Introduction
The CR‑85 is a Chinese short‑barreled assault rifle that entered service in the mid‑1980s. Developed by the China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco) and the China Arms Industry Corporation (CAIC), the weapon was designed to provide the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and allied forces with a modern, reliable rifle capable of firing the 5.45×39mm cartridge. The CR‑85 shares many design elements with the Soviet AK‑74 and its derivatives, reflecting the historical influence of Soviet small‑arms technology on Chinese firearms development. Over the past three decades, the CR‑85 has seen limited production, export, and use in a number of regional conflicts, and it has also attracted attention from civilian collectors and law‑enforcement agencies.
Development and Design History
Early Development
In the early 1980s, the PLA began to phase out its older 5.45×39mm rifles, such as the Type 86 and Type 88. To modernize its infantry armament, the Chinese defense industry initiated a program to develop a new rifle that would combine the proven reliability of the AK platform with improved ergonomics and modern accessory options. The project, code‑named “Project CR,” was undertaken jointly by Norinco and CAIC.
Design Objectives
The primary design goals for the CR‑85 were:
- Compatibility with the 5.45×39mm cartridge already in PLA service.
- Retention of the robust, low‑maintenance characteristics of the AK‑74 platform.
- Improved balance and reduced recoil to enhance accuracy.
- Provision for modern accessory rails and optics.
- Reduction in manufacturing complexity to lower production costs.
To achieve these objectives, the design team retained the core operating mechanism of the AK‑74 - namely, a long‑stroke gas piston and rotating bolt - while incorporating a new forward‑handguard, a redesigned stock, and a 1‑inch (25.4 mm) NATO‑compatible mounting rail.
Prototyping and Trials
Prototypes were constructed between 1983 and 1984. These early models were tested extensively in the PLA’s Field Training Schools, with emphasis on reliability under adverse environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, dust, and water submersion. The CR‑85 passed all required field tests, and in 1985 it was formally adopted into service under the designation “Type 85 Rifle.” Subsequent production models incorporated minor refinements, such as a slightly angled handguard and a stamped steel muzzle brake.
Technical Description
Caliber and Ammunition
The CR‑85 fires the 5.45×39mm cartridge, a rimless, bottlenecked round developed for the AK‑74 series. The cartridge offers a flatter trajectory and higher velocity compared to the older 7.62×39mm round, improving effective range and lethality against lightly armored targets. The rifle is chambered for standard 30‑round detachable box magazines, compatible with those used by the AK‑74 and its derivatives.
Action and Mechanism
The rifle employs a short‑stroke gas piston system similar to the AK‑74. Gas is drawn from the barrel through a small port located 350 mm from the muzzle, passing through a sealed piston that imparts rotational force to the bolt carrier. The bolt locks into a series of recesses on the barrel extension, ensuring secure chambering of the cartridge. The action cycles automatically when the bolt is rearward, ejecting the spent case and chambering a new round. The rifle features a fixed firing pin and a selector lever capable of toggling between safe and firing modes.
Ergonomics and Accessories
To enhance user ergonomics, the CR‑85 introduced a detachable, lightweight stock composed of polymer and composite materials. The stock features a cheek rest and an adjustable fore‑arm for improved handling. The handguard is shorter than that of the AK‑74, allowing for a more compact profile and reduced overall weight. A 1‑inch mounting rail is integrated at the top of the handguard, enabling the attachment of optics such as red‑dot sights, magnifiers, and night‑vision devices. The rifle also includes a forward‑handguard accessory port for a vertical foregrip or a tactical flashlight.
Variants
Three primary variants of the CR‑85 have been produced:
- CR‑85 Standard – The baseline model equipped with a fixed stock and a 1‑inch rail.
- CR‑85A – A compact version featuring a shorter barrel (400 mm) and a collapsible stock, intended for close‑quarters operations.
- CR‑85C – An export model with a different muzzle device and a polymer stock to reduce weight for civilian markets.
Production and Manufacturing
Primary Manufacturers
The CR‑85 was manufactured primarily by Norinco, a state‑owned defense conglomerate responsible for a wide array of small arms. Production lines were established in the Xinjiang production facility and later expanded to the Guangzhou factory to meet increased demand. CAIC was responsible for quality control and component supply, ensuring that all rifles met stringent military specifications.
Export and Licensing
While the CR‑85 was predominantly used by the PLA, limited quantities were exported to allied nations. In the early 1990s, the rifle was supplied to several African and Middle Eastern countries under defense cooperation agreements. Norinco also licensed the design to foreign manufacturers, resulting in a few locally produced copies under different designations. Export versions typically featured a polymer stock and an adjustable muzzle brake to comply with international arms regulations.
Operational History
Initial Deployment
The CR‑85 entered frontline service in 1985, primarily with infantry battalions stationed along the western border of the PLA. Its lighter weight and improved ergonomics made it suitable for mountain and desert warfare. The rifle quickly became the standard issue for special operations units, replacing older Type 86 rifles that were deemed cumbersome for rapid maneuvering.
Use in Conflicts
During the late 1990s, the CR‑85 saw action in the Gulf War and the Sierra Leone civil conflict, where it was supplied to coalition partners. Its performance in these engagements reinforced the perception of Chinese small arms as robust and cost‑effective. In the early 2000s, the rifle was used in border skirmishes along the Sino–Indian frontier, where troops reported improved accuracy and reduced recoil compared to the older Type 86.
Modernization and Replacements
By the mid‑2000s, the PLA began to field newer rifles such as the Type 95 and the JQS series. These models incorporated polymer frames, advanced optics, and modular accessory systems. While the CR‑85 remained in service with some reserve units, its production ceased in 2010. The transition to newer rifles was driven by the need for greater customization, lighter weight, and improved reliability in high‑humidity environments.
User Communities and Civilian Use
Civilian Markets
Following the end of its military production, several CR‑85 rifles were made available on the civilian market through licensed manufacturers. These rifles are generally limited to 18‑year‑old purchasers and require a background check. In the United States, the CR‑85 is marketed under the name “CR‑85C” and is typically sold as a semi‑automatic rifle. The civilian variant features a shorter barrel and a polymer stock to comply with the National Firearms Act.
Collector Interest
Collectors of Chinese firearms often seek original CR‑85 rifles due to their historical significance and relative scarcity. Collectors prize rifles with original Norinco serial numbers, unmodified stocks, and factory‑mounted optics. The CR‑85’s association with the PLA’s modernization efforts adds to its desirability within the collector community.
Comparative Analysis
Comparison with AK‑74
The CR‑85 and the AK‑74 share the same operating mechanism and cartridge. However, the CR‑85 offers several improvements:
- Shorter handguard and lighter overall weight.
- Modular accessory rail for modern optics.
- Ergonomic stock with adjustable cheek rest.
- Enhanced balance, reducing muzzle climb.
These features make the CR‑85 more suitable for modern infantry tactics that emphasize rapid target acquisition and modularity.
Comparison with Type 88
The Type 88, a Chinese derivative of the AK-74, was designed primarily for export to countries with restrictions on foreign firearms. The CR‑85 outperforms the Type 88 in several areas:
- Higher reliability in extreme temperatures.
- Improved ergonomics due to polymer stock.
- Integrated accessory rail for optics and flashlights.
- Reduced weight, enhancing soldier endurance.
Cultural Impact
Media Representation
The CR‑85 has appeared in a number of documentaries and war‑simulation video games that focus on Chinese military equipment. Its portrayal as a reliable yet understated weapon has contributed to a perception of Chinese small arms as pragmatic and efficient.
Popular Culture
In the late 2000s, the CR‑85 was featured in a Chinese television drama set during the 1980s, depicting soldiers training with the new rifle. This portrayal helped popularize the rifle among a generation of viewers, many of whom later became firearms enthusiasts or collectors.
See Also
- AK‑74
- Type 86 Rifle
- China North Industries Group Corporation (Norinco)
- People's Liberation Army Small Arms
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