QJS-161

• Name — QJS-161/QJB-201 • Origin — China • Type — Light machine gun • Is Ranged — yes • Used By — People's Liberation Army • Manufacturer — Norinco • Cartridge — 5.8×42mm DBP-191 • Action — Gas-operated short-stroke piston, rotating bolt, open bolt • Weight — 4.4 kg (empty) • Length — 900 mm (stock unfolded) • Part Length — 505 mm (QJB-201) • Rate — 700-800 rounds/min • Velocity — 930-960 m/s • Sights — QMK-204 (3x)

The QJB-201 and QJS-161 are designed to replace China's QBZ-95 series squad automatic weapon and QJY-88 light machine gun. The weapon was developed in 2016, initially known as the paratrooper machine gun or QJS-161. In 2020, the weapon was certified with the designation QJB-201.

The QJS-161 features two types of barrel varied in length, presumably for different requirements from the PLA Ground Force and the PLAAF Airborne Corps. As an open-bolt machine gun, the QJB-201 uses 5.8×42mm ammunition that can feed either from a disintegrating belt in fabric container loaded into the feed port on the left side of the weapon, or a standard Chinese 5.8×42mm box magazine inserted vertically into the magazine well at the bottom of the weapon. A non-reciprocating charging handle is located on its right. A picatinny rail is located behind the short feed tray cover above the feeding port. The squad automatic machine gun features a weight-reduction design, such as lightweight material for the gun body and the fabric detachable box magazine, reducing the empty weight to 4.4 kg. The side-folding stock features a fully adjustable buttpad and cheek rest. The barrel change requires the opening of the feed tray cover, which is am error-proofing feature ensuring ammunition is removed before barrel replacement process.

• QJS-161 • Paratrooper version. Initial version. • QJB-201 • Regular version. Developed from the QJS-161 • CS/LM20 • Export designation for the QJB-201 in 5.8×42mm • CS/LM21 • Export designation for the QJB-201 in 5.56×45mm NATO

• China: People's Liberation Army