CQA Rifle–Short Review

The CQA is a Chinese 5.56 x 45 mm copy of the AR15, hence its very similar in looks to the M4 also. Since 5.56 x 45 mm ammo is available in abundance in Afghanistan and Pakistan, due to the war on terror and relentless looting by the worthy foes of coalition forces, there has been a lot of interest in this rifle and caliber in our country. The ammo is dirt cheap, its modern, almost a fad with gun enthusiasts and a preferred choice due to low recoil. I got my hands on one of these a few days back, I can tell you its one mean beast. A short review is presented for my audience.

Before a pictorial lets take a look at the specs:

• Caliber: 5.56 x 45 mm / .223 Remington
• Length: 31” (Stock retracted), 35″ stock opened at full length
• Barrel length: 14.5”, Chrome lined, 1/9 twist rate
• Weight: 2.9 kg (empty)
• Semi-auto
• Front sight: Fixed
• Rear sight: Adjustable
• Retractable Butt Stock, Ploymer
• Carrying handle (Removable)
• Picatinny rails, installed under Carrying handle
• Matte Finish paint

 

The ejection port is similar to the AR15. It has ambidextrous mag release and Fire/Safety lever.

See the Polymer retractable stock.

The stock at its full length.

In looks its very similar to the AR15, M4.

The carrying handle is detachable, which can be removed by unscrewing the two screws.

See the rear adjustable sight. Just below is the charging handle which is protruding out.

The rear and front sights.

The rifle comes with 2 x 30 round mags. The one in Dark grey color is an M4 mag which is easily available in the market for around Rs. 1000

The rifle is held together by two pins. Dis-assembly is a very simple procedure indeed.

Removing the rear pin one can take out the bolt as well as the charging handle.

The bolt and charging handle.

Removing the second pin completely disassembles the trigger group and the barrel group.

Here’s the barrel group, completely taken apart.

The carrying handle removed.

See the picatinny rails under the carrying handle which can be used to mount a scope or a Tactical Red dot sight.

 

The CQA falls short in the aesthetics department but is a reliable and dependable rifle. Its Matte black finish, looks good, and is well made. Inside inspection did not reveal any machining and tooling marks. The Polymer used for retractable butt stock and front hand guard is not the best quality or finish but does the job all right. There’s a bayonet lug attached at the front and swivel type rings for putting in a sling through. In Pakistan the CQA 5.56 x 45 mm rifle is selling for Rs. 125,000 to Rs . 180,000 depending on where you buy it from. In my opinion it a good home defense weapon, good for range use and ideal for any kind of urban situation. Its light weight, small and compact and with .223 ammo has a very light recoil thereby giving an acceptable level of accuracy. Since its made just like the AR15 or M4, so all after market accessories like scopes, hand guards, grips, stocks, bipods and slings can be attached to it, sprucing its looks. Considering these advantages it offers very good value for money. I still haven’t tried it at the range which I intend to do very soon But the general rumor is that it’s fun to shoot.