A normal magpul stock wouldn't fit since the hole is circular while the QBZ is angled.
QBZ-191 service rifle family
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
It could just be a modified copy.
It simply is..looking for clues makes me blind.
Is there a reason why the Chinese went with the reciprocating charging handle like the AK and the buffer tube like a direct impingement AR? Strange combo isn't it? The buffer tube negates the advantage of a folding stock like AKs and other piston driven guns, while reciprocating charging is generally considered undesirable in modern guns, isn't that why FN got rid of their reciprocating charging handle after the public outcry from gun buyers?
Reciprocating handle -> Cheaper, more durable at the same weight, can be used as a forward assist
Buffer tube -> If everything else stay the same, it enables a longer BCG stroke. So it means less recoil in equal conditions.
Of course, there are ergonomic disadvantages with both choices. It is ultimately a choice.
Gotcha, thanks. Reciprocating being cheaper I get with the Chinese, they need to pump out millions of QBZs to arm the PLA. But a buffer tube on the piston drive gun? The SIG MCXs, AK, HK416 are piston guns with no buffer tube, is there actual data that shows the QBZ has significantly less recoil than these Western piston counterparts? I guess the 5.8mm packs a bigger recoil punch than the 5.56 and 5.45 necessitating a buffer tube?
I'm not sure I understand your argument. What's the correlation between a piston-driven chamber and a buffer tube? The point of a buffer tube is to reduce recoil and maybe that's all the reason for having one. The same argument can be made for why the AR-15 has a buffer tube yet the newest gun doesn't even though it uses a higher pressure round.
I wouldn't call it a necessity. After all there exist battle rifles with no buffer tubes. The MCX could be considered one such rifle too. I would say they had trialed both configurations and decided that the buffer tube worths it. The 5.8 mm being more powerful than other intermediate rounds probably contributed to this decision indeed.
Piston is a different matter. It is independent from if a buffer tube exists or not. The HK416 has both, for example. As of 2024 it looks like most militaries have reached the conclusion that short-stroke gas piston is the best compromise.
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The HK416 does have a buffer tube though.
The HK416 has a piston-driven impingement system that is above the barrel with an AR15 BCG. So the recoil spring still needs to be inside of the buffer tube while the recoil springs and piston systems of a MCX and AK are located in the upper receiver. They aren't the same.