Special Report

Range Rankings of Chinese Military Small Arms

24/7 Wall St. Staff

Published: February 17, 2024 10:30 am

In recent decades, the Chinese military, also known as the People’s Liberation Army, has made significant advancements in both technology and weaponry. Their aircraft and naval vessels have been upgraded with state-of-the-art features and Chinese small arms have undergone major improvements, greatly increasing their range and performance capabilities.

An escalation in China’s global military strength is due in no small part to the fact that they manufacture most of their own small arms. This self-sufficiency in arms production, along with advanced technology, gives them a distinct advantage over many nations.

In identifying China’s longest range small arms that are currently in service, we reviewed Chinese small arms cataloged by Military Factory, an online database of military vehicles, aircraft, arms, and more. These arms are ranked according to their maximum effective range. Supplemental data on each rifle’s first year of service, action, caliber, cartridge, and feed of the ammunition also came from Military Factory.

The majority of these guns are produced by Chinese arms manufacturers, primarily China North Industries Corporation. While these firearms are produced domestically, they utilize a diverse range of ammunition sourced from both domestic and international suppliers, including NATO and Russian rounds. 

Developed by NORINCO and compatible with 5.8x42mm and 5.56x45mm rounds, the QBU-88 has been integral to the PLA’s sniper units since its introduction in the late 1980s. Representing China’s advancements in long-range precision shooting during the Cold War era, this sniper rifle boasts a maximum effective range of 2,624 feet. Despite its age, the QBU-88 incorporates contemporary features like a bullpup design and a detachable magazine. 

Another small arm with impressive range is the QBZ-95 rifle. Initially designed as an assault rifle, it is capable of precise targeting at distances of up to 1,312 feet. Introduced to the PLA in 1997, this selective-fire weapon is chambered for 5.56x45mm NATO rounds. Apart from its service in the PLA, different versions of this gun have been used by special forces units across Southeast Asia.

Developed as a domestic precision rifle, the CS/LR4 was created to extend the PLA’s sniper capabilities for longer distances. Originally designed in 2008, it wasn’t until 2012 that it became operational. It is chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. Having a maximum effective range exceeding 3,600 feet, the CS/LR4 has become part of the Chinese arsenal as the next generation of sniper rifles. NORINCO manufactures this sniper rifle and many others on this list.

Here are the range rankings of Chinese military small arms: 

43. Hawk Industries Type 97

Source: DieSonneUnsLach / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 130 ft.
• Type: Semi-automatic shotgun
• Year introduced: 1997
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 12-gauge, 5-round internal tubular magazine
• Action: Manual pump action or gas-operated semi-automatic

42. Ceska Zbrojovka vz. 75 (CZ75 / Phantom)

Source: Twiek / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
• Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
• Year introduced: 1976
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 12- to 20-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Semi-automatic; short recoil

41. Makarov PM

Source: Agazoo / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
• Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
• Year introduced: 1951
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x18mm Makarov, 8-, 10-, or 12-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Blowback

40. NORINCO QSZ-92

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 164 ft.
• Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
• Year introduced: 1998
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 15- or 20-round box magazine
• Action: Short-recoil; rotating barrel lock; locked breech

39. CSIG QX-04 (CS/LP6)

Source: Feng Li / Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
• Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
• Year introduced: 2011
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x19mm Parabellum; .45 ACP; 7.62x25mm Tokarev, 15-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Semi-automatic; blowback

38. NORINCO QSW-06 (Weisheng Shou Qiang)

Source: Spondylolithesis / Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
• Type: Suppressed semi-automatic pistol
• Year introduced: 2006
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x21mm (subsonic), 20-round, double-stacked detachable box magazine
• Action: Short-recoil; locked breech

37. NORINCO Type 77

Source: blightylad-infocus / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 165 ft.
• Type: Semi-automatic service pistol
• Year introduced: 1981
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 9- or 15-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Semi-automatic; blowback

36. CSIG JS 9mm

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 410 ft.
• Type: Silenced submachine gun
• Year introduced: 2006
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 20- or 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Blowback; open-bolt

35. FB PM-63 RAK (Reczny Automati Komandosow)

Source: Anna Klis / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 492 ft.
• Type: Submachine gun
• Year introduced: 1965
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x18mm Makarov; 9x19mm Parabellum; 7.62x25mm Tokarev, 15- or 25-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Straight blowback; select-fire

34. NORINCO Type 64

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 500 ft.
• Type: Suppressed submachine gun
• Year introduced: 1966
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x25mm, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Blowback; select-fire

33. NORINCO Type 69

Source: Rhk111 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 655 ft.
• Type: Rocket-propelled grenade launcher
• Year introduced: 1970
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 40mm, Single-shot; reusable launcher
• Action: Single-shot; reusable

32. NORINCO Type 79

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 656 ft.
• Type: Submachine gun
• Year introduced: 1981
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x25mm Tokarev, 20-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt

31. NORINCO Type 85

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 656 ft.
• Type: Submachine gun
• Year introduced: 1985
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x25mm, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Open-bolt; blowback

30. Chongquing Changfeng CF-05

Source: sodaigomi / Flickr

• Maximum effective range: 660 ft.
• Type: Compact submachine gun
• Year introduced: 1995
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 9x19mm Parabellum, 50-round helical magazine
• Action: Blowback

29. NORINCO Type 81

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 920 ft.
• Type: Light machine gun
• Year introduced: 1983
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x39mm, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Short-stroke gas piston; rotating belt; selective-fire

28. CSIG QCW-05 (Type 05 SSMG)

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 985 ft.
• Type: Suppressed submachine gun
• Year introduced: 2005
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x21mm (DAP-02 /DCV-05), 50-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Blowback; open-bolt; selective-fire

27. GP-25 / GP-30 GL

Source: Сандалов Сергей / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 1,312 ft.
• Type: Muzzle-loaded grenade launcher
• Year introduced: 1978
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 40mm caseless, single-shot, reusable
• Action: Muzzle-loaded; single-shot

26. NORINCO QBZ-95

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 1,312 ft.
• Type: Assault rifle
• Year introduced: 1997
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.56x45mm NATO; 5.8x42mm, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt

25. NORINCO QBZ-191

Source: Dan3031949 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 1,315 ft.
• Type: Modular assault rifle
• Year introduced: 2019
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x42mm DBP-191, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-operated;short-stroke piston; selective-fire

24. NORINCO QBZ-03

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 1,475 ft.
• Type: Assault rifle
• Year introduced: 2003
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x42mm DBP87; 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt system; selective-fire

23. NORINCO Type 56

Source: ATF.gov, an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 1,640 ft.
• Type: Assault rifle
• Year introduced: 1956
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x39mm Soviet, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-actuated; rotating bolt; selective-fire

22. NORINCO QLZ87

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 2,000 ft.
• Type: Automatic grenade launcher
• Year introduced: 1987
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 35x32mm, 6- or 15-round drum magazine
• Action: Gas-operated; direct impingement

21. NORINCO QBB-95

Source: tcly / iStock via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 2,300 ft.
• Type: Light machine gun
• Year introduced: 1997
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x42mm DBP87; 5.56x45mm NATO, 30-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt; selective-fire

20. NORINCO QBU-88

Source: 101561334@N08 / Flickr

• Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
• Type: Sniper rifle
• Year introduced: 1988
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x42mm; 5.56x45mm, 10-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Gas-operated; rotating bolt

19. RP-46

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 2,624 ft.
• Type: General purpose machine gun
• Year introduced: 1946
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x54mmR, 50-round belt
• Action: Gas-operated

18. Hua Qing Minigun

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.
• Type: Gatling-type battlefield support weapon
• Year introduced: 2009
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x54mmR, Belt-fed
• Action: Electrically-driven; rotating barrels

17. NORINCO NSG-85

Source: Carl Court / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 2,625 ft.
• Type: Designated marksman rifle / semi-automatic sniper rifle
• Year introduced: 2014
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x54mmR, 10-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Semi-automatic; gas-operated; rotating bolt

16. SPG-9 Kopye (Spear)

Source: Kolpag / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 2,630 ft.
• Type: Recoilless rifle
• Year introduced: 1962
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 73mm, Single-shot; reusable launcher
• Action: Breech-loaded; recoilless; smoothbore

15. NORINCO Type 67

Source: Kevin Frayer / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 2,952 ft.
• Type: Light machine gun
• Year introduced: 1967
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x54mmR, 100- or 250-round metal belt
• Action: Gas-operated; automatic; belt-fed; air-cooled

14. NORINCO QJY-88

Source: Tyg728 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 2,955 ft.
• Type: General purpose machine gun
• Year introduced: 1999
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 5.8x42mm HV, 100- or 200-round box
• Action: Gas-operated; belt-fed; automatic fire

13. NORINCO CS/LR4 (QBU-202/NSG-1)

Source: Rhk111 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 3,610 ft.
• Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
• Year introduced: 2012
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester, 5-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Manually-actuated bolt-action system

12. NORINCO Type 80

Source: Lintao Zhang / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 4,920 ft.
• Type: General purpose machine gun
• Year introduced: 1983
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x54mmR, 100-, 200- or 250-round ammunition belt
• Action: Gas-operated; open-bolt; full-automatic fire; belt-fed

11. ORSIS T-5000

Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 4,920 ft.
• Type: Bolt-action sniper rifle
• Year introduced: 2011
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 7.62x51mm NATO, .308 Winchester Magnum; .338 Lapua Magnum, 5-round detachable box magazine
• Action: Manually-actuated bolt-action system

10. SA-7 (Grail) / 9K32 Strela-2

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 4,921 ft.
• Type: Man-portable SAM system
• Year introduced: 1968
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 72mm, Single-shot; reusable launcher
• Action: Heat sensitive anti-aircraft missile system

9. KBP AGS-17 Plamya

Source: George Shuklin / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 5,741 ft.
• Type: Automatic grenade launcher
• Year introduced: 1970
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 30x19mm, 30-round belted drum magazine
• Action: Blowback; automatic fire

8. Type 98 (PF-98)

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 5,905 ft.
• Type: Anti-tank rocket launcher
• Year introduced: 1998
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 120mm, Single-shot
• Action: Single-shot; reusable launch tube

7. DShK Model 1938

Source: 101561334@N08 / Flickr

• Maximum effective range: 6,500 ft.
• Type: Heavy machine gun
• Year introduced: 1938
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 12.7x108mm Soviet, 50-round belt
• Action: Gas-operated; belt-fed

6. NORINCO Type 77 HMG

Source: Public Domain / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 6,500 ft.
• Type: Heavy machine gun
• Year introduced: 1977
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 12.7x108mm, 60-round metal link belt
• Action: Gas- / recoil-operated; automatic fire

5. NORINCO W-85 (QJC-88)

Source: Vitaly V. Kuzmin / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 6,500 ft.
• Type: Heavy machine gun
• Year introduced: 1985
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 12.7x108mm Soviet, Belt-fed
• Action: Gas-operated; belt-fed; air-cooled; full-automatic fire only

4. NORINCO HJ-73 (Red Arrow-73)

Source: barsik / iStock via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 9,845 ft.
• Type: Anti-tank guided missile
• Year introduced: 1979
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 125mm, Single-shot; reusable launcher
• Action: Single-shot; reusable launch tube

3. GAM-10X

Source: Kevin Frayer / Getty Images News via Getty Images

• Maximum effective range: 13,125 ft.
• Type: Anti-tank guided missile
• Year introduced: 2016
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 127mm, Single-shot, reusable launch tube
• Action: Tube-launched, reusable

2. NORINCO HJ-8 (Honhjian-8)

Source: Chamal Pathirana / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 14,760 ft.
• Type: Anti-tank guided missile
• Year introduced: 1985
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 120mm, Single-shot, reusable launch tube
• Action: SACLOS wire-guided; solid-fuel rocket

1. Type 87 (PP-87)

Source: Kerim44 / Wikimedia Commons

• Maximum effective range: 18,375 ft.
• Type: Infantry -level mortar system
• Year introduced: 1987
• Caliber/Cartridge/Feed: 82mm, Single-shot, reusable launch tube
• Action: Impact Ignition