Info wanted on Norinco M14 copy
I have run across a norinco copy of the springfield M14. I was hoping someone here has had some experience with this rifle. I have had good luck with Norinco rifles but haven't even known anyone whose shot or handeled this one. ANy info would really be appreciated.
THanks
THanks
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On one hand I've heard that they're cheap knockoffs of real M14s and suffer from soft receivers. On the other I've heard that they're every bit as reliable and accurate as an M14 for much less of the price.
If you could find a way to get someone to work with that receiver to strengthen it up I'd go for the Norinco copy myself [^].
"The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long..."0 -
I have one that I am quite happy with. I bought it used a few years ago and have had only minor difficulties, easily fixed, that were probably the fault of the previous owner. I can see no difference between it and the commercial M1a's and althogh not a target gun, it shoots better than I can. The original stock was horrible to look at and I replaced it with a $20 USGI stock.
Even though they have not been imported for many years, there are still a few that show up now and then. The price is usually right; about half of the Springfield price.
Good luck,
Morty0 -
I owned one for several years and it was a great shooter. Many people like to "bag" on these, but everyone I have talked to who actually owned one, likes them. Watch out for Fulton Armory, they will tell you how "soft the metal is", and how the "bolt engagement angles are wrong", but they are trying to sell you their rebuilding service. It is true that the Norinco M14 copy may not last as long as a Springfield, but they shoot great and considering they cost 1/2-1/3 as much as a Springfield, what's not to like. Do note however that not all the parts on the Norinco are interchangeable with other U.S. made M14's. Just my 2 cents...
The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. - Thomas Jefferson0 -
There were reports in the early production years that these guns suffered from poor heat treatment of the recievers that was causing partsd that WERE correctly heat treated (i.e. the bolt, op rod etc) to go out of spec after just a few thousand rounds with the expected results. It is my opinion after years of reading the posts and additionally reading between the lines that perhaps this was a bit of an overstatement, or maybe even put forth by Springfield or some such thing. While I am personally aware of at least one that appeared to have had a beaten up reciever, I have never seen this outside of that one instance. Also, I have heard that Norinco improved their process and was making a much better product a short time into the production of the rifles.
One of the chief complaints I would lodge against the guns(aside from being made in a communist country!) is less than stellar parts interchangeability. Virtually anything made by Springfield will interchange with another Springfield M-14, while I have seen these Norinco guns that would not take any Springfield major parts.
Having said this, I think I would use condition and price as the determinants here; they are not that bad, in my opinion.
"When I cease learning...I'm dead"(Me)
"Power corrupts...Absolute power corrupts absolutely"(Descartes?)
"History is written by winners"(Patton)
"You get a lot farther with a kind word and a gun than you do with a kind word alone!"(Al Capone)
"There is nothing lower than the human race...except the French" (Samuel Clemens)0 -
All I know is, I've never seen a gunsmith post an ad reading: "We can harden the soft parts in your US-made M14-clone."
I might be willing to take a chance if a Chicom is in the $400-500 range, but, I wouldn't spend more than that. Even with a used SA Inc, you get a lifetime warranty; try asking the Chinese to fix your Norinco.
Neal0
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