China’s New Assault Rifle – The QBZ-191
The QBZ-191 assault rifle, a pivotal development in modern warfare, was officially showcased during the 70th-anniversary parade of the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1st, 2019. The strategic importance of this new 191 family of weapon systems, which began developing in 2014-2015, cannot be overstated. The creation of improved ammunition, designated as DBP-191, marked the second attempt to replace the QBZ-95, following the first attempt with the QBZ-03, representing a departure from the bullpup design. The general dissatisfaction with the previous generation of 5.8mm weapons and ammunition prompted another effort to replace the QBZ-95 and enhance its lethality.
The QBZ-191 assault rifle, designed to meet new requirements, showcases a modern design with a traditional layout, contrasting with the more compact bullpup configuration used in the QBZ-95 family. This adaptability to different layouts facilitates better attachment of modern accessories as China continues to build and modernize its military, making the QBZ-191 a versatile weapon system.
The 5.8x42mm DBP-191 ammunition developed for this rifle lacks publicly available data regarding projectile weight or muzzle velocity. However, it appears to utilize brass cases rather than the previous generations’ steel, copper-washed, or lacquer-coated ammunition. Data exists on earlier 5.8 ammunition types: the DBP-87/95 features a 64-grain (4.15g) projectile for the assault rifle. At the same time, the DBP-88 has a 77-grain (5g) projectile designed for the light machine gun and designated sharpshooter rifle. The most recent development, the DBP-10 in 2010, introduced a universal round with a 71-grain (4.6g) projectile, intended to enhance performance for the QBZ-95-1, and advertised a muzzle velocity ranging from 2900 to 3100 feet per second (870 to 930 meters per second). An even newer cartridge called the DBP-141 has shown up with even less publicly available information; all we know currently is it is intended for the QBU-191 DMR.
While we do not have the barrel twist rate data for the QBZ-191, we can examine previous generations’ projectile weights. The QBZ-95 is said to have a 255mm (9.6-inch) twist rate to stabilize the 64-grain projectile, while the QBU-88 has a 206mm (8.1-inch) twist rate for stabilizing the 77-grain projectiles.
The QBZ-191 family of weapon systems consists of three types of firearms: a short-barreled carbine called the QBZ-192, featuring a 266 mm (10.5-inch) barrel; a standard assault rifle designated as QBZ-191, which has a 368 mm (14.5-inch) barrel; and a designated marksman rifle (DMR) called QBU-191, equipped with a 550 mm heavy profile barrel. The DMR is designed for selective fire and serves as a dual-purpose squad support weapon, allowing designated shooters to provide limited suppression fire based on magazine capacity. Continuous use of full-auto fire could reduce the DMR’s effectiveness over time.
The QBZ-191 weapon system employs a short-stroke gas system controlled by a three-position gas regulator. It features a rotating bolt with four large locking lugs and helical locking surfaces, like the locking mechanism on AK-type rifles. The bolt carrier is equipped with a cam-in locking mechanism and an anti-pre-engagement lever, which is visible on the top of the bolt carrier and engages with a steel trip on the receiver. Additionally, the system has an elongated cam track that allows the bolt to remain locked for a more extended period, ensuring that the pressure in the barrel decreases to safe levels before unlocking. The QBZ-191’s stated rate of fire is high, at 750 rounds per minute.
The upper and lower receivers are constructed from aluminum alloy and are connected by two cross-takedown pins, like those found on AR-style rifles. The bolt charging handle is located on the right side of the weapon and moves within a dedicated track beneath the ejection port, which features a brass deflector. A bolt release mechanism is attached to the left side of the lower receiver. A fixed AK-type ejector is riveted to the left side of the receiver, making it easy to manufacture and replace.
The magazine design includes a bolt-hold-open follower that protrudes into the magazine’s spine to engage the bolt-hold-open lever. However, there is no manual way to lock the bolt to the rear; it functions as a bolt catch activated by the magazine follower or released manually. Additionally, the magazine employs a rock-and-lock design like previous weapon generations. A buffer tube contains the main spring, with a buffer assembly that acts as an anti-bounce device for the bolt carrier.
The fire control group is inspired by the Kalashnikov design and features selector positions for safe, full auto, and semi-auto firing. This configuration allows soldiers, particularly in high-stress situations, to swipe the selector until it stops safely, inadvertently placing it in semi-auto mode. One click-up will enable full-auto fire if full-auto is desired, which is consistent with the AK design. The fire control group is designed to be a drop-in self-contained unit.
The rifle extensively uses polymer materials, including a polymer pistol grip that houses a weapon cleaning kit and a polymer shoulder stock with four adjustable positions in a telescoping design. The QBZ-191 rifle has a rear rotary aperture sight set for different ranges and a hooded folding front sight attached to the removable handguard. This handguard dovetails with the gas block when reinstalled for maintenance.
An integrated M1913 Picatinny rail is provided on the top of the handguard and receiver, allowing for the attachment of various optical sights and accessories. Most QBZ-191 rifles are reportedly issued with a 3X fixed-power sight, while designated sharpshooter rifles (DMRs) are issued with an 8.6X variable power telescope sight. The 3X QMK-152 model includes a built-in bullet drop compensator effective out to 800 meters.
As we approach the new 6mm revolution, the 5.8×42 cartridge can still compete effectively with the 6.8×51, depending on the range of engagement. The 5.8×42 is an intermediate cartridge that performs well in traditional infantry combat engagement ranges. Enhancing the existing caliber rather than reverting to a full-power rifle cartridge increases the weapon’s lethality while maintaining a lightweight system and an appropriate combat ammunition loadout.
On paper, the QBZ-191 shows significant promise and design improvements that justify replacing the QBZ-95. This weapon system’s potential is high, and we eagerly anticipate its accuracy, reliability, and durability performance. The expected service life of the weapon and its barrel remains unknown. I hope the situation in the Indo-Pacific theater does not escalate, but it could provide valuable insight into China’s weapon capabilities if it does.