Data Quality82%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the assault rifles category.
01 / Overview
QBZ-03
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
2003–
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
ASSAULT RIFLES · POST-COLD WAR
26
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
80
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the assault rifles category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
- First Production Year2003
- Service Entry Year2003
- DesignerNorinco
- Weight (Empty)3.5 kg
- Currently In ServiceYes
- Notable UsersPeople's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police, United Wa State Army
◈Cartridge & Calibre6MOD.6
- Cartridge5.8×42mm DBP87; 5.56×45mm NATO
- Calibre5.8 mm
- Case Length42 mm
- Calibre Classintermediate
- RimfireNo
- Caseless AmmunitionNo
▣Operation6MOD.6
- Action TypeGas-Operated
- Fire Modesselective fire
- Select FireYes
- Feed SystemDetachable Magazine
- Magazine Capacity30
- Cyclic Rate of Fire700
◇Ballistics2MOD.2
- Muzzle Velocity930 m/s
- Effective Range (point)500 m
◆Barrel & Sights3MOD.3
- Barrel Length440 mm
- Sight TypeFixed Type 56 style front sight, flip-up diopter rear sight
- Iron SightsYes
▤Construction3MOD.3
- Folding / Collapsing StockYes
- Bullpup LayoutNo
- Modularityquad-rail hand guard
⬢Features2MOD.2
▲Production & Cost2MOD.2
- Production Start2003
- Variants3
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 2003Production started
23
years in service
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
ASSAULT RIFLES RANKING Assault Rifles · Post-Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
78ASSAULT RIFLES26POST-COLD WAR · ASSAULT RIFLES76PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA · ALL WEAPONS141PERFORMANCE/PRICE · ASSAULT RIFLES
ⓘ Rankings are within theAssault Riflescategory.
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE7terms
A firearm feed system where ammunition is stored in a separate container (magazine) that can be removed and replaced, enabling rapid reloading.
A firearm stock that can be folded or collapsed to reduce overall length for storage or transport.
Firearm action type where expanding gas from a fired cartridge cycles the mechanism, typically via a piston or direct impingement.
Uses high-pressure gas to cycle the action, rather than recoil energy.
A pistol feature allowing it to fire grenades or projectile rounds.
Adjustable metal aiming devices on firearms, consisting of a front post and rear notch, used without magnification.
Select fire is a fire selector mechanism on a firearm that lets the shooter choose the firing mode, such as semi‑automatic, burst, or fully automatic.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources