QBU-88

The QBU-88 (Type 88) sniper rifle is a sniper rifle deployed in small numbers by the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

History
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 5.8 x 42 mm 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 semi-automatic 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 5.8 x 42 mm cartridge, with a longer streamlined bullet with steel core, but apparently, can also fire standard 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.

Variants
An export version called the KBU-97A is also produced and marketed for security forces of other foreign countries. Unlike the QBU-88, this utilizes 5.56 × 45 mm NATO ammunition and feeds from STANAG magazines.

Features
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.