NORINCO QBZ-03 (Type 03)

Assault Rifle / Assault Carbine

China | 2003

"The QBZ-03, also recognized as the Type 03, is another in the long line of small arms produced by China-based NORINCO."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/08/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Chinese defense powerhouse NORINCO (China NORth Industries COrporation) produces a myriad of military solutions for the local national armed forces as well as customers overseas. Its deep catalog includes armored vehicles as well as a dearth of small arms that run the gamut of automatic weapons and service pistols. The QBZ-03 automatic rifle is just one of many solutions developed by the company and this line entered official service with Chinese reserve forces in 2003, stocking the inventories of the border patrol, garrison units, and reserve elements all falling under the People's Liberation Army Ground Force (PLAGF) overarching label.

The design - also known as the "Type 03" - is conventional through-and-through: traditionally-arranged with an angled, low-set pistol grip / trigger unit found aft of the magazine well, a semi-skeletal folding shoulder stock, rectangular receiver, slotted forend, and extended barrel assembly. Iron sights (flip-up rear diopter, fixed front) are located fore and aft along the design. The muzzle is capped by a slotted brake to help with recoil. As a gas-operated (rotating bolt) weapon, the gas cylinder used to drive the internal piston action is seated over the barrel assembly. The charging handle of the gun is set to the right side of the frame as is the ejection port. Selective-fire controls allow the operator to choose between semi-automatic and full-automatic fire modes.

Newer versions of the rifle have a section of Picatinny rail over the receiver to accept various tactical optics, furthering the rifle's modularity to suit operator tastes.

Unlike earlier Chinese developed firearms heavily influenced by Soviet designs, this rifle is centered on the proprietary Chinese 5.8x42mm DBP-87 intermediate rifle cartridge developed during the 1980s and having entered service around the early 1990s - giving reportedly good penetration values against targets at medium and long ranges. Feeding is by way of curved, 30-round detachable box magazines in the Kalashnikov style.

Export versions are chambered in the ubiquitous 5.56mm NATO intermediate rifle cartridge.

Rate-of-fire is listed at 750 rounds-per-minute and effective firing range reaches out to 500 meters. Unloaded weight is 7.7lb and overall length reaches 37 inches with the shoulder stock fully set (28.5 inches otherwise).

The QBZ-03 is only in use with Chinese second-line forces as well as elements of the Myanmar armed forces. It is reportedly used by Chinese South China Sword special forces units as well.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the NORINCO QBZ-03 (Type 03). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

950 mm
37.40 in
O/A Length

7.72 lb
3.50 kg
Weight

Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt System; Selective-Fire
Action

5.8x42mm DBP87; 5.56x45mm NATO (model dependent).
Caliber(s)

30-round detachable box magazine.
Feed

Iron Front and Rear.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the NORINCO QBZ-03 (Type 03). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,475 ft
449.6 m | 491.7 yds
Max.Eff.Range

650
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

3,050 ft/sec
930 m/sec
Muzzle Velocity

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the NORINCO QBZ-03 (Type 03) Assault Rifle / Assault Carbine family line.

QBZ-03 - Base Series Designation; original production model.

QBZ-03 UPG - Modernized model of 2014; quad-rail handguard assembly.

QBZ-3 CAR - Carbine form with shortened barrel assembly for a more compact footprint.

T03 - Export variant chambered in 5.56mm NATO.

T03A - Upgraded, improved export variant.

EM3513 - Export variant in 5.56mm NATO and semi-automatic-only fire mode.

EM3513A - Export variant in 5.56mm NATO, semi-automatic-only fire mode, all-new shoulder stock component, and enhanced accessories rail support.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the NORINCO QBZ-03 (Type 03). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

Contractor(s): China NORth INdustries COrporation (NORINCO) - China

[ China; Myanmar ]

Design Qualities
Some designs are single-minded in their approach while others offer a more versatile solution to requirements.

AUTOMATIC FUNCTION

ASSAULT RIFLE

SPECIAL FORCES

Recognition
Some designs stand the test of time while others are doomed to never advance beyond the drawing board; let history be their judge.

Military lapel ribbon representing modern aircraft

Military lapel ribbon representing special forces

Going Further...
The NORINCO QBZ-03 (Type 03) Assault Rifle / Assault Carbine appears in the following collections:

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