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QBU-88

{{Infobox weapon

| name = Type 88 (88式狙击步枪)

| image = Rifle Type88.jpg

| image_size = 300

| caption = The QBU-88

| origin = People's Republic of China

| type = Designated marksman rifle

| is_ranged = Yes

| service = 1997–present

| used_by = See #Users

| wars =

| design_date = 1990s

| manufacturer = Norinco

| production_date =

| number =

| variants = QBU-97A

| weight = {{convert|4.1|kg|abbr=on}}

| length = {{convert|920|mm|abbr=on|1}}

| part_length = {{convert|640|mm|abbr=on|1}}

| width =

| height =

| diameter =

| cartridge = 5.8×42mm DBP87 (with non-standard loading); 5.56×45mm NATO (QBU-97A export variant)

| caliber =

| action = Gas-operated, rotating bolt

| rate =

| velocity =

| range = {{convert|500-1,000|m|ft|abbr=on}}

| max_range =

| feed = 10-round detachable box magazine

| sights = 3-9×40, 6-24×44 telescopic sights

}}

The QBU-88 sniper rifle, CN:(88式狙击步枪/88 Shì jūjī bùqiāng, translated: 88 Sniper Rifle) is a Chinese bullpup designated marksman rifle , chambered in 5.8x42mm developed by Norinco.

History

The QBU-88 rifle (Mandarin: Qīngwuqi Bùqiāng Jūjī; "Light Weapon, Rifle, Sniper") (also sometimes referred to as Type 88 rifle) was the first weapon of the newest generation of Chinese small arms, chambered for proprietary 5.8×42mm DBP87 ammunition.

Adopted in 1997,{{cite web |url=http://www.sinodefence.com/army/small_arms/qbu88.asp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080730020521/http://www.sinodefence.com/army/small_arms/qbu88.asp |title=QBU88 5.8mm Sniper Rifle - SinoDefence.com |archive-date=30 July 2008 |access-date=23 December 2014}} the QBU-88 is, by the modern sense, not a true sniper rifle – it is more a designated marksman rifle, intended for aimed semi-automatic fire at ranges beyond the capabilities of standard infantry assault rifles.{{cite web|url=http://www.sniperselite.com.ar/introqbu88.html|title=Fusil de Francotirador QBU88|access-date=23 December 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130627204210/http://www.sniperselite.com.ar/introqbu88.html|archive-date=27 June 2013|url-status=dead}}

The rifle is intended for rough military use, so it is fitted with adjustable iron sights by default, and is generally equipped with telescopic sights or with night sights.{{Cn|date=July 2021}}

QBU-88 rifle is optimized for a special heavy loading of 5.8×42mm cartridge with a longer streamlined bullet with steel core. It can also fire standard ammunition intended for the QBZ-95 assault rifles.{{cite web|url=http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sniper-rifles/ch/qbu--e.html|title=Modern Firearms|access-date=23 December 2014}}

The QBU-88 is being phased out and being replaced by the QBU-191 and the CS/LR4.{{Cite web |title=中国新一代8.6毫米狙击步枪即将亮相 88狙或被淘汰 |url=https://mil.sina.cn/sd/2019-03-20/detail-ihsxncvh4117893.d.html |website=Sina Military Official Account}}{{Cite web |title=西藏军区换装新型精确步枪 |url=https://www.guancha.cn/military-affairs/2020_10_19_568527.shtml |website=Guancha}}

Design details

The QBU-88 rifle is a gas-operated semi-automatic rifle. It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston, located above the barrel, and three-lug rotating bolt. The action is mounted in the compact steel receiver, and enclosed into a polymer bullpup-type housing.

To increase accuracy, the action is mated to a 640 mm (25.1 in) long, hammer-forged match-grade barrel. The safety switch is located at the bottom of the receiver, just behind the magazine opening.

The QBU-88 rifle is equipped with open, diopter-type adjustable sights, mounted on folding posts. It also has a short proprietary dovetail rail on the receiver which can accept telescope or night sight scope mount. Reciprocating charging handle is located at the right side of the receiver. After the last round is fired bolt is held back on a bolt catch that is released by pulling the cocking handle to the rear.

The rifle is intended to be utilized primarily with optics. The standard day optic used on the QBU-88 for military use is a Chinese 3-9×40 scope with an integral quick-release mount.{{cite web|url=http://www.militaryfactory.com/smallarms/detail.asp?smallarms_id=258|title=NORINCO QBU-88 (Type 88) - Sniper Rifle - History, Specs and Pictures - Military, Security and Civilian Guns and Equipment|access-date=23 December 2014}} In 2008, a new Chinese 6-24×44 tactical scope became available for counter-terrorism and other law enforcement use.{{Cn|date=July 2021}}

The riflings for the QBU-88 differs from the standard QBZ-95 assault rifle.

While the QBZ-95 has a {{convert|244|mm|in|abbr=on}} twist to stabilize the standard 64-grain DBP-87 ball round, the QBU-88 has a faster {{convert|206|mm|in|abbr=on}} twist to stabilize the 70-grain Heavy Ball round and dedicated Sniper load, similar to the QJY-88 general-purpose machine gun, which has progressive rifling with a final twist rate of 206 mm.

A long birdcage flash suppressor is fitted to reduce the muzzle signature. A quick-detachable bipod is clamped to the barrel when required.

Variants

An export version called the QBU-97A or Type 97 is also produced and marketed for security forces of other foreign countries, and is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO.{{Cite web |date=2016-06-28 |title=百步穿杨：盘点六款国产狙击步枪 |url=http://www.xinhuanet.com/mil/2016-06/28/c_129094014.htm |website=Xinhua}}

Instead of STANAG magazines, a modified version of QBU-88 magazine is used to feed the rounds – and STANAG magazines will not work unless modified.{{Citation needed|date=May 2025}}

The QBU-97A has recently been sighted under the designation NQU03, though it is unknown if the two differentiate in any way aside from name.{{Cn|date=July 2021}}

Users

See also

References

{{reflist}}{{Norinco|state=expanded}}

{{Modern Chinese Infantry Weapons}}

{{Bullpup firearms|state=collapsed}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

Category:Semi-automatic rifles

Category:Sniper rifles of the People's Republic of China

Category:Bullpup rifles

Category:5.8 mm firearms

Category:Designated marksman rifles

Category:Norinco