Lexicon · China
QBZ-03
The QBZ-03 is China’s conventional-layout, folding-stock assault rifle developed alongside the bullpup Type 95 — issued to border, airborne and reserve troops, and exported to Myanmar.
A conventional-layout, folding-stock assault rifle chambered in China’s proprietary 5.8×42 mm, built alongside the bullpup Type 95 to give border, airborne and reserve units a classic ergonomic option.
Overview
The QBZ-03, commonly referred to as the Type 03, is a gas-operated, select-fire assault rifle manufactured by NORINCO for the People’s Liberation Army. It shares the bullpup QBZ-95’s 5.8×42 mm cartridge but adopts a conventional layout with a semi-skeletal side-folding stock — a configuration preferred by some airborne and border-patrol units. The rifle entered service in 2003 and remains in Chinese second-line, border, and reserve use, while also being exported to Myanmar and a handful of security forces.
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- Development
- Design & capabilities
- Variants
- Combat record / operational use
- Advantages
- Drawbacks / limitations
- Counterparts
- Outlook
- Key specifications
- Sources
- Analyst Section
- Procurement & contracts
- Suppliers & related companies
- Comparable systems — analyst view
- Analyst note