Foldable handguard but not a foldable stock. What a joke.
Look at the patent image. The barrel length is of the 14.5 inch version.
The stock of an AR15 style rifle from the back of the receiver to the end of the butt pad is roughly 11 inches compacted. So folding the stock you loose 10.5 inches of length. Folding the barrel you loose almost 15 itches of length.
In a military rifle the reason it can be made to fold is for transport. The AKS, paratrooper versions of any number of assault rifles have folding stocks to make them easier to stow for a jump often in a canvas bag. These bags are designed for the rifle they just need to be small enough to not encumber the jumper.
As time progressed the folding stock also became popular for soldier who are passengers in armored vehicles. This was also a common reason many armies moved to bullpups.
By shortening the barrel length and adding a collapsible stock the CAR15 and Later M4 series rifles achieved similar results as many rifles with folding stocks. The QBZ191 series was built clearly to emulate that.
Is this foldable design for real? Why does the QBZ have a buffer tube anyway? does the 5.8mm require a buffer tube for the recoil?
Well they could have gone buffer less. It’s clear the PLA wanted one. As far back as 2016 there were rumors and photos of what would become the Qbz191.
Buffer extensions help with recoil control and though it’s not necessary on an intermediate caliber or most battle rifle caliber weapons that doesn’t mean it’s not a selling point. Even the QBZ95 has a buffer mechanism.
yeah, but the AR (nor any rifle I'm aware of) folds like that in the middle. Looks kinda ridiculous!!
Or else the Chinese have come up with something original finally?
If it works is it really ridiculous?
as
@pikusharp1 points out the
FoldAR Mobetta CCR has a similar mechanism.
That QBZ-191 patent is obviously designed to allow it to be more compact while in a stowed/storage situation where minimizing space is important. I'm not sure what application it will necessarily have (we'd have to see the whole original patent for that), but I suspect it could have some utility as something like the GAU-5/A which is essentially an M4 that is designed to be able to be separated into two and have the grip folded as well, and located in the ejection seat, so fighter pilots have something rudimentary to defend themselves with if needed after ejection.
This folding QBZ-191 feels like it would be a similar concept, except they happen to have the barrel/handguard and receiver connected with a rotating joint/swivel rather than separated as two full different pieces like the GAU-5/A
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They might have to make changes to the rifle to squeeze it in such a package. The Gau-5A doesn’t just have the takedown latch but also the folding grip and a 12.5 inch barrel. This was to squeeze it into the 16x14x3.5 inch space they have in the ACES II escape bag which is 17x 15.75x 7.25 inch’s.
If FoldAr is our analog they make an SBR with a 12.5 inch barrel that is unfolded 28.25 inches long. Folded is 14.75 inches 4.25 inches across and 5.8 lbs. they list an option for a 14.5 inch but point out that the overall folded length would be 16 inches. Which if the Chinese escape kit container is the same size as ACES II would make it a bit tight (and That is assuming that the AR15 based dimensions match exactly to the QBZ191 dimensions. If the Stock was an inch or so longer then that’s out the window.) also would have to reconcile the pistol grip. I am not going to say much about the additional thickness because vs the GAU 5A it’s a bit of a wash the barrel assembly is laid with the rifle vs where they are laid on each other.
