QCW-05

Lore & Background

In October 2001, the Jianshe Industries (Group) Corporation won a bid to produce the PLA's next generation of submachine gun, replacing the Type 79 and Type 85 silenced submachine guns, beating competitors such as the Changfeng CF-05 due to its ease of construction and operation. At the 2005 International Police Equipment Expo in Beijing, Jianshe revealed the final product: a bullpup, blowback, open bolt submachine gun externally resembling the QBZ-95 assault rifle, designated QCW-05. In 2004, Jianshe Industries developed the JS 9 mm, a police- and export-oriented version chambered for 9×19mm Parabellum, with two prototypes shown in 2005 at the China Police Equipment Exhibition.

The QCW-05 is a blowback, open bolt bullpup silenced submachine gun capable of full automatic or semi-automatic fire. Its light weight comes from a small aluminum receiver and polymer construction. A thumb fire mode selector on the left side above the grip offers semi-automatic (1), full automatic (2), and safety (0) positions, with an ejection port on the right. The carrying handle above the receiver houses the charging handle. The primary accessory is a removable screw-on cylindrical suppressor; when removed, the weapon is essentially the QCQ-05. Default optics are the Y/MAL-05 combo optics with a 2× zoom lens and a visible laser module.

The weapon is designed for the 5.8×21mm DCV05 subsonic round, which has a heavier tip, smokeless firing, and low muzzle velocity, reducing muzzle velocity to about 150 m/s and loudness to 120 decibels. Ammunition feeds from a detachable 50-round quad-stacked box magazine. In an emergency, it can fire 5.8×21mm DAP92 supersonic ammunition, though this shortens the suppressor's lifespan. The QCQ-05 is optimized for regular 5.8 pistol ammunition.

Reader's Guide

The QCW-05 represents a shift in Chinese submachine gun design toward modularity and versatility, primarily through its detachable suppressor. Unlike previous Chinese submachine guns with integrated suppressors, the QCW-05 can be converted to the QCQ-05 by removing the suppressor, allowing it to serve both suppressed and unsuppressed roles. Its adoption by the People's Liberation Army, People's Armed Police, Chinese People's Police, and Chinese Militia indicates its broad acceptance within Chinese forces. The development of the JS 9 mm variant for police and export shows an attempt to adapt the design for international markets and the popular 9×19mm cartridge. The weapon's use of a subsonic 5.8×21mm round, with a muzzle velocity of approximately 150 m/s and a noise level of 120 decibels (quieter than the Type 85), emphasizes its intended role in covert operations. The quad-stacked 50-round magazine provides substantial firepower, while the ability to fire standard supersonic ammunition in emergencies adds flexibility. The QCW-05's design, with its bullpup layout and resemblance to the QBZ-95, reflects a family approach to Chinese small arms.

Did You Know?

• The QCW-05's suppressor is removable, allowing it to be used as the QCQ-05 light submachine gun.
• It is designed for the 5.8×21mm DCV05 subsonic round, which produces a muzzle velocity of about 150 m/s.
• The JS 9 mm variant is chambered for 9×19mm Parabellum and was developed for police and export.