Type 03/ QBZ-03 assault rifle

I am not sure about the accuracy of the PSG-1, but the SVD is widely considered as a Designated Marksman Rifle, meaning that it performs at it's best at ranges under 500yds. Not saying that it won't perform at longer ranges, just that it depends on the shooter and the type of ammo the sniper is shooting.

On the other hand, the U.S. Army's M-24 and USMC's M-40, even though only bolt action weapons, set standards for Sniper Rifle accuracy and reliability around the world. With 100 yard groups at about .50MOA or better as the standard, and the bulk of these rifles in the hands of exceptionally well trained scouts/snipers will group around .25MOA or better.

Now both the Army and USMC are looking at semi-auto weapons to replace the ageing M-21's(also sometimes considered a Designated Marksman Rifle), but they are still a long way off from replacing the tried and true bolt action weapons that all U.S. military Snipers are used to and quialified with.

sumdud said:

Well, the gun isn't the only accuracy factor, there's the bullet also. And for a semi-auto, the SVD isn't that bad (not saying it's good) either, as the other semi-auto, PSG-1 (Don't know M21), has a MOA of about 1, not exactly .50.

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The accuracy standard that all PSG-1's must meet is 50 rounds of match ammo into an 80mm (3.14") circle at 300m. (1 MOA). Keep in mind this is 50 rounds, not a 3 shot group.

I'm sure that those specs are debatable, because number one the performance of the rifle and cartridge varies among shooters and the type of load that is being fired, number two it varies greatly, the more a rifle is shot because the heating up of the bore and barrel will definately change the performance and consistancy of accuracy. Especially at longer ranges. And last but not least, none of us(outside of th PLA ofcourse) of have a PSG-1 available to us to verify any of these accuracy claims, so anything other than what the Chinese military claims as far as accuracy and reliability can only be considered speculation IMO.

MrClean said:

I'm sure that those specs are debatable, because number one the performance of the rifle and cartridge varies among shooters and the type of load that is being fired, number two it varies greatly, the more a rifle is shot because the heating up of the bore and barrel will definately change the performance and consistancy of accuracy. Especially at longer ranges. And last but not least, none of us(outside of th PLA ofcourse) of have a PSG-1 available to us to verify any of these accuracy claims, so anything other than what the Chinese military claims as far as accuracy and reliability can only be considered speculation IMO.

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No, they aren't, especially if the weapon has been in production and service all over the world. The PSG-1 is well known for performing to specifications, and HK is a well known manufacturer of weapons that perform.

Furthermore, unless you are shooting 400 rounds a minute with a sniper rifle, it will not heat up enough to change the accuracy of the weapon. Most sniper rifles will perform better broken in and slightly used than fresh out of the factory anyways.

source:

new picture of Type 03 in service with the coast guard. I'm guessing the rifle is at least in limited fieldings with the PAP, though I'm sure the army will use the Type 95 as its main assault rifle.

Caption: 列装03式5.8毫米新自动步枪的我军海防旅士兵 Google translate: Out with a new 5.8 mm-03 automatic rifle brigade of army soldiers Haiphong (supposed to be translated as coast guard).

A single unit receiver a la Type 81 with a modular shell attachment on top for modular adaptions, that should enable the best of both.

BTW, how does the M21 compare to the SVD?

two very different weapons built for differing concepts.

The M21 is heavy, most of the rifle is either wood or a fiberglass stock. uses the NATO 7.62x51mm round, it was Built from what was at the time a standard infantry rifle (M14 it's self based on the M1 Garand) refit to precision with tighter talernces and the addition of a 3-9 power scope. although Automatic it was mission specified to snipers and reintroduced in current conflicts as a DMR being even further modified by the Army and other services are also creating weapons of striking similarity based on M14's

the SDV is lighter was built from the start to function as a DMR needed way to extend the range of the Russian Infantry squad who's AK 47 weapons were built for closer fighting. it uses a much lighter body with either plastic or wood or metal handgaurd and light weight thumb hole stock . fires the Russian 7.62x54mm round mounts a 4x power sight that in many is closer to the ACOG found on most M16's then the scope on it's western equals. semiautomatic mounting a bayonet bares a more then passing resemblance to the AK, comes in a verity of variation intended to create a weapon for every Russian Soldier from a folding stock for para troopers to a bullpup

If the T03 is serving alongside with the T95 I would like to see the T03 have further modifications. Such as the rear notched aim sight being replaced with the rear aim sight such as the T95. Redesigned more stable stock then the flimsy plastic-rubber one right now. And a pictionary rail for possible attachments of sighs and for long durations attachements of a carrying handle.

I don't think Type 03 is serving alongside Type 95, but for the PAP only.

Three more pictures showing the Type 03 serving with PAP border guards in Northeast China. These are old, from a year ago:





Can anybody see my pictures? It seems I can only see them when logged in, so I just want to make sure.

I've seen pics of second line PLA troops with the Type 03, so it may very well see broader service.