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The QBZ-03 (Mandarin: Qīngwǔqi Bùqiāng Zìdòng—"light rifle automatic") assault rifle, also known as the Type 03,[1] is a Chinese gas operated, selective-fire assault rifle designed and developed for the 5.8×42mm DBP87 round.[2]

Key Information

Unlike the bullpup QBZ-95, the QBZ-03 has a conventional design. It is designed to be easily used by police officers and soldiers already familiar with previously issued assault rifles.[3]

History

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The QBZ-03's design was finalized in December 2003 and it was given the name designation Type 03.[4] It appears to be a continuation of the Type 87.[4] Public information regarding the rifle was first reported in the November 2004 issue of "Weapon Knowledge".[5]

Plans to develop the QBZ-03 were made over concerns made from reports with the use of the QBZ-95.[5]

Design details

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The QBZ-03 has a faster rate of fire compared to the QBZ-95. Operating system is similar to Type 81 assault rifle featuring rotating bolt locking and short-stroke gas piston.[6] The QBZ-03 has a folding stock.[7]

In 2015, the manufacturer displayed a version with a quad-rail hand guard; the short rear section screws onto the upper receiver.[8]

The gas block has two position regulator and a hooded front sight with a flip-up rear diopter sight.[2]

Variants

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T03

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The T03 is an export variant chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge.[2]

EM3513

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The EM3513 is semi-automatic export variant, chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO cartridge.[9] First introduced in 2005 by the China Jing-She. An Import-Export and Jiang-She Group companies, the variant is fed by STANAG magazines and has an integrated three-round burst mode.[2]

QTS-11 OICW Upgrade

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In February 2011, photos appeared of the QTS-11, a combination of the Type 03 assault rifle with a 20 mm airburst grenade launcher.[2] This made China the third country to develop an airburst infantry weapon, after the United States and South Korea.[10]

Users

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Non-State

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

QBZ-03

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The QBZ-03, also known as the Type 03 , is a Chinese gas-operated, selective-fire weapon chambered primarily in the indigenous DBP87 cartridge, featuring a conventional layout with a side-folding stock and designed as a reliable, cost-effective rifle for second-line forces. Developed by in the late to early as an alternative to the more advanced bullpup-configured , the QBZ-03 draws design influences from the earlier Type 81 rifle and entered production around 2003, with official adoption by the (PLA) reserves and second-line units beginning that year. It saw broader service entry in 2006 and remains in use today primarily with the PLA's border defense troops, , and Marine Corps, though it is gradually being supplanted by the newer rifle across Chinese forces. The employs a short-stroke gas system with a , a two-piece aluminum receiver, and components for the handguards, , and to reduce weight and improve durability, weighing approximately 3.5 kg empty and measuring 950 mm in length with the extended (725 mm folded). It feeds from 30-round detachable box magazines, achieves a cyclic rate of 650–700 rounds per minute, and has an of 400 meters with a of 930 m/s using standard . An export variant, designated Type 03, is chambered in for international markets, featuring adjusted specifications such as a of 860 m/s and a weight of 3.8 kg. Notable features include compatibility with rifle grenades, adjustable , and optional mounting for optics, emphasizing ease of maintenance and familiarity for troops trained on legacy designs.

History and Development

Origins and Design Process

The development of the QBZ-03 assault rifle was initiated in the late 1990s by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in response to feedback from soldiers who found the bullpup configuration of the QBZ-95 unfamiliar and less intuitive, particularly when compared to the conventional layout of earlier designs like the Type 81. This motivation stemmed from the need to provide a more accessible weapon for troops trained on traditional rifle ergonomics, while serving as a cost-effective option for second-line and reserve units. The design process built upon concepts from the experimental Type 87 rifle of the mid-1980s, adapting them for optimization with the indigenous 5.8×42mm DBP87 cartridge, but emphasized a conventional layout to address ergonomic challenges faced by personnel accustomed to forward-mounted magazines and triggers. Key technical hurdles included enhancing overall reliability for demanding roles such as border defense, where durability in varied environments was prioritized, alongside reducing production costs to make the rifle suitable for non-elite forces without compromising core functionality. These efforts aimed to create a robust alternative that balanced familiarity, affordability, and operational effectiveness. The QBZ-03's design was finalized in December 2003, at which point it received its official designation as the Type 03 rifle. Public information on the weapon first appeared in 2004 through reports in Chinese media, marking its initial disclosure beyond military circles.

Production and Adoption

The QBZ-03 entered production in 2003, manufactured by for use by the (PLA) reserve and second-line units. It was initially adopted by border defense forces as a cost-effective alternative to the bullpup-configured rifle, featuring a conventional layout influenced by earlier designs like the Type 81. This entry into service marked a shift toward equipping non-frontline personnel with a more familiar, ergonomically traditional platform. Adoption later expanded to the (PAP) for internal security roles, particularly within border defense corps, where the rifle's design suited personnel accustomed to legacy weapons. Limited use also extended to PLA Marine Corps and elements, though it remained secondary to the in mainline forces. Production has continued at low rates into the present for reserve and needs, with maintaining output as of 2025. Since the introduction of the rifle in 2019, the QBZ-03 has been partially supplanted in its secondary roles, as the newer prioritizes enhanced versatility and performance while retaining the cartridge family. Reports since 2021 have indicated that the is intended to eventually replace the QBZ-03 in PLA service, as of 2025. No significant overhauls to the QBZ-03 have been reported post-2020, reflecting its transitional role in PLA modernization efforts.

Design and Features

Operating System and Construction

The QBZ-03 utilizes a gas-operated action employing a short-stroke gas piston system and a locking mechanism for reliable cycling and secure chambering. The gas block, integrated with the front sight base, incorporates a two-position adjustable regulator that enables configuration for normal operation or reduced gas flow, including an "off" setting suitable for suppressed firing or launches. Construction emphasizes durability and cost-effectiveness through a two-piece stamped receiver, which is joined by a cross-pin at the front for ease of assembly and maintenance. The chrome-lined barrel features optimized for the DBP87 cartridge, providing effective stabilization and velocity for intermediate-range engagements. handguards and a side-folding stock contribute to a lightweight profile, with the overall unloaded weight measuring 3.5 kg and lengths of 950 mm with the stock extended or 725 mm folded. Equipped with selective-fire controls for semi-automatic and full-automatic modes, the QBZ-03 achieves a cyclic rate of 650–700 rounds per minute. It feeds from detachable 30-round box magazines compatible with the rifle's design. The conventional ergonomic layout supports intuitive handling while prioritizing mechanical robustness.

Ergonomics and Accessories

The QBZ-03 features a conventional layout designed for familiarity among users accustomed to traditional assault rifles, incorporating an angled , a forward-positioned magazine well ahead of the trigger unit, and a semi-skeletal folding shoulder stock that collapses to the side for compactness. The safety and fire mode selector switch is located above the on the left side of the receiver, allowing for straightforward operation in semi-automatic and full-automatic modes, which support precise point targeting in single shots and suppressive area fire in automatic bursts. Fixed are standard, consisting of a hooded front post and a flip-up L-shaped rear adjustable for and out to 500 meters, providing reliable zeroing for intermediate-range engagements. The rifle achieves a of 930 m/s with the standard DBP87 cartridge, delivering an of 400 meters optimized for accuracy against personnel targets at intermediate distances. is effectively managed through a slotted that also functions as a flash hider and launcher base, enhancing controllability during sustained fire. The design includes mounting points for a on the muzzle device and swivels for a two-point sling, facilitating close-quarters utility and carry options in field operations. Modular adaptability is addressed in updated variants, such as the QBZ-03 UPG, which introduces a quad-rail Picatinny handguard replacing the original slotted forend, enabling attachment of , lasers, vertical foregrips, and other accessories to improve aiming precision and handling in diverse environments. While the baseline model chambers the indigenous DBP87 round for superior ballistic performance in intermediate ranges, export-oriented versions offer optional compatibility with STANAG magazines to meet international standards and requirements.

Variants

Domestic Models

The standard QBZ-03 serves as the base variant for the (PLA) reserves, chambered in the DBP87 cartridge and featuring selective-fire capability including full-automatic mode with a cyclic rate of approximately 650 rounds per minute. Its design emphasizes reliability and ease of maintenance for second-line forces, with a 463 mm barrel, folding polymer stock, and 30-round magazine capacity. An upgraded variant of the QBZ-03, featuring enhanced components for reduced weight and durability alongside a quad-rail forend to support and accessories, was introduced around , thereby improving modularity for units such as border defense forces. This variant maintains the chambering and full-auto functionality while addressing earlier limitations in accessory integration, making it suitable for enhanced tactical adaptability in PLA and (PAP) applications. The is a specialized integrated combat system that utilizes the QBZ-03 receiver paired with a 20 mm underbarrel , allowing for combined rifle fire and programmable delivery up to 500 meters. Developed from 2008 to 2011 as part of China's pursuit of advanced individual weapon systems, it entered limited production around 2011 but faced constraints due to technical challenges including excessive weight (approximately 7.5 kg loaded) and reliability issues with the grenade programming mechanism. It entered limited service with PLA around 2015 and has been observed in training and exercises as of 2025. Deployment has been restricted primarily to PLA units for evaluation and select operations. A short-barrel variant of the QBZ-03, featuring a 300 mm barrel, has been adapted for PAP urban operations, achieving a compact folded length of 750 mm to facilitate close-quarters maneuverability while retaining the caliber and selective-fire options. This configuration prioritizes portability in confined environments without compromising core ballistic performance.

Export Models

The primary export variant of the QBZ-03 is the EM3513, a select-fire with semi-automatic and three-round burst modes chambered in ammunition, introduced in 2005 by the joint efforts of Jing-An Import-Export (CJAIE) and the Jiang-She Group Companies. This model features an adjustable stock for improved and enhanced rail systems to support and accessories, adapting the original design for international markets while complying with restrictions on full-automatic fire in many countries. Marketed primarily through state-affiliated exporters, the EM3513 emphasizes compatibility with standard STANAG magazines and focuses on civilian and applications rather than selective-fire capabilities. A more recent development is the CS/LR-17, a modernized export-oriented rifle series unveiled between 2021 and 2025, which retains a conventional layout inspired by the QBZ-03 but incorporates updated materials and modularity. Available in or calibers, it includes (DMR) and (LMG) sub-variants, with Picatinny rails as a standard feature for mounting modern optics and attachments. Developed by Norinco's North Industries Group, the CS/LR-17 targets global competition against systems like the , prioritizing adaptability for and in diverse environments. Export models are often configured as semi-automatic to comply with regulations in certain markets, though select-fire versions, including full-automatic, are available for exports. These rifles have seen restricted distribution, mainly to allies in the region, reflecting China's selective approach to proliferation. At events like the IDEX 2025 arms show, the CS/LR-17 was promoted as a cost-effective alternative to Western counterparts, leveraging lower production costs and proven reliability for emerging markets.

Operators and Use

State Users

The QBZ-03 is the primary state-operated weapon of this type, exclusively adopted by Chinese government forces. It entered limited service with the (PLA) Ground Force in 2003, primarily assigned to border defense units along China's frontiers. These deployments leverage the rifle's conventional layout, which aligns with training from earlier Type 81 rifles, facilitating easier transition for personnel in secondary roles. Within the PLA, the QBZ-03 functions as a second-line support weapon for infantry units not at the forefront of combat operations, including training cadres and reserve forces. It is also employed by the Marine Corps and paratroopers. Its integration with the existing DBP87 ammunition logistics supports cost-effective sustainment across these applications. The (PAP) also employs the rifle for internal security and missions, where its selective-fire capability and familiar suit paramilitary needs. Since its introduction at the 2003 National Day parade, the QBZ-03 has been supplemented in active-duty PLA units by the QBZ-191 rifle family, unveiled in 2019 and progressively fielded to frontline troops. This transition reflects ongoing modernization, relegating the QBZ-03 to non-frontline inventories as of 2025. No confirmed exports or adoptions by other state militaries have occurred, limiting its operational footprint to Chinese forces.

Non-State Users

The (UWSA), an ethnic armed group operating in 's , is the primary confirmed non-state user of the QBZ-03 assault rifle. The group acquired these weapons through apparent supplies from , as evidenced by their prominent display during a 2012 military parade celebrating the 22nd anniversary of the . These rifles have been observed in UWSA service amid ongoing ethnic conflicts in the - border region, where the group maintains a with the government but engages in skirmishes with rival militias. Acquisition likely occurs via unofficial border trade routes rather than direct commercial exports from , aligning with 's stated policy against arming unauthorized non-state actors. Limited credible reports indicate possible use of QBZ-03 rifles by other Southeast Asian insurgent groups, potentially through gray-market diversions of surplus from Chinese paramilitary stocks, though such instances remain unverified and sporadic. Operationally, the rifle's adoption by the UWSA highlights its utility in resource-constrained environments, but logistics for ammunition pose ongoing challenges for non-state actors dependent on cross-border .

References

  1. https://weaponsystems.net/system/199-QBZ03
  2. https://modernfirearms.net/en/assault-rifles/china-assault-rifles/type-03-qbz-03-eng/
  3. https://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.php?smallarms_id=1154
  4. https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/images-emerge-of-plas-newest-infantry-weapons
  5. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/12/18/potd-border-guards-with-chinas-qbz-03-rifle/
  6. https://mags.shephardmedia.com/legacy-handbooks/IEH2022.pdf
  7. https://www.globalmilitary.net/firearms/qbz-03/
  8. https://sadefensejournal.com/pla-type-95-rifle-breaking-with-convention/
  9. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/reboot/what-weve-learned-about-chinas-new-qbz-191-assault-rifle-176087
  10. https://odin.tradoc.army.mil/WEG/Asset/QBZ-03_%28Type_03%29_Chinese_5.8mm_Assault_Rifle
  11. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/05/13/chinese-small-arms-7th-beijing-police-equipment-expo/
  12. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2015/08/16/more-photos-of-the-elusive-qbz-03-rifle-in-action/
  13. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/03/15/chinese-commandos-deploy-qts-11-integrated-combat-system/
  14. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/chinas-qts-11-assault-rifle-dangerous-and-has-one-big-problem-93031
  15. https://www.firearmsnews.com/editorial/china-58x42mm-cartridge/384452
  16. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/idex-2025-the-chinese-take-on-the-scar-the-nar-cs-lr17-rifle-44819674
  17. https://guns.fandom.com/wiki/CS/LR17
  18. https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/china-modernizing-its-entire-military-here-come-new-assault-rifles-92896
  19. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2008/12/29/qbz-03-chinas-latest-assault-rifle/
  20. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3328706/qbz-191-assault-rifle-gives-chinese-small-arms-tactical-and-export-edge
  21. https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2012/05/07/china-supplies-qbz-03-rifle-to-united-wa-state-army/
  22. https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/files/PP/SIPRIPP38.pdf
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