I suspect the 400m range is based off estimates from the legacy QBZ95. That’s why I gave a range. The QBZ95 was officially listed at an effective range of 400m with the QBZ95B of 300m. Optics would probably improve that if of quality and with training out to 500m and 400m respectively assuming ammo makes up for velocity lost by shorter barrel.
Truth is the number is based on doctrine more than anything else. Put a great shooter with even irons behind an M4A1. A guy who knows his dope by heart. He can hit targets at 800m.
I suspect the same would be true for the QBZ191. It’s kinda like EPA estimates on a car. In the right circumstances you are going to get better than estimates in others worse. The question is is the estimate more optimistic or conservative. 400-500 meters is basically where it should sit assuming trained infantry and not a Captain China super soldier.
Do we have official info listing an effective range of 400m for the QBZ95? I admit I didn't keep track of it that closely, but 400m for 95 seems just to be the uncited number on wikipedia. I'm not sure if official manufacturer or PLA disclosures have given us 400m.
Note, I'm not saying 400m is impossible for either 95 or 191, just that the question about them being 400m vs 500m for M4A1, if they're interpreted as effective range under "equal conditions" is a fair one to ask given the relatively similar parameters of the respective weapons (intermediate caliber, similar barrel lengths for 191 rifle vs M4 etc).
I suspect that a 400-500m effective "normal" range for these rifles would all be close to the truth.