bullpup layout that situates the action and magazine behind the trigger, it was intended to succeed the Type 81 assault rifle. By 2006, it had fully replaced the Type 81 within frontline units and was progressively introduced into second-line troops and the People's Armed Police.

A refined version named "QBZ-95-1" was undergoing trials by early 2010 and was displayed publicly alongside the Hong Kong Garrison in July 2012. This model incorporated ergonomic improvements such as relocating the safety lever above the pistol grip and repositioning the ejection port to accommodate left-handed shooters. It utilizes enhanced DBP10 ammunition featuring non-corrosive primers and copper-plated steel casings.

Additional upgrades in the QBZ-95-1 include an extended, heavier barrel with a redesigned muzzle brake, a diamond-patterned handguard for improved heat dissipation, a strengthened buttstock, and an altered trigger guard. The reduced height carrying handle allows better mounting of optical sights on a quick-detach dovetail rail that supports various tactical accessories. Certain Chinese special operations units deploy customized versions of this variant.

Design details

The QBZ-95 incorporates a short-stroke gas operated rotating-bolt mechanism combined with polymer materials, chambered for China’s indigenous 5.8×42mm cartridge. This caliber is positioned alongside NATO’s 5.56×45mm and Russia’s 5.45×39mm rounds. Its bullpup design is comparable to other contemporary rifles such as the British SA80, French FAMAS, Austrian Steyr AUG, Israeli Tavor, and Singaporean SAR-21.

The fire selector switch provides four modes: "0" for safe, "1" for semi-automatic fire, "2" for fully automatic fire, and on certain models, "3" for a three-round burst function.

According to PLA assessments, their 5.8×42mm ammunition outperforms NATO’s 5.56×45mm and Russia’s 5.45×39mm cartridges by delivering superior flatness of trajectory, velocity retention over distance, terminal energy, and penetration capabilities relative to NATO equivalents.

Ammunition

The QBZ-95 utilizes the 5.8×42mm DBP87 intermediate cartridge, specifically engineered for this firearm. Its design incorporates a low recoil impulse combined with a recoil buffer system, which improves control during automatic firing. This aligns with the PLA’s objective of fielding an assault rifle that is both precise and dependable, centered around the 5.8×42mm caliber.

Magazine

Magazines are inserted into the magazine well located behind the pistol grip by pushing them in front-first until the notch engages. The magazine is then tilted upward until the rear latch locks it securely in place. To remove, pressing the magazine release lever backward allows the magazine to pivot forward and detach from the rifle.

Firing mechanism

The QBZ-95 employs a linear striker-firing system featuring a spring-loaded firing pin and a linear hammer, distinguishing it from the typical rotating hammer mechanisms found in most rifles developed after World War II. Its mechanism draws inspiration from the vz. 58, but incorporates a more intricate striker design and utilizes inline main and striker springs mounted on a common guide rod.

Positioned beneath the carrying handle—similar to early AR-10 models—the charging handle is pulled fully to the rear and then released to chamber a round. In subsequent models, the charging handle locks back when the bolt remains open; releasing the bolt is accomplished via a button located behind the magazine latch, representing an advancement over previous versions.

Ergonomics

Users have reported that the original safety lever’s placement at the rifle’s rear made rapid firing mode changes challenging. This issue was remedied in the QBZ-95-1 ("G" variant) by relocating the fire selector switch above the pistol grip, allowing easier access with the thumb. Additionally, this variant includes an updated recoil buffer system that delivers a smoother shooting experience.

Grenade launchers

The QBZ-95 can launch rifle grenades using blank cartridges and supports mounting of the 35 mm QLG-91B under-barrel grenade launcher, which weighs 1.45 kg and propels grenades at 75 meters per second. Available ammunition types encompass high explosive, tear gas, and illumination rounds.

Further options include compatibility with QLG-10 and QLG-10A 35 mm grenade launchers designed for QBZ-95 variants. The QLG-10A fires caseless DFS-10 grenades inspired by the Russian GP-25 design; these are muzzle-loaded with pre-cut rifling grooves to stabilize flight. Iron sights are affixed above the barrel, though red dot optics can also be mounted.

The DFS-10 grenade weighs 169 grams, travels at 78 meters per second, and has an effective range of approximately 430 meters. Warhead selections cover high explosive fragmentation, multipurpose types, training rounds, and less-lethal riot control munitions.

Bayonet

The rifle is compatible with the Type 95 (QNL-95) bayonet, which is modeled after the M9 bayonet design.

Sights

Integrated into the carrying handle is a dovetail rail system on the QBZ-95 that facilitates attachment of various optical devices such as YMA95 and YMA95-1 scopes. Both QBZ-95 and QBZ-95–1 models can be fitted with the enhanced QMK-171 3x scope, sharing features with the QMK-152 scope used on the QBZ-191. Unlike the QMK-152—which is designed exclusively for picatinny rail mounting—the QMK-171 includes a quick-lock lever tailored for dovetail rails.

Picatinny rail

The carrying handle can be equipped with a brief picatinny rail or swapped out for a redesigned upper receiver that allows for greater customization. Most modifications involving the Type 95 picatinny rail were created by Wang Jie () and the Hong Kong-based designer Lee Ka Ho (). Lee’s ACP Peak series incorporates a flat-top rail configuration, whereas Wang’s "Long Bow" () upgrades preserve the original carrying handle’s profile. Both designs have been adopted by units within the Chinese police force and the People's Liberation Army.

Variants

The QBZ-95 serves as the primary model within the Type 95 firearm family (95式枪族), utilizing a shared receiver architecture across its standard rifle, carbine, and squad automatic weapon (SAW) forms.

QBZ-95

This rifle is the PLA’s standard service weapon, chambered for the 5.8×42mm DBP87 cartridge. Due to certain design shortcomings, an upgrade initiative was launched, led by disciples of retired designer Duo Yingxian, with objectives to:

  • Enhance ergonomic features and firing controls
  • Adapt the rifle to fire new ammunition offering twice the effective range
  • Integrate a domestically produced grenade launcher with rapid firing capability

These improvements culminated in the QBZ-95-1 variant.

QBZ-95B

A compact, lighter model mainly issued to naval officers for close-quarters operations aboard vessels. Its shortened barrel prevents the installation of grenade launchers or bayonets and incorporates an AKS-74U-style muzzle booster. This carbine variant is also utilized by special forces units. It replaces the traditional forend with a foregrip and integrates the front iron sight into the carrying handle.

QJB-95 LSW

Serving as the squad automatic weapon variant, previously known as QBB-95, this model is outfitted with a bipod, an extended heavy barrel, and utilizes 75 or 80-round drum magazines designed for sustained fire; it is also compatible with standard 30-round box magazines. Although both QJB-95 and QBZ-95 fire the 5.8×42mm DBP87 cartridge, the QJB-95 generally uses a heavier 5.8x42mm DBP88 "heavy round" intended for extended range and enhanced armor penetration. Employing these heavier rounds in QBZ-95 rifles leads to accelerated barrel wear; thus, they continue to use standard ammunition. The upgraded QBZ-95-1 model plans to standardize the use of newer DBP10 heavy cartridges across both rifle types.

QBZ-97

The QBZ-97 is an export version of the QBZ-95 chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO caliber, featuring a deeply recessed magazine well designed for a proprietary magazine system. While AR-15 style magazines are compatible, some models may experience feeding malfunctions or become jammed depending on their design.

This rifle is in service with multiple countries throughout Southeast Asia, South Asia, and East Africa, as well as being used by the Chinese private security company Ginghis Security Academy alongside their QBZ-95s.

Although there are accounts of QBZ-97 variants being deployed in foreign conflicts, comprehensive data on combat performance remains scarce. Demonstrations broadcast on television have shown the weapon’s dependability under severe conditions, including continued operation after submersion in water.

QBZ-97A

The QBZ-97A introduces a three-round burst firing mode and incorporates a bolt hold-open mechanism. Additionally, it features an updated grip design that eliminates the "front grip" section seen on earlier versions.

QBZ-97B

The QBZ-97B serves as the carbine variant of the QBZ-97. Globally, Jianshe Industries (Group) Corporation markets it under the designation "5.56mm short automatic rifle Type NQZ03B (97)."

QJB-97 LSW

The light support weapon version of the QBZ-97 is chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO rounds.

QBZ-95-1

Known also as the QBZ-95 "Gai" ("改," meaning 'modified'), the QBZ-95-1 enhances reliability, user comfort, and operational simplicity. It utilizes the heavier 5.8×42mm DBP10 cartridge and incorporates a lengthened, heavier barrel along with a redesigned muzzle brake to suit this ammunition. This model features a modified buttstock and trigger guard, with the thumb-operated fire selector relocated above the pistol grip. The carry handle maintains the Chinese quick-release rail system. Ejection of spent casings is directed forward at approximately 1 o’clock, facilitating use by left-handed shooters.

The bolt release button is positioned behind the magazine catch. Testing commenced in early 2010, followed by the introduction of the QBZ-95-1 into active service as a replacement for the original QBZ-95. Earlier versions have been reassigned to reserve and secondary units, while frontline forces are equipped with the updated model.

Plans are underway to supersede the QBZ-95-1 with the forthcoming "QBZ-191" assault rifle.

QBZ-95B-1

This is an upgraded iteration of the QBZ-95B, incorporating barrel modifications and ergonomic enhancements derived from the QBZ-95-1, adapted specifically for the carbine configuration.

QJB-95-1 LSW

An advanced version of the QJB-95 light squad machine gun that integrates ergonomic refinements from the QBZ-95-1 model.

Civilian variants

Two semi-automatic sporting rifles based on the QBZ-97A assault rifle and QBZ-97B carbine were developed for civilian use: designated as the Type 97 rifle and Type 97A carbine. Both are chambered in .223 Remington/5.56mm and compatible with STANAG magazines, targeting primarily the Canadian market.

The Type 97A carbine was introduced in Canada in 2008 as a "non-restricted" firearm approved by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and made available for public sale. However, in 2009, shipments of Type 97 rifles were intercepted by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), along with a subsequent shipment of restricted Type 97A firearms. By 2010, roughly 35 civilian owners were informed by RCMP that their Type 97A carbines had been reclassified as "12.2 prohibited (fully automatic)" weapons, necessitating surrender or transfer within 30 days unless licensed accordingly. Attempts to contest this reclassification were unsuccessful by early 2012.

Concerns emerged that the Type 97 could be readily converted to fully automatic fire using common tools, leading to confiscations and a ban on civilian possession in Canada—even for individuals holding full automatic licenses.

On April 28, 2013, Emei’s T97NSR model received "non-restricted" status from RCMP (FRT Number 142760), permitting its lawful importation and sale for purposes such as hunting, pest control, target shooting, and competition. Retail sales began on September 17, 2013, with prices near $1,000 CAD. Nevertheless, as of December 5, 2024, all variants of the QBZ95—including T97NSR and T97NSR-A—are explicitly prohibited in Canada by name.

NQZ03A

Export version chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge.

NQZ03B

A compact export model also designed for 5.56 NATO rounds.

Flat-top

Upgraded variants featuring a Picatinny rail system in place of the traditional top carrying handle, commonly referred to as "flat-top," have been manufactured in both Canada and China. Two export models, named "EM3516" and "T97NSR-A," were launched specifically for overseas markets.

K12 PUMA

A 12-gauge shotgun that shares a similar design and operational mechanism, equipped with a gas adjustment switch to accommodate either heavy or light ammunition loads.

Sinan

A Sudanese adaptation of the QBZ-97, fitted with an under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL). Produced by Sudan's Military Industry Corporation utilizing Chinese-sourced components, this model was adopted for Sudan’s "Kombo" Future Soldier System, illustrating efforts toward strategic domestic production and modernization within African defense sectors.

Users

Non-state actors

  • : Equipped with the QBZ-97 rifle.
  • : Transitioning to the QBZ-97 to replace UWSA-produced Type 81 rifles.

Bibliography

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