QBU-88 [Type 88] sniper / designated marksman rifle (PR China)

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

QBU-88 sniper rifle, disassembled

Caliber: 5.8x42 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 sometimes referred to as Type 88 rifle) was the first weapon of the newest generation of Chinese small arms, chambered for proprietary 5.8x42mm ammunition. Adopted in the late 1980s, the QBU-88 is, by the modern sense, not a true sniper rifle - it is more of designated marksman rifle, intended for aimed semiautomatic fire at ranges beyond the capabilities of standard infantry assault rifles. The rifle is intended for rough military use, so it is fitted with adjustable iron sights by default, and could be equipped with 4X magnification telescope sight or with night sight. QBU-88 rifle is optimized for a special heavy loading of 5.8x42 cartridge, with longer streamlined bullet with steel core, but, apparently, can also fire standard 5.8mm ammunition, intended for the QBZ-95 assault rifles. At the present time the QBU-88 rifle is in service with PLA and Chinese police forces.

The QBU-88 rifle is a gas operated, semiautomatic rifle. It utilizes a short stroke gas piston, located above the barrel, and three-lug rotating bolt. Action is mounted in the compact steel receiver, and enclosed into the polymer bullpup-type housing. The safety switch is located at the bottom of the receiver, just behind the magazine opening. QBU-88 rifle is equipped with open, diopter type adjustable sights, mounted on folding posts; it also has a short rail which can accept telescope or night sight mounts. Long barrel is apparently not free-floated, and is fitted with flash hider. Quick-detachable bipod is clamped to the barrel when required.

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