The QSZ-92 pistol is a semi-automatic handgun designed by China’s Norinco.
Development
The development of the QSZ-92 pistol began around 1994. Its mechanical structure was influenced by the Beretta 92F/FS, while its exterior resembles the HK USP. There are three versions of the QSZ-92:
- QSZ-92-9: This version, designed in 1998, fires the DAP92 9mm rounds, which are compatible with 9×19mm Parabellum rounds.
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QSZ-92-5.8: This version, designed in 2000, fires 5.8mm rounds, specifically the DAP92 5.8mm rounds, which have better armor penetration compared to the 9mm rounds.
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NP42 (export version): Designed in 2004, this version adheres to US military standards to enhance accuracy and stability.
Compared to renowned Western semi-automatic pistols, the QSZ-92’s barrel life is only 3,000 rounds, significantly lower than the minimum of 10,000 rounds for pistols like the Glock 17 and Beretta 92. Additionally, its quality control and reliability are subpar. The double-column, double-feed magazine design borrowed from the Stechkin automatic pistol is not well-matched with the 9mm rounds, leading to frequent jamming issues. However, the 5.8mm version is relatively more stable. Due to these reliability issues, some Chinese law enforcement agencies have opted for the Glock 17 instead. In response, Norinco developed the 92G pistol to address these issues, featuring a single-feed magazine, redesigned grip, and a Picatinny rail, which improved reliability and stability.
Design
The QSZ-92 pistol operates on a short recoil, rotating barrel locking mechanism. It has a rail on the front frame for mounting flashlights or laser sights. The polymer grip contains a removable steel frame with the fire control group. Like many modern pistols, the QSZ-92 features a single/double-action trigger and a safety that also serves as a decocking lever.
It uses double-stack magazines: the 9×19mm Parabellum version holds 15 rounds, while the 5.8×21mm version holds 20 rounds. The 9mm version has a five-pointed star on the grip, while the 5.8mm version does not.
The QSZ-92 pistol can be equipped with the QUS-181 suppressor.
Adoption
The QSZ-92 began to be partially equipped in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and the People’s Armed Police (PAP) in the late 1990s. It was first publicly seen during the handover of Macau in December 1999, where it was standard equipment for the PLA garrison in Macau. The compact CS/LP5 version has been included in the procurement list of the Ministry of Public Security, potentially replacing the Type 64 and Type 77 pistols in the future.
Variants
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QSZ-92-5.8: 5.8×21mm rounds, 20-round magazine.
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QSZ-92-9: 9×19mm or DAP92 9mm rounds, 15-round magazine.
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NP42 (export version): Also known as CF-98, weighs 0.76 kg, 15-round magazine.
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CS/LP5 (compact version): 9×19mm or DAP92 9mm rounds, weighs 0.62 kg, 7-round magazine.
Users
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Bangladesh: Authorized for local production, named “BOF 92”.
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Cambodia: Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
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China:
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People’s Liberation Army (QSZ-92-5.8)
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Special forces
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Macau and Hong Kong garrisons
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People’s Armed Police
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Ministry of Public Security (QSZ-92-9)
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Various law enforcement agencies, including the Public Security Guard Bureau.
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Sierra Leone: Uses CF98 series.
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South Sudan: Uses CF98 series.
In Popular Culture
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Films
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2015: “Wolf Warrior” – Used by PLA special forces, Wolf Warrior commandos, and police SWAT.
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2018: “Operation Red Sea” – Used by PLA Navy Marine Corps’ Jiaolong Assault Team in the opening ship combat scene.
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Video Games
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2005: “Battlefield 2” – Model QSZ-92-5.8, used by PLA, equipped with a suppressor.
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2012: “Warface” – Model QSZ-92-9, available as an unlockable weapon.
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2013: “Battlefield 4” – Model QSZ-92-5.8, classified as a sidearm.
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2015: “Counter-Strike Online 2”
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2017: “Rainbow Six Siege” – Appears as the Q-929 in the Blood Orchid DLC, used by Hong Kong S.A.T. operators.
