MwRYum
Major
It's known that the PAP has "some" Chinese made M4A1 aka CQ-A, typically used when commonality with 5.56mm ammo (overseas competition or cross-training) is concern. That god-awful scope as shown in the photo is the clear give-away.
PLA Small arms
- Thread starter Vanguard1688
- Start date
Couldn't they just use the QBZ-03, it can be used in 5.56 NATO?
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
They could in theory. However three factors.
first the QBZ03 hasn’t been seen in large numbers in the 5.56x45mm configuration. Though they exist the Norinco AR15 is more common.
second, as a competitive rifle the AR15 is unmatched. Its design lends its self due to the lighter recoils and highly ergonomic controls. Even a bone stock no frills AR15 is a far better competition or home defense weapon than most of its competitors.
Third as the AR15 type is perhaps the second most common modern rifle globally as a combat rifle and probably the most common rifle for competition, it’s far easier to get into competition. No questions on finicky safety rules. Most commercial accessory should fit for modifying as long as Norinco stays within spec.
Also, as the comments in the video have noted, the person holding the rounds belt that feed the machine gun seems to be a foreigner. If so, that means that the mg might be exported.
Having already made a fool of myself earlier in this thread, I'm going to risk doing so again by opining: The PLA really should abandon the SMG at this point, at least as a front-line infantry weapon.
I believe the servicemen in the pictures you are referring to are People's Armed Police (PAP) not PLA judging by their camo pattern. I'd say that in the case of the PAP it would make sense to use SMG's.
Upon further review, I believe you are correct. Given my repeated displays of ignorance, I should simply swear off posting in this thread.
But first I'll revise my earlier statement to read: Assuming the PLA is still using the SMG as a front-line infantry weapon at this point, they really should stop doing so.