Performance and Specifications of the Chinese Sniper Rifle QBU-88

 The QBU-88 is a semi-automatic sniper rifle that was designed and manufactured by the Chinese company Norinco. It was first introduced in the late 1980s and has since become one of the primary sniper rifles used by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) of China. In this article, we will discuss the history and performance of the QBU-88.

History:

The development of the QBU-88 began in the mid-1980s, with the goal of creating a new semi-automatic sniper rifle for the PLA. The rifle was designed to be chambered for the 5.8×42mm DBP87 cartridge, which was also being developed at the time. The DBP87 cartridge was specifically designed for the QBU-88, and it is said to have better penetration and accuracy than the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge.

The QBU-88 was first publicly unveiled in 1989, during the National Day parade in Beijing. It was officially adopted by the PLA in 1997, and it has since become one of the most widely used sniper rifles in the Chinese military.

Design:

The QBU-88 is a gas-operated, semi-automatic sniper rifle that fires the 5.8×42mm DBP87 cartridge. It has a bullpup design, which means that the magazine is located behind the trigger group. This allows for a shorter overall length, while still maintaining a full-length barrel.

The rifle has a built-in bipod and a detachable suppressor. It also features a Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver, which allows for the mounting of various optics and other accessories.

Performance:

The QBU-88 is known for its high accuracy and reliability. It has an effective range of up to 800 meters, and it is capable of firing up to 10 rounds per minute. The rifle also has a low recoil, which allows for faster follow-up shots.

The DBP87 cartridge used by the QBU-88 is said to have better penetration and accuracy than the 7.62×51mm NATO cartridge. It has a muzzle velocity of 940 m/s and a maximum effective range of around 800 meters.

The rifle is also designed to be highly adaptable. It can be equipped with a wide range of optics and other accessories, such as laser sights and night vision scopes. This allows the shooter to customize the rifle to their specific needs and mission requirements.

In addition to its use by the PLA, the QBU-88 has also been exported to several other countries, including Bolivia and Sudan.

Conclusion:

The QBU-88 is a highly accurate and reliable semi-automatic sniper rifle that has become one of the primary sniper rifles used by the PLA. Its bullpup design and high adaptability make it a versatile weapon that can be customized to fit a wide range of mission requirements. With its high accuracy and low recoil, it is a formidable weapon that is capable of taking out targets at long range.