CS/LR17
Chinese export modular rifle family in three calibers.
The CS/LR17 and CS/LR18 are a family of modular automatic rifles produced by NORINCO, with sales handled by Jianshe Industry Group. Marketed as a "new generation" system for export, the rifle family was first revealed to the public in November 2016, initially shown in 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm calibers (designated NAR-556 and NAR-751). Its main rivals include the AK-12, Galil ACE, HK416/417, and FN SCAR series. A significantly redesigned version appeared at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow.
Development of the CS/LR17/LR18 system began in 2014, with the design based on the FN SCAR series. An unnamed under-barrel grenade launcher is also being developed to accompany the rifle. The system is available in three calibers: 5.56×45mm, 7.62×39mm, and 7.62×51mm.
Variants include the NAR-556 (5.56×45mm) in standard, short-barreled (CQC), sharpshooter (HB), and squad machine gun (LMG) configurations; the NAR-739 (7.62×39mm) in standard, CQC, and LMG forms; and the NAR-751 (7.62×51mm) in standard, CQC, HB, and LMG versions.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- China
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Manufacturer
- Norinco
- Production Date
- 2016–present
- Action
- gas-operated
- Velocity
- 900 m/s
- Range
- 500 m
- Feed
- box magazine
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Development of the CS/LR17/LR18 system began in 2014, with the design based on the FN SCAR series. The system was first publicly shown in November 2016, displaying the 5.56×45mm and 7.62×51mm versions (NAR-556 and NAR-751). A heavily redesigned variant was shown at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow. The system is marketed to the export market, competing with the AK-12, Galil ACE, HK416/417, and FN SCAR series.
The system comprises three calibers: 5.56×45mm, 7.62×39mm, and 7.62×51mm. Variants include standard assault rifles (S), short-barrel CQC models, sharpshooter rifles (HB), and squad machine guns (LMG) for each caliber. An unnamed under-barrel grenade launcher (UBGL) is in development to complement the system.
Reader's Guide
The CS/LR17/CS/LR18 series represents a Chinese entry into the competitive export market for modular automatic rifles. Its design, based on the FN SCAR series, offers a family of weapons in three calibers with multiple roles—assault, close-quarters, sharpshooter, and squad machine gun—allowing users to standardize on a single platform. The system's first public showing in November 2016 and a heavily redesigned variant at the 2018 Zhuhai Airshow indicate ongoing development. Its main competitors include the AK-12, Galil ACE, HK416/417, and FN SCAR series, placing it in a crowded field. The development of an unnamed UBGL suggests an intent to provide a complete weapon system. The series is marketed by Jianshe Industry Group on behalf of NORINCO, targeting export customers seeking a modern, modular rifle.
More in Assault Rifles, Part 2 1-24
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