China's first gun specially designed for police, a nine-millimeter revolver, has been tested in a special police unit in central China's Henan Province.

The police can use the revolver, which fires antipersonnel and rubber bullets, to subdue criminals and disperse riots in a range of 50 meters, said Wang Pusheng, a training official with the special police unit of Zhengzhou Municipal Public Security Bureau.

The revolver boasts a highly efficient new loading mechanism. Police can even shoot without loading in an emergency.

The revolver will replace the Type 54, Type 64 and Type 77 military guns which have been used by Chinese police for decades, said Wang.
The goal of police firearms is to immobilize suspects, whereas long-range military guns aim to kill enemies, added Wang.

The revolver was used in a campaign drill by local special police on Nov. 25 in Zhengzhou, provincial capital of Henan.

"After the tryout, we'll report to the public security ministry. Soon the revolver will equip police nationwide." said Li Youfu, head of the special police unit.

(Xinhua News Agency December 7, 2006)