REVIEW & RANGE REPORT - CF98 / NP42
Our member MR from TGF did this review and range testing of CF98 from China and I am posting this here after his express permission. All images are taken by him.
The CF 98, also known as NP 42, is the most recent development of the Chinese state arms factories, and, apparently, it is now adopted by the PLA (Chinese people's Liberation Army) forces. QSZ-92 (Chinese Nomenclature) pistol is available in two versions, with the only difference being caliber: one is chambered for most common 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum ammunition (QSZ-92-9), and another is chambered for proprietary 5.8mm ammunition with bottle-necked case and pointed bullets (QSZ-92-5.8). The development of the QSZ-92 pistol apparently began in 1994, and it is in limited service with PLA since the late 1990s.
REVIEW
Technical Specs[/u][/b]
Manufacturer Norinco’s ChangFeng Machine Shop
Variants QSZ92/NP42/CF98
Weight 760 g
Length 190 mm (7.48 in)
Barrel length 111 mm (4.33 in)
Width 35 mm
Height 135 mm
Cal QSZ92 - 5.8x21mm DAP92
CF98/NP42 - 9x19mm Parabellum
Action Short recoil, locked breech, rotating barrel lock
Muzzle velocity 350 m/s (1,148 ft/s) (9x19mm Parabellum)
Magazine 15 (9mm) or 20 (5.8mm) box magazine
Sights Fixed, 3-dot type
Packing
The CF98 comes sealed in a plastic bag put in a nice plastic carry box. The box, other than the handgun, contains one extra magazine, one cleaning rod cum needle tool, an instructional manual (in Chinglish) and a pack of spares consisting the following:
- Firing pin safety
- Extractor pin safety
- Indication rod
- Trigger hammer pin
- Hammer spring pin
- Trigger spring
The instructional manual has been translated directly from Chinese Language to English (probably using some kind of software) but has lot of mistakes, mainly grammar and use of the right word at the right place. Not an easy manual to go through, but still a good reference.
]Finish, Looks & Manufacturing Quality
I think one picture says a thousand words! Polymer frame, phosphate finished slide, accessory rail, overall a nice looking handgun.
As the CF98 was initially intended for Military/LEA use, the quality of the manufacturing is as you’d expect of a standard issue firearm. Its not so flashy that you instantly fall in love with it. The polymer frame finish is very good, but on the metal parts you’ll see some roughness. Also the external finish is great but internally machining marks are visible.
Slide, Frame & Grip
As the CF98 has a polymer frame, so metal inserts are used for slide fitment. Even then the slide to frame fit is not that impressive. It has a bullet in chamber indicator on the extractor just adjacent to the ejection port on the slide. Although CF98 is not a very small handgun, but the grips are perfect for a person with small hands like me! It fits quite comfortable in my hands and feels good.
Action & Barrel
The CF98 is a short recoil operated handgun with a rotating barrel type breach locking system. Although it has a double stack double feeding magazine, but the barrel chamber lacks the double feed ramp (like that provided in Baikal Viking MP446). Instead, the feed ramp is provided as a separate piece, just below the barrel chamber. Now, for everything to go smooth, the chamber and the feed ramp must align perfectly for each round to feed properly. Even the slightest misalignment will result in a stoppage or FTFeed. The rotating barrel locking system is very tricky to manufacture, and that is where I think the QC jumps in. In my opinion every CF98, will perform somewhat different because of this aspect!
Trigger
The trigger is a Double Action/ Single Action type. Its normal pull as around 3 lbs, but I’ve felt it gradually decreases with use. I’ve fired around 1000 rounds from my CF98 and the trigger has become very light, almost equivalent to an Airgun’s trigger! Also there are reports about the failure of trigger spring somewhere around when 1500 to 2000 rounds have been fired. Not a very desirable thing. However, an extra trigger spring is provided with a new CF98. In DA mode the trigger becomes a complete POS. Call me paranoid, but somehow when I use it in DA mode, I feel that the trigger or its spring will break.
FOR COMPLETE REVIEW including review of gun's attributes such as Balance and Recoil, Sights, Magazine, Safety, Reliability, Maintenance, Suitability of Purpose, More range results and high-res pictures of the gun, CLICK HERE.
Accuracy
In accuracy the CF98 stands at a better place. Being an original design and not some knockoff clone it does well in the accuracy department. A couple of accuracy tests were also conducted. These tests are by no means some kind of industry standard, but if you look at the results, you'll have a fair idea about its accuracy at different ranges!
Here's the first one:
Fire : KBW
Condition: Used, 97%
Dist: 10, 20 & 30 M
Ammo: POF 2Z
Sequence: 5 shots from 10 M, 5 from 20M and 5 from 30M on the same target.
Stoppages: None out of 34 (including two warmer rounds each before each test)
Score: 221 / 300 (73.66 %)
Groups
- 10 M................1.25 inches (50/50 pts)
- 20 M................3.0 inches (45/50 pts)
- 30 M................8.5 inches (30/50 pts)
- ....................... 125/150 (83.66%)
Overall Score......... 221+125=346 / 450 (76.88%)
Accuracy Rating: FAIRLY ACCURATE
Bullets from 10 M in red circle, Bullets from 20 M in a red triangle and bullets from 30 M in a black circle.
second test conducted after 7 days. Almost the same result. Bullets from 10 M in red circle, Bullets from 20 M in a black circle and bullets from 30 M in a red triangle.
Please note that CF98 is very accurate at 10 M, fairly accurate at 20 M and just average at 30 M. Not a bad gun at all in this price range. Fires better than many.
The second test with a different CF98:
Firer: KBW
Condition: Excellent (99.5%)
Dist: 10, 20 & 30 M
Ammo: POF 2Z
Sequence: 5 shots from 10 M, 5 from 20M and 5 from 30 M on the same target.
Stoppages: None out of 30.
Score: 252 / 300 (84 %)
Groups
- 10 M................2.2 inches (40/50 pts)
- 20 M................2.8 inches (45/50 pts)
- 30 M................5.3 inches (35/50 pts)
- ....................... 120/150 (80%)
Overall Score......... 252+120=372 / 300 (82.66%)
Accuracy Rating: ACCURATE
Legend:
- Red Circles............ 10 M shots
- Red Triangles............ 20 M shots
- Black Circles............ 30 M shots
KBW's Remarks: "The sights of this CF98, like the previous CF98, were well centered. Most CF98 that I have fired (and this is the sixth one), had their sights very well aligned. This speaks good of Norinco quality control checks. This CF98 had a slightly harder trigger (estimated to be around 3 lbs may be) hence was much easier to shoot as compared to the previous CF98 which had an extremely light trigger. As you can see the groups are well centered and quite compact. And look at the ten meter group in pic no 2. Would have been a less than 1 inch group had I not hit one bullet away. Look how 4 bullets are within three quarter of an inch. The recoil is quite manageable. CF98 sights are a little thin which assist in precision shooting but would not be much of help in quick shooting.
Overall, a very very good gun to have in this price range "
FOR COMPLETE REVIEW including review of gun's attributes such as Balance and Recoil, Sights, Magazine, Safety, Reliability, Maintenance, Suitability of Purpose, More range results and high-res pictures of the gun, CLICK HERE.
=============================================
The opinion expressed above about this handgun are of the author's own (MR) and does not represent the opinion of TGF or mine.
.
Our member MR from TGF did this review and range testing of CF98 from China and I am posting this here after his express permission. All images are taken by him.
The CF 98, also known as NP 42, is the most recent development of the Chinese state arms factories, and, apparently, it is now adopted by the PLA (Chinese people's Liberation Army) forces. QSZ-92 (Chinese Nomenclature) pistol is available in two versions, with the only difference being caliber: one is chambered for most common 9x19mm Luger / Parabellum ammunition (QSZ-92-9), and another is chambered for proprietary 5.8mm ammunition with bottle-necked case and pointed bullets (QSZ-92-5.8). The development of the QSZ-92 pistol apparently began in 1994, and it is in limited service with PLA since the late 1990s.
REVIEW
Technical Specs[/u][/b]
Manufacturer Norinco’s ChangFeng Machine Shop
Variants QSZ92/NP42/CF98
Weight 760 g
Length 190 mm (7.48 in)
Barrel length 111 mm (4.33 in)
Width 35 mm
Height 135 mm
Cal QSZ92 - 5.8x21mm DAP92
CF98/NP42 - 9x19mm Parabellum
Action Short recoil, locked breech, rotating barrel lock
Muzzle velocity 350 m/s (1,148 ft/s) (9x19mm Parabellum)
Magazine 15 (9mm) or 20 (5.8mm) box magazine
Sights Fixed, 3-dot type
Packing
The CF98 comes sealed in a plastic bag put in a nice plastic carry box. The box, other than the handgun, contains one extra magazine, one cleaning rod cum needle tool, an instructional manual (in Chinglish) and a pack of spares consisting the following:
- Firing pin safety
- Extractor pin safety
- Indication rod
- Trigger hammer pin
- Hammer spring pin
- Trigger spring
The instructional manual has been translated directly from Chinese Language to English (probably using some kind of software) but has lot of mistakes, mainly grammar and use of the right word at the right place. Not an easy manual to go through, but still a good reference.
]Finish, Looks & Manufacturing Quality
I think one picture says a thousand words! Polymer frame, phosphate finished slide, accessory rail, overall a nice looking handgun.
As the CF98 was initially intended for Military/LEA use, the quality of the manufacturing is as you’d expect of a standard issue firearm. Its not so flashy that you instantly fall in love with it. The polymer frame finish is very good, but on the metal parts you’ll see some roughness. Also the external finish is great but internally machining marks are visible.
Slide, Frame & Grip
As the CF98 has a polymer frame, so metal inserts are used for slide fitment. Even then the slide to frame fit is not that impressive. It has a bullet in chamber indicator on the extractor just adjacent to the ejection port on the slide. Although CF98 is not a very small handgun, but the grips are perfect for a person with small hands like me! It fits quite comfortable in my hands and feels good.
Action & Barrel
The CF98 is a short recoil operated handgun with a rotating barrel type breach locking system. Although it has a double stack double feeding magazine, but the barrel chamber lacks the double feed ramp (like that provided in Baikal Viking MP446). Instead, the feed ramp is provided as a separate piece, just below the barrel chamber. Now, for everything to go smooth, the chamber and the feed ramp must align perfectly for each round to feed properly. Even the slightest misalignment will result in a stoppage or FTFeed. The rotating barrel locking system is very tricky to manufacture, and that is where I think the QC jumps in. In my opinion every CF98, will perform somewhat different because of this aspect!
Trigger
The trigger is a Double Action/ Single Action type. Its normal pull as around 3 lbs, but I’ve felt it gradually decreases with use. I’ve fired around 1000 rounds from my CF98 and the trigger has become very light, almost equivalent to an Airgun’s trigger! Also there are reports about the failure of trigger spring somewhere around when 1500 to 2000 rounds have been fired. Not a very desirable thing. However, an extra trigger spring is provided with a new CF98. In DA mode the trigger becomes a complete POS. Call me paranoid, but somehow when I use it in DA mode, I feel that the trigger or its spring will break.
FOR COMPLETE REVIEW including review of gun's attributes such as Balance and Recoil, Sights, Magazine, Safety, Reliability, Maintenance, Suitability of Purpose, More range results and high-res pictures of the gun, CLICK HERE.
Accuracy
In accuracy the CF98 stands at a better place. Being an original design and not some knockoff clone it does well in the accuracy department. A couple of accuracy tests were also conducted. These tests are by no means some kind of industry standard, but if you look at the results, you'll have a fair idea about its accuracy at different ranges!
Here's the first one:
Fire : KBW
Condition: Used, 97%
Dist: 10, 20 & 30 M
Ammo: POF 2Z
Sequence: 5 shots from 10 M, 5 from 20M and 5 from 30M on the same target.
Stoppages: None out of 34 (including two warmer rounds each before each test)
Score: 221 / 300 (73.66 %)
Groups
- 10 M................1.25 inches (50/50 pts)
- 20 M................3.0 inches (45/50 pts)
- 30 M................8.5 inches (30/50 pts)
- ....................... 125/150 (83.66%)
Overall Score......... 221+125=346 / 450 (76.88%)
Accuracy Rating: FAIRLY ACCURATE
Bullets from 10 M in red circle, Bullets from 20 M in a red triangle and bullets from 30 M in a black circle.
second test conducted after 7 days. Almost the same result. Bullets from 10 M in red circle, Bullets from 20 M in a black circle and bullets from 30 M in a red triangle.
Please note that CF98 is very accurate at 10 M, fairly accurate at 20 M and just average at 30 M. Not a bad gun at all in this price range. Fires better than many.
The second test with a different CF98:
Firer: KBW
Condition: Excellent (99.5%)
Dist: 10, 20 & 30 M
Ammo: POF 2Z
Sequence: 5 shots from 10 M, 5 from 20M and 5 from 30 M on the same target.
Stoppages: None out of 30.
Score: 252 / 300 (84 %)
Groups
- 10 M................2.2 inches (40/50 pts)
- 20 M................2.8 inches (45/50 pts)
- 30 M................5.3 inches (35/50 pts)
- ....................... 120/150 (80%)
Overall Score......... 252+120=372 / 300 (82.66%)
Accuracy Rating: ACCURATE
Legend:
- Red Circles............ 10 M shots
- Red Triangles............ 20 M shots
- Black Circles............ 30 M shots
KBW's Remarks: "The sights of this CF98, like the previous CF98, were well centered. Most CF98 that I have fired (and this is the sixth one), had their sights very well aligned. This speaks good of Norinco quality control checks. This CF98 had a slightly harder trigger (estimated to be around 3 lbs may be) hence was much easier to shoot as compared to the previous CF98 which had an extremely light trigger. As you can see the groups are well centered and quite compact. And look at the ten meter group in pic no 2. Would have been a less than 1 inch group had I not hit one bullet away. Look how 4 bullets are within three quarter of an inch. The recoil is quite manageable. CF98 sights are a little thin which assist in precision shooting but would not be much of help in quick shooting.
Overall, a very very good gun to have in this price range
"FOR COMPLETE REVIEW including review of gun's attributes such as Balance and Recoil, Sights, Magazine, Safety, Reliability, Maintenance, Suitability of Purpose, More range results and high-res pictures of the gun, CLICK HERE.
=============================================
The opinion expressed above about this handgun are of the author's own (MR) and does not represent the opinion of TGF or mine.
.
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