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Infantry Small Arms / The Warfighter

NORINCO QBU-88 (Type 88)


Sniper Rifle [ 1988 ]



The QBU-88 is a Chinese sniper rifle offered up in limited numbers and features a bullpup configuration.



Authored By: Staff Writer | Last Edited: 05/11/2022 | Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com | The following text is exclusive to this site.

GO TO SPECIFICATIONS [+]
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The QBU-88 (also known as the Type 88) represents a modern sniper rifle made available to the People's Liberation Army of China. The weapon system was developed in the 1980's and accepted into service towards the end of the decade. Since then, it has seen limited production and has also been offered up in a NATO-friendly variant. The sniper rifle is issued to various military and security elements.

The QBU-88 fires the 5.8x42mm cartridge from a 10-round detachable box magazine. The export version, known as the KBU-97A fires the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge and can feed from standard STANAG magazines (the Chinese QBU-88 does not have this feature). The QBU-88 firing action is accomplished through gas operation of a short stroke piston mechanism and offers up an effective range of up to 800 meters. Available telescopic sights include 3-9x40 and 6-24x44 scopes as well as basic iron sights.

Design of the QBU-88 is such that it sports a polymer bullpup configuration meaning that the magazine is situated behind the pistol grip. The scope mounts over the main body of the weapon while the pistol grip and trigger group are conventional. An optional bipod can be affixed to the forward portion of the weapon, aft of the barrel. The barrel is fitted with a flash suppressor.

Though thought of as a sniper rifle, the QBU-88 is akin more of to a sustained fire role against enemy targets - sort of a cross between a true sniper rifle and the standard infantryman's assault rifle. In this respect, QBU-88 element can supply a more accurate form of suppression against an enemy at distance when compared to that of a squad machine gun. As such, QBU-88 units work directly with their infantry counterparts. These types of battlefield components are called "Designated Marksman" (DM) units.©MilitaryFactory.com
Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.MilitaryFactory.com. It is the product of many hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, veterans, insiders, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at MilitaryFactory AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.
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Specifications



Service Year
1988

Origin
China national flag graphic
China

Classification


Sniper Rifle


National flag of China China
(OPERATORS list includes past, present, and future operators when applicable)
Accuracy / Precision
Long-range accuracy / precision capable; suitable for sniping, particularly when equipped with sighting aids.


Overall Length
920 mm
36.22 in
Barrel Length
640 mm
25.20 in
Empty Wgt
9.04 lb
4.10 kg
Sights


Iron Sights; 3-9x40; 6-24x44 Telescopic Sights


Action


Gas-Operated; Rotating Bolt

Rotating Bolt
System utilizes internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.
Gas-Operated
Gas-operated system is featured, typically involving a gas cylinder and rear-driven piston directing energy to the bolt component.
(Material presented above is for historical and entertainment value and should not be construed as usable for hardware restoration, maintenance, or general operation - always consult official manufacturer sources for such information)


Caliber(s)*


5.8x42mm; 5.56x45mm

Sample Visuals**


Graphical image of a 5.56mm intermediate rifle cartridge
Rounds / Feed


10-round detachable box magazine
Cartridge relative size chart
*May not represent an exhuastive list; calibers are model-specific dependent, always consult official manufacturer sources.
**Graphics not to actual size; not all cartridges may be represented visually; graphics intended for general reference only.
Max Eff.Range
2,624 ft
(800 m | 875 yd)


QBU-88 (Type 88) - Base Sniper Rifle Designation; chambered for 5.8x42mm cartridge.
KBU-97A - Export Model of the QBU-88; chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge; STANAG magazine compliant.


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Image of the NORINCO QBU-88 (Type 88)


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