People's Daily, China
Chinese made automatic rifle stuns the world
At this year’s International Army Games, which ended on Aug. 11, the world saw an outstanding performance by Chinese soldiers and the Chinese made Type 95-1
#automaticrifle, a favorite among military fans at home and abroad.
The Type 95-1 automatic rifle, made by Chongqing Jianshe Industry Co. Ltd., is the latest member of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army’s Type 95 rifle series, which adopts 5.8-mm caliber ammo.
The rifles are widely praised for their remarkable performance and well-designed appearance, and they have come a long way over the years.
More than two decades ago, Type 95 automatic rifles, made by the former Norinco (China North Industries Group Corporation Limited), were used by Chinese troops as they were more advanced and easier to use than older ones.
However, the rifle still had many problems. Soldiers complained that the rifle had an uncomfortably high sight and that the trigger safety device was in the wrong position and the rifle lacked a bolt catch.
“For guns, any change in function is hard to make,” said He Jun, leader of Type 95 automatic rifle development team.
Despite the difficulties, He and his colleagues spared no efforts to improve the rifle and solve the existing problems. After countless trials and failures, they finally decided to restructure and redesign the Type 95 automatic rifle with new techniques and materials.
Their dedicated efforts led to good results. All the problems were solved and the modified Type 95 automatic rifle, which they renamed Type 95-1, was hugely improved in both performance and appearance.
The new Type 95-1 rifles quickly gained widespread acceptance in the Chinese army. Wherever Chinese soldiers go—be it joint military drills, counter-terrorism and defense missions, or peace-keeping operations, there will be Type 95-1 automatic rifles.
The Type 95-1 automatic rifle has also helped Chinese soldiers gain many honors. In 2016, the rifle was awarded the first-class prize of Science and Technology Progress in National Defense Award. For another example, Chinese military shooting teams won 10 gold, seven silver, and 23 bronze medals in 2013 with the rifle and other China-made equipment at the Australian Army Skill at Arms Meet, a military competition known for its high difficulty.
