The Chinese QBZ-03 assault rifle is a unique infantry weapon in Chinese border force and armed police.

It is also known as the Type 03. Comparing with Type 95 rifle, Type 03 is only given to smaller amount of units. Type 03 rifle is not significantly improved comparing Type 95, it is a very interesting decision by Chinese military to field two vastly different rifles at the same time.

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Type 03 rifle is a gas operated, selective-fire assault rifle designed and developed for the 5.8×42mm DBP87 round. Unlike the bullpup Type 95, Type 03 is a rifle of conventional layout. But there is no indication Type 03 has better performance.

The QBZ-03 has a two-piece receiver, made out of aluminum alloy. It has folding stock, pistol grip, and handguards made of polymer compound. It is likely based on cancelled Type 87 assault rifle, that makes some people suspect the existence of Type 03 is just to cover some lost of failed Type 87 project.

The rifle has a faster rate of fire than Type 95. Its internal design is similar to Type 81 assault rifle, featuring rotating bolt locking and short-stroke gas piston.

Type 03 has gas regulator to meet the requirement of rifle grenades. The sights are of a hooded front sight, and a flip up rear diopter sight. A scope rail is available, but no picatinny rail.

An export type 03 variant was displayed in a few exhibitions, chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. The export model has an integrated three round burst mode.

It is worth noting in some areas close to India, Chinese border force units abandoned their Type 03, and switched to Type 95 recently. It might be an indication Type 03 is not as successful as Type 95, the troops in high intensity area chose Type 95 as the risk of open war increases.

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Photo and video: Wiki common, Yangshijunsi weibo, Zhongguowujing site, Huanqiujunshi weibo, CCTV site

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