NORINCO Type CQ (CQ 5.56)

History

During the post-World War II period (i.e. the post-1945/1946 period), two infantry rifles gained prominence in both the East and the West. For the former, this became the classic Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifle, while for the latter it was the AR-15 based Colt M16 assault rifle.

Both are pneumatic weapon systems based on rotating bolt action, and both hold medium rifle cartridges, 7.62x39mm for the AK-47 and 5.56x45mm for the M16. The 5.56x45mm was eventually standardized by NATO as the preferred intermediate rifle cartridge. For the Chinese nation, who never shy away from producing a successful global product locally, both rifles are mass-producedwith or without a license. This is evidenced by the case of the ubiquitous M16, which became the "CQ type" made in China.

It is also known as "CQ 5.56".

The

Model CQ retains the general form and function of its American predecessor, chambered for a 5.56mm cartridge, fired from a pneumatic breech and fed from a detachable 20/30 round STANAG magazine. The rifle retains the carry handle above the receiver with a classic Vietnam War M16 look, rear receiver charging handle and ribbed handguard.

The lines of the shoulder straps have changed slightly, and the shape of the pistol grip has been significantly revised.

It is believed that the CQ model is only available to interested export customers who may wish to purchase a suitable western-leaning firearm at below market prices. Ultimately, two main versions were sold, one semi-automatic only (i.e. for the civilian market) and the other offering the fully automatic support common to military firearms. A shortened assault carbine was also eventually developed to broaden the product line, which became the "CQ 5. 56 Type A". Iran purchased a number of CQ models and later developed a local S-5 model.

56 "Sayyad" as a linear Iranian copy of the Chinese model.

Although seen as yet another Chinese imitation of a successful product, the CQ model is relatively ubiquitous around the world, with users from Afghanistan and Cambodia to Thailand and Yemen, both in a secondary security role and in the general military Frontline service. Even today, some guerrillas are still interested in using this rifle, and members of the Free Syrian Army and ISIS forces are known to do so.

Regardless, the CQ series appears to be a relatively successful replacement for the original M16.

Specification

BASIC

Years

1983

Origins

China

Categories

Assault Rifle

Manufacturer

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) China

Operators

Afghanistan; Cambodia; China; Djibouti; Ghana; Iran; Libya; Malaysia; Myanmar; North Korea; Paraguay; Philippines; Senegal; South Sudan; Sudan; Syria; Thailand; Yemen

Roles

Auto function

Has mechanical features to automate the firing process.

Assault Rifle

A modern class of long guns with selected fire characteristics, automatic internals and magazine feeding.

Dimensions and Weight

Overall Length

987mm

38. 86 inches

Barrel length

504mm

19.84 inches

Cured weight

6.39 lbs

2.90 kg

Attractions

Before and after ironing.

Action

Gas powered; rotating bolt; selective fire

Pivot

This system uses an internal mechanism to lock the breech or rear barrel assembly prior to firing.

Gas Power

proposes a pneumatic system that typically consists of a cylinder and a rear drive piston that directs power to the bolt assembly.

Cartridges and Paper Feeds

Caliber*

5. 56x45mm NATO

Rounds / Feed

20- or 30-round detachable box magazine.

PERFORMANCE

Max Eff. Range

1,500 ft

(457 m | 500 yd)

Rate-of-Fire

900

rds/min

Muzzle Velocity

3,250 ft/sec

(991 m/sec)

VARIANTS

Type CQ - Base Series DesignationCQ 5. 56 - Alternative designationCQ 5'56 - Alternative naming convention. CQ-311 - Select-fire versionCQ M-311 - Alternative designation of CQ-311. CQ M311-1 - Semi-automatic versionCQ 5. 56mm Type A - Assault Carbine model. S-5. 56 "Sayyad" - Local Iranian copy