QBZ-97

The ^🌐QBZ-97 assault rifle is an export version of the QBZ-95 chambered for 5.56×45mm NATO. It is available for sale in Canada and various countries in Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Africa.

Insurgency: Sandstorm

QBZ-97
Slot	Primary
Category	Assault rifle
Faction(s)	Insurgent Forces · Rifleman · Demolitions · Observer · Commander
Supply Points	3
Statistics
Caliber	5.56x45mm NATO
Fire Rate	652 rpm
Velocity	930 m/s
Penetration	326 pp
Horizontal Recoil	15
Vertical Recoil	23
Magazine Capacity	30+1 rounds 35+1 (Ext.) 50+1 (Drum)
Reserve Ammunition	3 mags 5 (LC) 7 (HC)
Fire Modes	Fully automatic Semi-automatic

The QBZ-97 is an assault rifle featured in Insurgency: Sandstorm. It was added in the February 2, 2021 update.

The QBZ-97 performs similarly to other 5.56 rifles, such as the AUG A3 and L85A2. It also boasts an impressive shot performance with a comfortable recoil pattern and controllable fire rate. Due to it's bullpup design, the QBZ-97 fires the streamlined 5.56x45mm cartridge at very high velocities. Because of this, hitting targets at very long distances is not very hard, nor is downing opponents in CQB. The stellar shot performance also means that the penetration through solid surfaces is also very good, and firing through walls will usually yield a kill.

The fire rate of the QBZ is quite decent, at 652 RPM. While not as fast as the Security options, the QBZ's fire rate is among the median for Insurgent platforms. This is great for controllability over distance, and the slower fire rate places the QBZ among the easiest to control in Sandstorm.

Low magnification sights can help improve visibility on the QBZ, since it's iron sights can be a bit obstructive for the ranges the QBZ excels in. Hybrid scopes, like the Magnified Red Dots or 1.5x PK-AS scopes offer a great middle ground of CQB target acquisition and magnification for medium ranged engagements. However, due to its carry handle atop the receiver, certain optics can make the weapon take up a lot of space on the screen.

Attachments on the QBZ can further improve some of the stats of the weapon. Muzzle devices can either help disguise the muzzle report when firing with the Flash Hider/Suppressor or further improve the already tame lateral kick with the Compensator. Grips, on the other hand, are very helpful in improving the QBZ's performance, depending on the required situation. For closer ranged engagements, the Aiming Grip and Quick Draw Grip will help improve CQB performance, while the Loading Grip is a versatile implement to counteract the slower reload of the rifle, especially with the large drum magazine. The Recoil Grip and Bipod will help for long-ranges, allowing the QBZ's velocity to shine.

This package comes in at a nifty 3 credits, allowing for more variety in attachment choice or in a loadout. While this is a great price, the Insurgents' riflemen already have a great rifle in the AKM platform, meaning there is a lot of competition between the two. In the end, however, it boils down to whether the operator wants to be able to engage in closer ranges, such as indoors and objectives, where the AKM's larger caliber is better in CQB situations, or wants to play more passively from range, where the QBZ-97's excellent velocity and minimal recoil top it's competitor.

The newly added AR-7090 also performs nearly identical to the QBZ, and the two fulfill the same role as 5.56 rifles for Insurgents.

The QBZ-97 can also use STANAG magazines salvaged from weapons such as the M4A1, M16, and L85A2. As most Security forces use the modernized western caliber, it may be useful to scavenge magazines off of dropped weapons and such (instead of having to resupply at an supply crate).

Attachments

Optics	1.5x PK-AS 1x Holographic 1x Kobra 1x MARS 1x MRO 1x OKP-7 1x Red Dot 3x YMA95-1 Scope 2x-1x Holographic 2x-1x Kobra 2x-1x MARS 2x-1x OKP-7 2x-1x Red Dot 4x M150 4x-1x C79 4x-1x SU230 4x-1x M150 BUS 4x-1x SU230 BUS
Underbarrel	Quick Draw Grip Smoke Launcher Bipod Buckshot Launcher Loading Grip Aiming Grip Explosive Launcher Recoil Grip
Barrel	Flash Hider Compensator Suppressor
Magazine	Extended Magazine Drum Magazine
Siderail	Laser Sight
Ammo	Tracer Rounds