Hubbry Logo
Type 85 submachine gunType 85 submachine gunMain
Open search
Type 85 submachine gun
Community hub
Type 85 submachine gun
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Type 85 submachine gun
Type 85 submachine gun
Type 85 submachine gun
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

The Type 85 (Chinese: 1985年式衝鋒槍; pinyin: 1985 Niánshì Chōngfēng Qiāng; lit. '1985 Year Type Submachine Gun')[3] is a Chinese submachine gun, developed during the early 1980s as a less expensive replacement for the Type 79 submachine gun.[3] The weapon's silenced version was also developed to replace the Type 64 submachine guns in service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).[2][4]

Key Information

History

[edit]

Design of the Type 85 started between 1979 and 1983 and it was classified in 1985.[5][6] Design work was done by the 208th Research Institute of China Ordnance Industry.[7] Type 85's design is simplistic and straight-forward, and ease-to-manufacture. During development, there was criticism of its appearance, and it earned nicknames like "toy gun" or "the master work of plumber"[3] in the Chinese military.[8] The Type 85 was eventually adopted to start replacing the Type 64 in PLA service.[9]

The development of the Type 85 was planned to eventually replace the Type 79 submachine gun in PLA service.[10] Type 79's service was rather disappointing due to its reliability issue. The development plan to replace the Type 79 was initiated in 1979.[3]

In January 1980, two prototypes were made for firearms testing.[7] In 1981, trials were conducted with the weapons being tested in combat trails with single and full auto modes used.[7] Initial feedback suggests that while handling was good, there are improvements that could be made.[7] Multiple state factories were reportedly competing for the order in 1983, with the design finalized around 1984. Problems encountered in early trials included excessive recoil and trigger sensitivity.[3]

With problems ironed out, the Type 85 was certified by the military in 1985.[3] It gradually replaced Type 79 in the Chinese military and received positive feedback due to its high reliability and simplicity in maintenance.[3]

Like Type 79, Type 85 was eventually phased out of service and put into the hands of Chinese police force. While the Type 85 was popular in the Chinese military, it was widely detested in the police force. This was largely due to its overly simplified open-bolt design which attributed to Type 85's poor first-shot accuracy.[11]

Design

[edit]

The Type 85 submachine gun is a simple blowback weapon that fires from an open bolt.[2] The weapon's mechanism was partially based on the Type 64.[4] Parts made for the regular and suppressed version are interchangeable, except for the barrels.[8] The safety and fire mode selector lever is located at the right side of the trigger unit, above the trigger guard. The Type 85 allows for single shots and full automatic fire,[5] which is indicated in the receiver 0, 1 and 2.[8]

The weapon is optimized for special 7.62×25mm (Type 64) ammunition with heavy, subsonic bullets, but can also fire standard 7.62mm Type 51/7.62×25mm TT ammunition (with increased loudness).[2] There was a 5.8mm version being researched for potential adoption, but it was never adopted into service.[5] The Type 85 SMG is fed using the same 30-round box magazines as the Type 64 SMG.[5] There is also a steel shoulder stock, which folds to the right side.[2][8]

Variants

[edit]

Type 85 suppressed

[edit]

A version of the Type 85 with an integral suppressor.[8] The barrel and sleeve were changed.[3]

Users

[edit]

Non-State Actors

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Type 85 submachine gun

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Type 85 submachine gun is a compact, blowback-operated chambered in , developed in during the early as a successor to the Type 64 and Type 79 submachine guns, and entering service with the (PLA) special forces and police units in the late . Manufactured primarily by Factory 9616 (now Hubei Jianghua Machinery Co., Ltd.) under the umbrella, it features an open-bolt design, a side-folding stock, and selective fire capabilities for semi-automatic or full-automatic operation at a rate of approximately 780 rounds per minute. The weapon measures approximately 444–628 mm in length (depending on stock position), weighs 1.9 kg empty, and uses 30-round detachable box magazines, with an effective range of 150–200 meters for the standard variant. Designed to address the shortcomings of earlier Chinese submachine guns, particularly the unreliable Type 79, the Type 85 incorporates a simplified blowback mechanism derived from the Type 64, emphasizing reliability and ease of production for close-quarters combat roles. Production began in the mid-1980s and continued into the , with the weapon seeing limited export under branding but primarily serving domestic security forces. A key variant is the suppressed model, which integrates a baffle silencer, reduces to approximately 300 m/s using subsonic Type 64 ammunition for quieter operation (about 80 dB), and shortens the effective range to 100–150 meters while maintaining the same 30-round capacity. This silenced version, often denoted as Type 85 (Silenced), weighs approximately 2.5 kg and extends the overall length to 869 mm with the stock deployed, making it suitable for requiring stealth. Overall, the Type 85 represents a practical evolution in Chinese small arms design, prioritizing simplicity and controllability in a lightweight package, though it has largely been supplemented by later models like the QCW-05 in modern PLA inventories.

Development

Origins and Requirements

The , adopted by the (PLA) in the late 1970s, faced significant dissatisfaction in service due to its overly complex design, which incorporated a system derived from a scaled-down AK operating mechanism, resulting in poor reliability and elevated production costs. These issues were compounded by the weapon's high paired with limited 20-round capacity, making it impractical for sustained operations and leading to its replacement after just six years. To address these shortcomings, the PLA outlined requirements for a successor emphasizing cheaper mass production, enhanced reliability, and greater suitability for roles, including both unsuppressed and suppressed configurations for covert operations. The new design aimed to replace the Type 79 in standard applications while succeeding the aging Type 64 silenced , prioritizing simplicity and controllability in compact form to support close-quarters engagements. A blowback operating mechanism was selected early to facilitate these goals through straightforward construction. Development of the Type 85 was initiated by Factory 9616 of Ordnance Industries (now Hubei Jianghua Machinery Co., Ltd.), aligning with the PLA's post-1979 drive to modernize small arms amid revelations from the Sino-Vietnamese border conflicts. The 1979 war and ensuing skirmishes through the early 1980s exposed deficiencies in PLA equipment and tactics, heightening the urgency for reliable, lightweight weapons tailored to rugged border environments and . This geopolitical pressure accelerated efforts to equip forces with more effective personal firearms.

Design Process and Adoption

The development of the Type 85 submachine gun began in 1979 as part of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) effort to create a reliable and cost-effective replacement for earlier designs like the Type 79. Prototypes were iteratively developed through 1983, incorporating a simplified blowback operating system derived from the Type 64 silenced submachine gun, with modifications such as stamped and formed steel components joined by welding to reduce manufacturing costs. The weapon was chambered for the 7.62×25mm cartridge to ensure compatibility with existing PLA ammunition stocks. The submachine gun was formally classified as the Type 85 in 1985 and approved for production. Full-scale manufacturing began around 1987. The Type 85 entered service with PLA special forces units in the mid-1980s, marking a shift toward more modern suppressed submachine guns for elite operations. It saw limited frontline deployment, primarily with reconnaissance and counter-terrorism teams. By the early 2000s, the Type 85 began to be phased out from active military use, replaced by advanced designs such as the Type 05 (QCW-05) bullpup submachine gun, though it remained in reserve and law enforcement inventories.

Technical Design

Operating Mechanism

The Type 85 submachine gun utilizes a simple blowback operating mechanism, firing from an to mitigate the risk of during sustained fire. This design relies on the rearward force of the expanding gases from the fired cartridge to cycle the action, with the bolt remaining open when not firing to allow cooling and prevent accidental ignition of residual heat. The weapon's tubular steel receiver encloses the bolt assembly and spring, providing a straightforward and robust structure for reliable operation under field conditions. A fixed is integrated into the bolt face, ensuring consistent primer strike upon forward bolt movement without the need for a separate or striker mechanism. The spring, housed within the receiver behind the bolt, absorbs the rearward momentum and returns the bolt to battery for the next cycle. Firing modes are selective, allowing semi-automatic single shots or full-automatic bursts, controlled by a positioned on the right side of the receiver above the . The cyclic is approximately 780 rounds per minute, balancing controllability with suppressive capability. is fed from a 30-round detachable box magazine inserted vertically into the receiver ahead of the . The Type 85 chambers the cartridge, a rimless, bottlenecked pistol round known for its high velocity and penetration; in submachine gun applications, it achieves a of approximately 500 m/s from a 210 mm barrel, delivering flat trajectory and up to 200 meters. Safety is provided by a manual lever that blocks both the trigger and bolt movement when engaged, preventing unintended discharge while permitting quick mode selection. This combination of features emphasizes the Type 85's simplicity, enhancing reliability in adverse environments without complex components.

Physical Specifications

The Type 85 submachine gun has an overall length of 444 mm with the stock folded and 628 mm with the stock extended, complemented by a barrel length of 210 mm. Unloaded, it weighs 1.9 kg, contributing to its portability in close-quarters roles. The receiver is constructed from tubular , with a steel barrel jacket and other components emphasizing durability and simplicity. It features fixed calibrated for an of 150–200 meters. The shoulder stock is a folding metal design that retracts to the right side, and the base model includes no rail systems for or accessories. Production of the Type 85 prioritized low-cost manufacturing techniques with pressed steel elements, positioning it as an economical successor to prior designs like the Type 79. The blowback operating system further enables this lightweight build without complex locking mechanisms.

Ergonomics and Controls

The Type 85 submachine gun features a straightforward controls layout designed for efficient operation in close-quarters scenarios. The and mode selector switch is positioned on the right side above the , allowing selection between safe, semi-automatic single shots, and full-automatic . The charging handle is non-reciprocating and located on the right side of the receiver, facilitating quick manipulation without interfering with the shooter's grip during firing. Ergonomically, the weapon incorporates a integrated into the lower receiver. The folding locks securely in the extended position but offers no adjustability for length or cheek weld, folding to the right side for compact carry. Overall, the design emphasizes balance that favors maneuverability in confined spaces, with the lightweight construction—approximately 1.9 kg when empty—enabling effective one-handed use when necessary. In terms of usability, the Type 85's handling is optimized for rapid engagement at short ranges, though the cartridge generates notable recoil that can affect control in full-auto mode; this is partially mitigated by deploying the for better shouldering. The open-bolt firing may reduce precision at longer ranges, making it best suited for distances up to 150-200 meters in ideal conditions. The weapon accepts 30-round double-stack box magazines compatible with earlier Chinese designs, aiding logistical simplicity. Maintenance is user-friendly, with field-stripping achieved through basic disassembly involving the removal of few components, such as the bolt and recoil spring, without specialized tools. It is compatible with standard cleaning kits for 7.62mm firearms, promoting reliability in field environments.

Variants

Standard Unsuppressed Model

The standard unsuppressed model of the Type 85 submachine gun represents the baseline configuration developed for general applications, featuring an open-ended barrel without any suppressor attachment and optimized for firing standard ammunition. This variant employs a simple blowback operating mechanism that fires from an , utilizing a tubular steel receiver and a side-folding metal stock for compactness in close-quarters operations. The design includes basic with a front post and flip-up rear graduated for 100 and 200 meters, along with a combined safety and fire selector switch on the right side of the receiver that allows for safe, semi-automatic, or full-automatic modes. Like the suppressed variant, it shares the core blowback action but lacks any noise-reduction features, making it suitable for louder, non-covert engagements. Key performance metrics for the unsuppressed Type 85 include a cyclic of approximately 780-800 rounds per minute, a of around 500 m/s when using standard 7.62×25mm Type 51 , and an effective range of 150-200 meters in full-automatic fire. It feeds from a 30-round detachable box magazine inserted vertically into the receiver, with the weapon weighing 1.9 kg empty and measuring 444 mm in length with the stock folded or 628-682 mm extended, depending on the exact measurement standard. The 210 mm barrel provides balanced handling for its class, contributing to controllable during sustained fire despite the high-velocity cartridge. Production of the standard unsuppressed Type 85 began after its type-classification in 1985, with approved around 1987 by for the (PLA), primarily equipping units in the late 1980s and ; exact figures remain classified. No major exports of this specific variant have been documented, as it was largely retained for domestic military and police use. Its primary advantages stem from the straightforward construction, which prioritized cost-effectiveness as a replacement for earlier designs like the Type 79, while ensuring reliable operation through the robust blowback system and minimal moving parts.

Suppressed Model

The suppressed variant of the Type 85 submachine gun features an integral long silencer tube mounted over the barrel, significantly increasing the overall to 631 mm with the stock folded and 869 mm with it extended, compared to the standard model's more compact dimensions. This design modification, developed in the early , incorporates internal ports and baffles to mitigate noise and , optimizing the weapon for covert operations while maintaining the blowback-operated, open-bolt mechanism of the base Type 85. The empty weight rises to 2.5 kg due to the added suppressor mass. Performance is tailored for subsonic operation, with the suppressed Type 85 recommended for use with specialized 7.62×25mm Type 64 ammunition featuring a heavy bullet to keep velocities below the speed of sound at approximately 300 m/s, though it can fire standard 7.62×25mm Type 51 rounds at the cost of increased noise. This results in a reduced muzzle velocity and effective range of 100-150 meters, alongside a cyclic rate of fire around 800 rounds per minute from 30-round box magazines. The integral suppressor enhances stealth by containing the supersonic crack and blast, making it suitable for close-quarters engagements where sound signature is critical. Developed as a direct successor to the aging Type 64 silenced submachine gun, the suppressed Type 85 was adopted by the (PLA) special forces primarily for and roles requiring low acoustic profile. It has also seen use by Chinese police units and was offered for export, providing a reliable, domestically produced option for suppressed in non-state and security applications. A key limitation of the design is the extended length from the integral suppressor, which compromises concealability and handling in tight spaces compared to unsuppressed submachine guns. Additionally, the reduced reflects the trade-offs inherent in prioritizing noise suppression over ballistic performance.

Operational History

Military Adoption

The Type 85 submachine gun was primarily adopted by the (PLA) special forces units starting in 1985, following its type-classification that year after development between 1979 and 1983 to replace the problematic . It was issued to and counter-terrorism teams, with both standard and suppressed variants entering around 1987 for specialized operations requiring compact, reliable close-quarters weaponry. Initial widespread adoption occurred in the late 1980s, with the weapon remaining in active PLA service through the 1990s and into the due to its simple blowback design that facilitated rapid deployment and maintenance in field conditions. By the early , the Type 85 began a gradual phase-out as the PLA modernized its small arms inventory, with the QCW-05 selected around 2005 to supplant it in frontline roles. Combat exposure for the Type 85 remains limited in documented records, primarily confined to border patrol duties and training exercises rather than large-scale engagements, reflecting its niche role in non-conventional warfare. Exports were minimal, with the weapon offered commercially by but lacking confirmed transfers to foreign militaries in open-source materials.

Law Enforcement Use

Following its primary adoption by the in the 1980s, the Type 85 submachine gun was reassigned to units, including the (PAP), for domestic security roles such as anti-riot operations and hostage rescue scenarios. The suppressed variant of the Type 85, featuring an integral baffle suppressor optimized for subsonic 7.62×25mm Type 64 , has been particularly adapted for close-quarters indoor policing tasks to minimize noise and over-penetration risks. Law enforcement training programs emphasize the weapon's controllability in full-automatic fire, addressing its moderate accuracy at ranges beyond 100 meters due to the open-bolt blowback mechanism. As of 2025, the Type 85 remains in limited inventory with PAP and urban units, particularly in regions with persistent internal security demands, though it is increasingly supplemented by modern 9mm designs like the QCW-05 to align with standardized police calibers.

Non-State Actor Employment

Possible use by Tibetan exiles has also been alleged, though unconfirmed in open sources. Black market proliferation of the weapon has occurred via surplus sales from stocks. There are no confirmed high-profile attacks or widespread use attributed to the Type 85 in non-state contexts. The suppressed variant holds brief appeal for covert operations among such groups due to its reduced noise signature.
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.