The Norinco Type 95 or QBZ-95 ('Qing Buqiang Zu' = Light Rifles family, 1995) include the assault rifle, a shorter carbine(B), a light support weapon(LSW) and a sniper rifle. The QBZ-95 uses short-stroke gas operated rotating-bolt system, similar to most modern military rifles operated. It is a magazine fed, automatic weapon using a bullpup design. The housing is polymer, with integral carrying handle, which holds the rear sight base, and has mounting points for optical/night vision scopes.

Chinese designers developed a 5.8x42 cartridge, apparently designated DBP87. The Chinese have tested their new cartridge extensively against both the 5.56x45mm SS109 and the Russian 5.45x39mm 7N6. They claim their 5.8x42mm outperforms both cartridges with penetration superior to the SS109, a flatter trajectory, and a higher retained velocity and energy downrange. The export version designated QBZ-97 or Type 97 is chambered for 5.56 NATO ammunition.

The selector switch on the rifle has three settings. The selector settings are as follows: "0" for safe, "2" for fully automatic, "1" for "semi-automatic" and "3" for "Three round burst setting.

The QBZ-95 is in all respects a modern infantry weapon. It has not been used in major conflict, thus little can be said about its effectiveness.