Zijiang M99 (Type 99) AMR

History

The Chinese Army and Marine Corps services added the Zijiang M99 Anti-Material Rifle (AMR) to their inventory around 2005. The heavy weapon is a semi-automatic system firing 12.7x108mm Soviet cartridges from a 5-round detachable magazine.

Although it has been in circulation for over a decade, the qualities of this rifle were not well known in the West until recently due to its presence in Free Syrian Army units during the long Syrian civil war (since 2011).

The M99 is based on direct impact gas operation (with a twist-lock breech), unlike the classic American AR-15/M16 rifles. The gas cylinder sits on top of the barrel assembly and taps the barrel near the midpoint of the barrel. The muzzle end of the barrel is fitted with a massive multi-port brake to counteract the violent recoil effect inherent in firing such a large and powerful cartridge. There are few details of the receiver, the ejection port is located on the right side as usual. Behind the magazine well is the pistol grip/trigger assembly area.

The shoulder rest has a padded surface for customizable comfort for the shooter. A section of rail sits above the receiver and accepts various optical adjustments. Under the barrel and in front of the magazine well is a bipod assembly that folds up for transport/carrying.

The total weight of the weapon is 26 lbs. The overall length is 58 inches and the barrel is 31.5 inches. Muzzle velocity is listed as 2,625 feet per second. The maximum range is up to 1,500 meters.

There are also two recognized forms of M99 - M99-II and M06. The former is said to be for Americans. 50 BMG cartridge, which is a unique bullpup, drum version of the M99. How many of these two models have been produced so far (2016) is unknown.

The M99 is manufactured by Zijiang Machinery Company (Arsenal 9656), named after the nearby Zijiang River. The plant has been operating since 1965.

Specification

Roles

Dimensions

Performance

Changes