The Chinese QJY-201 7.62×51 Machine Gun

By Lynndon Schooler

QJY-201 on display at the Zhuhai Airshow, photo credit unknown

The QJY-201, a machine gun with unique features, was publicly unveiled at the Zhuhai Airshow in September 2021. It is chambered in 7.62×51 and bears the ammunition type designation DJP-201 which suggests it’s more than an export machine gun. Over the past few years, China has been transitioning from 7.62x54R to 7.62×51 sniper rifles and machine guns.The QJY-201 patent reveals a gas-operated system that employs a hybrid short recoil system. This innovative design effectively harnesses energy from the weapon’s recoil, allowing the barrel and bolt to move together rearward to absorb energy before unlocking. This enhances control and accuracy during firing and mitigates excessive or harsh recoil. The system also operates in the open bolt to aid in cooling and to reduce cook-off potential with ammunition in the hot chamber.

Photo from the patent depicting the short recoil system and a barrel extension.

The QJY-201 machine gun is constructed with

Source: The Firearm Blog