Chinese soldiers enhance their marksmanship and balance by training with rifles atop stability balls, emphasizing the PLA's focus on multi-dimensional fitness and precision marksmanship.
Military intelligence can be equal parts reporting what you don’t see in addition to reporting what you do.
Look at the featured photo above in today’s intel report; what’s missing? Hearing protection. It doesn’t appear that anyone is wearing hearing protection. Why might that be? And why are they standing on Bosa-type stability balls?
My guess is that this is notional training without life rounds. The goal here is to work out the fundamentals of breath control and alignment. They’d be asking for trouble if they were firing live rounds off of the Bosa balls.
The QBZ-191 Rifle
The QBZ-191 (Qīngwǔqī Bùqiāng Zìdòng, 191) is a Chinese assault rifle that represents a significant evolution in the modern small arms development of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It was first revealed to the public in 2019 during a military parade, signaling its adoption and future role within the PLA’s infantry units. The QBZ-191 is intended to replace the older QBZ-95 family of firearms. It represents a departure from the bullpup configuration of its predecessors, adopting a more conventional layout that aligns with global trends in small arms design.
Here are some key features and specifications of the QBZ-191:
Caliber and Ammunition: The rifle is chambered for the 5.8x42mm DBP10 cartridge, a caliber unique to China and designed to balance range, accuracy, and terminal performance.
Design: Unlike the bullpup QBZ-95, the QBZ-191 adopts a traditional rifle layout. This design choice is thought to improve ergonomics, ease of maintenance, and adaptability with various accessories and optics.
Barrel Lengths and Variants: The QBZ-191 is reported to come in different barrel lengths to suit various battlefield roles, including a standard rifle version and a shorter carbine model for operations requiring more compact and maneuverable weapons.
Fire Control and Optics: The rifle is equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, allowing for the attachment of a wide range of optics and sighting systems. It also features modular sections on the handguard for additional accessories.
Gas Operation System: It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system, a reliable and proven mechanism in many modern rifles that offers consistent performance under adverse conditions.
Polymer Components: To reduce weight and enhance soldier endurance, the QBZ-191 incorporates polymer in parts of its construction, such as the stock and handguard, without compromising durability.
Effective Firing Range: 400 m (1312.3 ft)
Rate of Fire: 750 rounds per minute
The QBZ-191 signifies China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities, reflecting an understanding of contemporary combat needs and the importance of interoperability with advanced military equipment and tactics. The adoption of this rifle also illustrates China’s self-reliance in arms manufacturing, which can produce a weapon system that meets the specific requirements of its armed forces.
Military intelligence can be equal parts reporting what you don’t see in addition to reporting what you do.
Look at the featured photo above in today’s intel report; what’s missing? Hearing protection. It doesn’t appear that anyone is wearing hearing protection. Why might that be? And why are they standing on Bosa-type stability balls?
My guess is that this is notional training without life rounds. The goal here is to work out the fundamentals of breath control and alignment. They’d be asking for trouble if they were firing live rounds off of the Bosa balls.
The QBZ-191 Rifle
The QBZ-191 (Qīngwǔqī Bùqiāng Zìdòng, 191) is a Chinese assault rifle that represents a significant evolution in the modern small arms development of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). It was first revealed to the public in 2019 during a military parade, signaling its adoption and future role within the PLA’s infantry units. The QBZ-191 is intended to replace the older QBZ-95 family of firearms. It represents a departure from the bullpup configuration of its predecessors, adopting a more conventional layout that aligns with global trends in small arms design.
Here are some key features and specifications of the QBZ-191:
Caliber and Ammunition: The rifle is chambered for the 5.8x42mm DBP10 cartridge, a caliber unique to China and designed to balance range, accuracy, and terminal performance.
Design: Unlike the bullpup QBZ-95, the QBZ-191 adopts a traditional rifle layout. This design choice is thought to improve ergonomics, ease of maintenance, and adaptability with various accessories and optics.
Barrel Lengths and Variants: The QBZ-191 is reported to come in different barrel lengths to suit various battlefield roles, including a standard rifle version and a shorter carbine model for operations requiring more compact and maneuverable weapons.
Fire Control and Optics: The rifle is equipped with a full-length Picatinny rail on top of the receiver, allowing for the attachment of a wide range of optics and sighting systems. It also features modular sections on the handguard for additional accessories.
Gas Operation System: It utilizes a short-stroke gas piston system, a reliable and proven mechanism in many modern rifles that offers consistent performance under adverse conditions.
Polymer Components: To reduce weight and enhance soldier endurance, the QBZ-191 incorporates polymer in parts of its construction, such as the stock and handguard, without compromising durability.
Effective Firing Range: 400 m (1312.3 ft)
Rate of Fire: 750 rounds per minute
The QBZ-191 signifies China’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities, reflecting an understanding of contemporary combat needs and the importance of interoperability with advanced military equipment and tactics. The adoption of this rifle also illustrates China’s self-reliance in arms manufacturing, which can produce a weapon system that meets the specific requirements of its armed forces.
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.