The finalized T86 design is an evolution of the T65 series. It inherits the short-stroke gas piston operated system from the T65 as well as the rotating bolt design. Upper and lower receiver are made with aircraft-grade aluminum. The side-folding metal stock on the prototype was replaced with an M4 carbine style polymer telescopic stock and buffer mechanism. The polymer handguard from the prototype was retained.
The controls of the T86 are similar to the T65 and M16. The T86 has a 4-position selector with safe, semiautomatic, three-round burst, and automatic settings. Like the T65K2, T86 utilizes an M16A2-style front post/rear peephole sight. The rear sight is adjustable for windage and elevation. One notable difference is that the T86 does not have a forward assist, and the brass deflector is shaped differently.
The T86 has a 375 mm (14.8 in) barrel with flash suppressor. The rate of rifling twist is one twist in 178 mm (7.0 in). The bore is chrome-lined and the T86 can fire all 5.56x45mm NATO standard ammunition. Magazines used by the ROC military feature two protrusions on each side to avoid over-insertion, but standard STANAG magazines are compatible.
The T86 is modular and can be field-stripped without using special tools. The gas piston system and the trigger assembly can be removed as complete assemblies for maintenance, reducing the risk of losing small parts.
| 5.56 mm T86 assault rifle | |
|---|---|
| Type | Assault rifle |
| Place of origin |  Republic of China |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2000 - Present |
| Used by | Taiwan, Jordan |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1992-1998 |
| Manufacturer | 205th Armory |
| Produced | 2000-2002 |
| Number built | 4,800+ |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 3.17 kg (7 lb) |
| Length | 880 mm (34.6 in) (stock extended) 800 mm (31.5 in) (stock retracted) |
| Barrel length | 375 mm (14.8 in) |
| | |
| Cartridge | 5.56x45mm NATO |
| Action | gas-operated, rotating bolt |
| Rate of fire | 700-800 RPM |
| Muzzle velocity | 840 m/s (2,756 ft/s) |
| Effective range | over 300 m |
| Feed system | Various STANAG Magazines. |
| Sights | M16A2-style sights with windage and elevation adjustments |
