QBU-88
Type 88 (88式狙击步枪) | |
---|---|
box magazine | |
Sights | 3-9×40, 6-24×44 telescopic sights |
The QBU-88 sniper rifle is a Chinese bullpup designated marksman rifle developed by Norinco for the People's Liberation Army.
History
The 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
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
The QBU-88 rifle is a
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
An 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
- 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
- ^ 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.