NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1)

Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle

China | 2012

"The CS-LR4 series of manually-actuated bolt-action sniper systems joined the Chinese military ranks in 2012."

Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 09/02/2021 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site; No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

The modern Chinese Army ("People's Liberation Army Ground Force" - PLAGF) currently relies on no fewer than four different series of bolt-action weapons for the dedicated sniper role. This includes the "QBU-141", "QBU-202", "QBU-203", and "CS/LR4" series - differing mainly in supported caliber / chamberings. The CS/LR4 is a relatively new adoption being used by the service in a frontline capacity and is also known by the designation of "NSG-1". Its formal, long-form designation remains "CS/LR4 7.62 Millimeter High-Precision Sniper System - HPSS").

Like many other Chinese military solutions, this rifle is manufactured by local defense powerhouse NORINCO ("China NORth Industries Corporation").

Designed in 2008 and introduced in 2012, the rifle is of largely conventional form and function. Other supported chamberings include .308 Winchester and 8.6x70mm depending on the variant in play. The internal function of the long gun is of manually-actuated bolt-action (relying on a rotary bolt system), requiring the operator to manage the bolt handle set over the right side of the receiver. Feeding is through a basic, spring-loaded 5-round detachable box magazine inserted at the underside of the frame, individual rounds being chambered with management of the lever. As iron sights are lacking in this design, optics are required though a plethora of types are supported including basic telescopic lens, night-vision, and thermal imaging devices. A bipod found under the forend is hinged to fold for travel and the shoulder stock is adjustable (cheekpiece and shoulder pad) to suit the operator's comfort. Sling loops allow for a shoulder strap to be fitted. The free-floating, accurized barrel is smooth and features a short section of Picatinny rail over the forend for additional tactical components.

The trigger is surrounded by a hardened loop and this is further integrated to the angled polymer pistol grip which includes an oversized thumb cut-out and monopod for additional support. The magazine well is positioned just ahead of the trigger unit within easy reach.

The base model of this Sniper Weapon System (SWS) series is recognized as the "CS/LR4" and primarily chambered for the Western-favored 7.62x51mm NATO. The "CS/LR4" appeared as an improved model with longer barrel assembly and overall reduced weight, adding to its effective engagement ranges, general precision, and accuracy-at-range. The "CS/LR35" added the 8.6x70mm Lapua Magnum cartridge to its supported chamberings and features a reinforced barrel assembly as well as folding stock for greater compactness when on-the-march.

"QBU-202" is used by the Chinese Army / special forces groups to designate the CS/LR35 in 8.6x70mm chambering. "QBU-203" is the 7.62x51mm model.

Outside of China, the Philippines Army (CS/LR4A) and the Venezuela Marine Corps (CS/LR4) both utilize this sniper rifle series.

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Physical
The physical qualities of the NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

1,100 mm
43.31 in
O/A Length

610 mm
24.02 in
Barrel Length

14.33 lb
6.50 kg
Weight

Manually-Actuated Bolt-Action System
Action

7.62x51mm NATO; .308 Winchester; 8.6x70mm
Caliber(s)

5-round detachable box magazine.
Feed

Optics including telescope, night-vision, and thermal.
Sights

Performance
Performance specifications presented assume optimal operating conditions for the NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1). Information presented is strictly for general reference and should not be misconstrued as useful for hardware restoration or operation.

3,610 ft
1,100.3 m | 1,203.3 yds
Max.Eff.Range

12
Rounds-Per-Minute
Rate-of-Fire

Variants
Notable series variants as part of the NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1) Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle family line.

CS/LR4 - Base Series Designation.

NSG-1 - Alternative Designation.

JS 7.62mm - Prototype Designation.

CS/LR4A - improved model; lengthened barrel assembly; reduced weight; increased range and accuracy; 7.62x51mm NATO chambering.

CS/LR35 - Improved model supporting 7.62x51mm and 8.6x70mm Lapua Magnum chamberings.

QBU-202 - CS/LR35 Chinese military designation; 8.6x70mm chambering.

QBU-203 - CS/LR35 Chinese military designation; 7.62x51mm NATO chambering.

Operators
Global customers who have evaluated and/or operated the NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1). Nations are displayed by flag, each linked to their respective national small arms listing.

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

[ China (Army and police); Philippines; Venezuela ]

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Image of the NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1)

Image from the Russian Ministry of Defense; Public Release.

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

ACCURACY/PRECISION

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 CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1) Bolt-Action Sniper Rifle appears in the following collections:

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