QBU-88
| 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 | See #Users |
| 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 |
The QBU-88 sniper rifle, CN:(88式狙击步枪/88 Shì jūjī bùqiāng, translated: 88 Sniper Rifle) is a Chinese bullpup designated marksman rifle , chambered in 5.8x42mm developed by Norinco.
History
[edit]The QBU-88 rifle (Mandarin: Qīngwuqi Bùqiāng Jūjī; "Light Weapon, 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]
The QBU-88 is being phased out and being replaced by the QBU-191 and the CS/LR4.[4][5]
Design details
[edit]The 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.[6] 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.[6]
Variants
[edit]An export version called the QBU-97A or Type 97 is also produced and marketed for security forces of other foreign countries, and is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.[1][7]
Instead of STANAG magazines, a modified version of QBU-88 magazine is used to feed the rounds – and STANAG magazines will not work unless modified.[citation needed]
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]
Users
[edit]
People's Liberation Army
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force[4]
- Tibet Military District (Retired, replaced with QBU-191)[5]
- People's Liberation Army Navy Marine Corps (Phasing out, being replaced with CS/LR4)[4]
- People's Liberation Army Rocket Force Special Operations Regiment[8]
- People's Liberation Army Ground Force[4]
- People's Armed Police[9]
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 c "中国新一代8.6毫米狙击步枪即将亮相 88狙或被淘汰". Sina Military Official Account.
- ^ a b "西藏军区换装新型精确步枪". Guancha.
- ^ a b "NORINCO QBU-88 (Type 88) - Sniper Rifle - History, Specs and Pictures - Military, Security and Civilian Guns and Equipment". Retrieved 23 December 2014.
- ^ "百步穿杨：盘点六款国产狙击步枪". Xinhua. 28 June 2016.
- ^ Xu, Xingxing; Lü, Tongqiao; Wang, Cong (18 March 2025). Wang, Yun (ed.). "磨出鋒利的刀刃！火箭軍某部警衛特戰化訓練打造"磨刀石"". Chinese Military. Retrieved 9 May 2025.
- ^ "130287号"高精狙"的清明追思". Chinese Military. 2 April 2017.
