Today we have some photos of China’s 5.8×42mm QBZ-03 rifle. The photo above posted on 81.cn, described as “the only news portal of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army approved by the central military commission.” The QBZ-03 was developed in the late 1990s and entered somewhat limited service in 2003 with some PLA units. It feeds from the same 5.8×42mm magazines as the bullpup QBZ-95.

Described as a gas operated with a rotating bolt, the QBZ has a two piece receiver polymer furniture and a side folding stock. Not believed to be in general service with the front line PLA it is often seen in the hands of the People’s Armed Police’s Border Defense Corps.

Below is a photograph of some members of the armed police of the Zhanzhou detatchment of the Anhui Provincial Corps training with their QBZ-03 rifle at the range. The appears to be learning how to sight their rifles as they still have orange muzzle flags in.

Trainee Border Guards of the People’s Armed Police’s Border Defense Corps training with the QBZ-03 rifle (PLA/81.cn)

Sources: 1 2

H/T: 21aar_show