QBU-88
First Appearance: Terrorcota (Stone Soldiers #8)
Description: Designated Marksman Rifle of the People's Liberation Army (China)
History: Sometimes referred to as the Type 88, the QBU-88 was one of the first of a new generation of modern small arms adopted by the Chinese Army in 1997. Often mistaken for a sniper rifle, the QBU-88 is intended for aimed semi-automatic fire (in proprietary 5.8x42mm ammunition) at targets beyond standard infantry rifle ranges.
Capabilities: Designed for the steel-core DBP87 cartridge, the QBU-88 can also fire standard rifle ammunition, such as used in the QBZ-95. The gas-operated, rotating bolt rifle has an effective range of 400-800 meters (as compared to the US Army M4's 500m range) and features a 10-round detachable box magazine. 88s come with iron sights but can accept optical sights. The rifle has an optional, detachable bipod for increased stability during firing. The QBu-88 weighs 4.1 kg (or 9 pounds).
Author's Notes: Being a fan of gunfu, it is incredibly difficult for me to resist the urge to go into excruciating detail about the many military weapons seen throughout the Stone Soldiers series. Usually, I forge on, maintaining the breakneck speed of action rather than mire the reader in technical specs. However, I do read an awful lot about weaponry before I utilize it in a story. For the QBU-88, I envisioned this as being the standard longarm of General Zou's elite force that invaded Colorado. Other rifles from the PLA's inventory obviously would have made it along as well but I like to think this was the most common...
Capabilities: Designed for the steel-core DBP87 cartridge, the QBU-88 can also fire standard rifle ammunition, such as used in the QBZ-95. The gas-operated, rotating bolt rifle has an effective range of 400-800 meters (as compared to the US Army M4's 500m range) and features a 10-round detachable box magazine. 88s come with iron sights but can accept optical sights. The rifle has an optional, detachable bipod for increased stability during firing. The QBu-88 weighs 4.1 kg (or 9 pounds).
Author's Notes: Being a fan of gunfu, it is incredibly difficult for me to resist the urge to go into excruciating detail about the many military weapons seen throughout the Stone Soldiers series. Usually, I forge on, maintaining the breakneck speed of action rather than mire the reader in technical specs. However, I do read an awful lot about weaponry before I utilize it in a story. For the QBU-88, I envisioned this as being the standard longarm of General Zou's elite force that invaded Colorado. Other rifles from the PLA's inventory obviously would have made it along as well but I like to think this was the most common...
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