QBZ03
Overview
Norinco QBZ-03
Chinese marines armed with QBZ-03 assault rifles storming a beach during an excersize.
Source: www.militaryphotos.net -
© copyright lies with original owner
Chinese for "light weapon, rifle, automatic 2003"
Type 03
Description
Introduction
The QBZ-03 is a modern assault rifle of Chinese origin. It was developed as a less costly alternative to the QBZ-95 for second-line use. The QBZ-03 features a a conventional design and the internal mechanism is derived from the proven Type 81 rifle. In 2007 a version that fires the 5.56x45mm round was developed for export.
Design
The QBZ-03 is an assault rifle of a conventional design. The design is based on the older Type 81 assault rifle. The QBZ-03 uses a short stroke gas piston and rotating bolt. Unlike the Type 81 a plastic furniture and polymer magazines are used. The stock is able to fold to the left.
Firepower
The QBZ-03 fires the Chinese 5.8x42mm round from a 30 round magazine. It is a select fire rifle with cyclic rate of fire of 700 rpm. The maximum effective range is 400 meters. It is possible to fire rifle grenades with the QBZ-03. An export version that fires the 5.56x45mm NATO round from 30 round STANAG magazines is also available.
Users
The QBZ-03 is in limited used with the Chinese People's Armed Police and People's Liberation Army. The QBZ-03 is also available for export.
Details
Norinco QBZ-03
Left side view of QBZ-03 assault rifle.
Source: User SB2296 @ www.imfdb.org -
© copyright lies with original owner
Variants of the QBZ03
The QBZ-03 is an assault rifle that fires the 5.8x42mm round. It has a conventional design. Besides a version chambered in 5.56x45mm for export no variants have been developed.