The QSZ-92, sometimes known as the Type 92, is a semi-automatic pistol designed by Norinco.

History

The decision to develop a new pistol was made in 1987 to replace the Type 54/64/77. Research and development started in 1992. Development of the QSZ-92 pistol began in 1994 and was adopted by the People's Liberation Army's forces in 1998. The export variants (9×19mm versions) include the CF-98 (barrel life c. 8,000 rds) and the NP-42 (barrel life c. 10,000 rds). The latter is the basic version without provisions for suppressor etc. Both have so far found commercial export in Canada. The CF-98 has also been sighted in parts of Africa. In June 2022, it's reported that Iraq has made the pistol the Babylon through the Defence Industries Commission. They are sold to Iraqi lawyers who need personal protection. Former prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi was gifted the first Babylon made. It was reported that Norinco provided assistance in manufacturing the Babylon. On 11 July 2024, it was confirmed that the Hong Kong Police Force would adopt the CF98A and CS/LP5 respectively to replace the S&W M10HB revolvers for uniformed officers and SIG P250 Dcc pistols for detectives as necessary parts for maintenance are running out.

Design

The pistol operates with a recoil-operated, locked-breech and has a rotating barrel locking system, in which the barrel rotates on recoil to lock and unlock itself from the slide, and the front part of the frame under the barrel is shaped as an accessory rail to accept laser sights or flash lights. A unique feature of this pistol is the detachable steel frame that sits inside the polymer grip and contains the fire control group. Like many modern military pistols, the QSZ-92 has a double-action/single-action trigger with a combined safety/decocker. Its dual stack magazine holds either fifteen rounds of 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition (QSZ-92-9) or twenty proprietary 5.8×21mm Chinese-made armor-piercing rounds with bottle-necked case and pointed bullets (QSZ-92-5.8), closely resembling the 5.7×28mm Belgian format. Unlike most pistol magazines which narrow at the top for a consistent single-feed angle, the QSZ-92 has true double column staggered-feed in the same manner as many rifle magazines. The star engraving on the pistol grip indicates the ammo type. 9×19mm Parabellum version has the star, while military 5.8×21mm version does not. Export variants, which are chambered in 9×19mm Parabellum ammunition, have the star engraving.

Accessory

QSZ-92 is fitted with QUS-181 suppressor. The suppressor is mounted on the rail instead of the muzzle due to the rotating barrel design.

Variants

Users