QBZ03



Overview


Norinco QBZ-03

Left side view of QBZ-03 assault rifle.
Source: User SB2296 @ www.imfdb.org - © copyright lies with original owner

Origin
China
Type
Assault rifle
Entered service
2006
Status
In service
Development
Early 2000's
Developer
China - Norinco
Production
2003 - present
Producer
China - Norinco
Designations
QBZ03 / Qīngwuqi Bùqiāng Zìdòng 03
Chinese for "light weapon, rifle, automatic 2003"
Type 03
Notable users
China

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.

Variants


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

Variants of the QBZ03

The QBZ03 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 further variants have been developed.

Details


Facts QBZ03
General
Origin
China
Type
Assault rifle
Caliber
Caliber
5.8x42mm Chinese
Magazine
30 round detachable box
Operation
Action
Gas operated, short stroke gas piston
Locking
Rotating bolt
Fire selector
0 - 1 - F
Rate of fire
650 - 700 rpm
Muzzle velocity
930 m/s
Dimensions
Stock type
Side folding
Length
950 mm / 725 mm
Weight
3.5 kg empty
Sights
Type
Iron sights

Related articles


5.8x42mm Chinese

The QBZ03 fires the 5.8x42mm ammunition, mostly the DBP87 and DBP95 standard loads.

Norinco Type 81

The QBZ03 is a further development of the earlier Type 81 assault rifle, which looks more traditional with its wooden furniture and curved magazine for 7.62x39mm cartridge.

QBZ95

The QBZ03 was not adopted for mainline military service, which remains the QBZ95 bullpup assault rifle that introduced the 5.8x42mm round in Chinese service.