Anyone know anything about the Norinco clone of the M1A?

[tlhelmer]

I saw a Norinco clone of the Springfield M1A and it was about half the price. Does anyone know or have any experience with this rifle?

 

[Destructo6]

Purely heresay, but the receivers are supposed to be quite good, having been machined from a solid block of steel instead of cast and machined as are the modern US versions. The remaining parts are supposed to be pretty soft. The typical suggestion is to rebuild the rifle, using USGI parts on the Chinese receiver.

Again, being heresay, take it for what it's worth.

 

[Battler]

http://www.fultonarmory.com has things to say about the chinese (similar to the previous response).

They offer an "upgrade package" for the chinese, and have a pretty comprehensive M1/M1A/M14 FAQ.


Battler.

 

[Jeff Thomas]

Also, check out Smith Enterprises ... http://www.smithenterprise.com/

Specifically http://www.smithenterprise.com/m14_rifle_service.htm#CHINESE BOLT CONVERSION

Regards from AZ

 

[4V50 Gary]

Historically Norinco developed the M14 clone with intent to arm insurgents. There are subtle differences such as metric screws threads.

The folks who have our tooling and can make good ones are the Taiwanese.