The QBU-88 sniper rifle is a Chinese bullpup designated marksman rifle developed by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army.
| Type 88 (88式狙击步枪) | |
|---|---|
 The QBU-88 | |
| Type | Designated marksman rifle |
| Place of origin | People's Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1997–present |
| Used by | People's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police, Ministry of Public Security (China) |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1990s |
| Manufacturer | Norinco |
| Variants | QBU-97A |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 4.1 kg (9.0 lb) |
| Length | 920 mm (36.2 in) |
| Barrel length | 640 mm (25.2 in) |
| Cartridge | 5.8×42mm DBP87 (with non-standard loading); 5.56×45mm NATO (QBU-97A export variant) |
| Action | Gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Effective firing range | 500–1,000 m (1,600–3,300 ft) |
| Feed system | 10-round detachable box magazine |
| Sights | 3-9×40, 6-24×44 telescopic sights |
History
editThe QBU-88 rifle (Mandarin: Qīngwuqi Bùqiāng Jūjī; "Light Rifle, Sniper") (also sometimes referred to as Type 88 rifle) was the first weapon of the newest generation of Chinese small arms, chambered for proprietary 5.8×42mm DBP87 ammunition. Adopted in 1997,[1] the QBU-88 is, by the modern sense, not a true sniper rifle – it is more a designated marksman rifle, intended for aimed semi-automatic fire at ranges beyond the capabilities of standard infantry assault rifles.[2] The rifle is intended for rough military use, so it is fitted with adjustable iron sights by default, and is generally equipped with telescopic sights or with night sights.[citation needed]
QBU-88 rifle is optimized for a special heavy loading of 5.8×42mm cartridge with a longer streamlined bullet with steel core. It can also fire standard ammunition intended for the QBZ-95 assault rifles.[3] At the present time the QBU-88 rifle is in service with PLA and Chinese police forces.[citation needed]
Design details
editThe QBU-88 rifle is a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle. It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston, located above the barrel, and three-lug rotating bolt.[3] The action is mounted in the compact steel receiver, and enclosed into a polymer bullpup-type housing. To increase accuracy, the action is mated to a 640 mm (25.1 in) long, hammer-forged match-grade barrel. The safety switch is located at the bottom of the receiver, just behind the magazine opening. The QBU-88 rifle is equipped with open, diopter-type adjustable sights, mounted on folding posts. It also has a short proprietary dovetail rail on the receiver which can accept telescope or night sight scope mount.[3] Reciprocating charging handle is located at the right side of the receiver. After the last round is fired bolt is held back on a bolt catch that is released by pulling the cocking handle to the rear.
The rifle is intended to be utilized primarily with optics. The standard day optic used on the QBU-88 for military use is a Chinese 3-9×40 scope with an integral quick-release mount.[4] In 2008, a new Chinese 6-24×44 tactical scope became available for counter-terrorism and other law enforcement use.[citation needed]
The riflings for the QBU-88 differs from the standard QBZ-95 assault rifle. While the QBZ-95 has a 244 mm (9.6 in) twist to stabilize the standard 64-grain DBP-87 ball round, the QBU-88 has a faster 206 mm (8.1 in) twist to stabilize the 70-grain Heavy Ball round and dedicated Sniper load, similar to the QJY-88 general-purpose machine gun, which has progressive rifling with a final twist rate of 206 mm. A long birdcage flash suppressor is fitted to reduce the muzzle signature. A quick-detachable bipod is clamped to the barrel when required.[4]
Variants
editAn export version called the QBU-97A is also produced and marketed for security forces of other foreign countries.[1] This derivative utilizes 5.56×45mm NATO ammunition although, instead of STANAG magazine, a modified version of QBU-88 magazine is used to feed the rounds – and STANAG magazines will not work unless modified. The QBU-97A has recently been sighted under the designation NQU03, though it is unknown if the two differentiate in any way aside from name.[citation needed]
See also
edit- QBU-191 - designated marksman rifle based on QBZ-191 platform.
- QBU-141 - 5.8×42mm bolt-action sniper rifle developed by China
- List of bullpup firearms
- List of sniper rifles
References
edit- ^ a b "QBU88 5.8mm Sniper Rifle - SinoDefence.com". Archived from the original on 30 July 2008. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ "Fusil de Francotirador QBU88". Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ a b c "Modern Firearms". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ a b "NORINCO QBU-88 (Type 88) - Sniper Rifle - History, Specs and Pictures - Military, Security and Civilian Guns and Equipment". Retrieved 23 December 2014.