[3] The weapon's silenced version was also developed to replace the Type 64 submachine guns in service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA).

During development, there was criticism of its appearance, and it earned nicknames like "toy gun" or "the master work of plumber"[3] in the Chinese military.

[7] In 1981, trials were conducted with the weapons being tested in combat trails with single and full auto modes used.

[3] It gradually replaced Type 79 in the Chinese military and received positive feedback due to its high reliability and simplicity in maintenance.

This was largely due to its overly simplified open-bolt design which attributed to Type 85's poor first-shot accuracy.

[11] The Type 85 submachine gun is a simple blowback weapon that fires from an open bolt.