Type 03

QBZ-03 is a recently designed Chinese selective fire assault rifle released in 2003, designed to be compatible with the Chinese 5.8x42mm intermediate rifle cartridge, this rifle is often addressed as Type 03 reflecting the year that it entered service. Type 03 is not a new standard service rifle to replace the Type 95, but various detachments of People's Liberation Army are starting to equip Type 03, such as the People's Armed Police, marines and air force Paratroopers. While the standard service rifle Type 95 has a bullpup design, Type 03 is a conventional layout rifle, utilizes the short-stroke gas-piston rotating bolt operating mechanism derived from the previous Chinese made Type 81 assault rifle. Type 03 boasts a higher cyclic rate of fire than Type 95, around 700-750 rounds per minute, effective firing range is around 400-500 metres, aiming relies on the fixed Type 56 style front sight coupled with a flip-up diopter rear sight, other than iron sights, a scope rail is available for mounting optics. The rifle itself is fed with Type 95's 30-round capacity 5.8mm magazine and it is likely compatible with the 75-round capacity drum magazine.