QBU-88

QBU-88 sniper rifle, withdetachable bipod and telescope sight.
QBU-88 sniper rifle, withdetachable bipod and telescope sight.

 

QBU-88 sniper rifle, less accessories; note that iron sights are folded.
QBU-88 sniper rifle, less accessories; note that iron sights are folded.

 

QBU-88 sniper rifle, disassembled.
QBU-88 sniper rifle, disassembled.

 

Caliber: 5.8×42 Chinese, special sniper/MG loading
Operation: gas operated, rotating bolt
Barrel: 620 mm
Weight: 4.1 kg
Length: 920 mm
Feed Mechanism: 10 rounds detachable box magazine
Effective range: up to 800 meters

 

The QBU-88 rifle (also sometimesreferred to as Type 88 rifle) was the first weapon of the newest generation ofChinese small arms, chambered for proprietary 5.8x42mm ammunition. Adopted inthe late 1980s, the QBU-88 is, by the modern sense, not a true sniperrifle – it is more of designated marksman rifle, intended for aimedsemiautomatic fire at ranges beyond the capabilities of standard infantry assaultrifles. The rifle is intended for rough military use, so it is fitted withadjustable iron sights by default, and could be equipped with 4X magnificationtelescope sight or with night sight. QBU-88 rifle is optimized for a specialheavy loading of 5.8×42 cartridge, with longer streamlined bullet with steelcore, but, apparently, can also fire standard 5.8mm ammunition, intended for the QBZ-95 assault rifles. At the present time theQBU-88 rifle is in service with PLA and Chinese police forces.

The QBU-88rifle is a gas operated, semiautomatic rifle. It utilizes a short stroke gaspiston, located above the barrel, and three-lug rotating bolt. Action is mountedin the compact steel receiver, and enclosed into the polymer bullpup-typehousing. The safety switch is located at the bottom of the receiver, just behindthe magazine opening. QBU-88 rifle is equipped with open, diopter typeadjustable sights, mounted on folding posts; it also has a short rail which canaccept telescope or night sight mounts. Long barrel is apparently notfree-floated, and is fitted with flash hider. Quick-detachable bipod is clampedto the barrel when required.