Yes, in most type 97 test video on youtube ammo feed is the most troubling and frequent problem.
PLA Small arms
- Thread starter Vanguard1688
- Start date
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
Sorry new but this is the QBZ97 we are talking about which is the export version. The variants here are unlikely to be feed into the PLA
SinoSoldier
Colonel
Any idea which company produces these T97 mods?
MwRYum
Major
The latest is the QBZ-95-1 and that was "new" for a few years now. Nothing new since then.
Now, I wonder why the export variant still use the old design, not incorporate the improvements on the 95-1?
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
my money's is on cost, backlog, surplus and conversion.
The PLA likely received a significant number of QBZ 95 units before the change in production was implemented, with the redesign the PLA is likely moving as quickly as possible to phase in the improved models well phasing out the old one. Because of the alterations to the QBZ95 I technical data package It may be that simply converting the QBZ95 to the QBZ95 I spec is not realistic So Norinco would have to retool the production line. The PLA meantime is likely looking to complete phase out of older service rifles and the first generation QBZ 95's as fast as possible.
This means that Norinco is likely racing to produce QBZ95I's as fast as possible and ship them off to the PLA.
the PLA however is likely stuck with surplus QBZ95's that they have to get rid of so they send them back to Norinco.
Norinco wanting to get rid of them, I suspect is using the Surplus QBZ95's as the basis for the export line. They are likely taking the units inspecting them then rebuilding them into the QBZ97 or a civilian model and shipping to export.
Unless they suddenly receive a major production order of QBZ95I or demand for QBZ97I Norinco won't make the changes until they exhaust the back stock of gen 1 QBZ95's.
MwRYum
Major
Export market and domestic orders are 2 different animals.
Even with phasing out the "Gen 1" QBZ-95, that'd only mean handing down to rear-echlon formations such as local militias, reserves and border patrols, phasing out the Type-81 still in service there - mind you, even since its first adoption 20 years ago, the QBZ-95 series still ain't exactly winning over the PLA, thus they keeping the Type-03 as a plan-B of sort. Though the slow pace could very much be an economic issue, as well as the vast stock of 7.62mm M43...well they can't dump it to surplus market and import to the US now, y'know.
Also, modifications on QBZ-95-1 is extensive enough that the only shared componants are the bayonet, magazine and optical sight (using the same mount).
TerraN_EmpirE
Tyrant King
I agree that the I and first generation have a lower parts commonality, although there may still be some in smaller parts and components.
But the Gen 1 QBZ95 and the QBZ97 it seems to me should have a higher degree of parts share. The QBZ97 is only possible due to the fact that Norinco decided that it was not only possible to rechamber the QBZ95 from the 5.8x42 to the 5.56x45mm and that it was potentially profitable. In theory they could have done the same for the 5.45x39mm (I have always suspected that somewhere in a Filing cabinet is a QBZ96 blueprint featuring 5.45x39mm and a zero profit protection).
Norinco did not design the QBZ97 from a clean sheet. It was and is a rebuild of the QBZ95 with a modified lower and changes in springs bolt and barrel. This is not like a AR15 or AK where there are a tone of makers from all over the world and not every part is spec'd off the same spec these are weapons made by the same maker with same suppliers and assembled based off the same blueprints.
And as to relegation, the PLA is supposed to be shrinking and the barrels of the old ones will eventually wear out and need replacement.
But the Gen 1 QBZ95 and the QBZ97 it seems to me should have a higher degree of parts share. The QBZ97 is only possible due to the fact that Norinco decided that it was not only possible to rechamber the QBZ95 from the 5.8x42 to the 5.56x45mm and that it was potentially profitable. In theory they could have done the same for the 5.45x39mm (I have always suspected that somewhere in a Filing cabinet is a QBZ96 blueprint featuring 5.45x39mm and a zero profit protection).
Norinco did not design the QBZ97 from a clean sheet. It was and is a rebuild of the QBZ95 with a modified lower and changes in springs bolt and barrel. This is not like a AR15 or AK where there are a tone of makers from all over the world and not every part is spec'd off the same spec these are weapons made by the same maker with same suppliers and assembled based off the same blueprints.
And as to relegation, the PLA is supposed to be shrinking and the barrels of the old ones will eventually wear out and need replacement.
