Looking at getting my first AR - A quick question

1leggeddog

1leggeddog

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So i'm still waiting for my RPAL to arrive but i've weighed the options before me:

Build it or buy it.

Finally, i said to myself, if i'm going to build it, i might as well have an already functioning gun i can work with. And the rest of the gun, ill build it "over" the one ill buy.

So, naturally, i'm going with a Norinco CQ-A since it is a very affordable gun to start off with. Also, there are 2 available in Quebec City at Latulippe and after telling them that Marstar sells them for cheaper, they agreed to match the price!!!

That's great.. but i have a dilemma: What size barrel should i pick? 10.5" or 14.5" ?

Also, i found out i have very long arms. Even fully extended, the stock didn't seem comfortable. Dunno what i'm gonna do with that.
 
Norcs can be hard to build off, as lots of aftermarket stuff like hand guards won't fit without a lot of work. I'd encourage you to save a few more weeks or months and get a Colt from irunguns. Better canvas makes for a better painting...
 
The stock fits everyone, your stance is flawed. Stop blading/turning your body sideways and start squaring up to the target. Nose should be close to the charge handle if not touching it.

As for which length, the 14.5 will be more pleasant to shoot and less trouble to make run reliably.

Tdc
 
Go with the 14.5" barrel. If you have your mind set on a Norinco and the 14.5" is the longest barrel that they offer for the rifle in question, then go with that. It's a great all around barrel length, and will leave the door open for you if you decide to compete in 3 gun with it, making the list of uprades one item less. I personally prefer a 14.5" mid-length (as that's what I run and gun with) but you'll find that for shooting off the bench and doing a bit of running around with it, the 14.5" carbine-length will serve you quite well.

My 2 cents...
 
I know very little about AR's but the 14.5" Norinco CQ-A is my favourite configuration.
I personally wouldn't change a thing….maybe just get some 5/20 mags and shoot it.
Maybe I'll add an AR one day…. when they become non-restricted:rolleyes:
 
If we except the crappy finish, those CQ 14.5 are totally reliables at this low cost hard to miss... JP.
 
If you build your own gun you will have a better understanding of how it works. I built the first AR I ever owned an I am glad I did. bad news is that its pretty hard to save much money building your own.
 
If you're going to go with Norinco (I wouldn't but it's your money not mine) then I would buy the 14.5 inch and a case of ammo. 14.5 inch is a great length and can do pretty much everything. Don't do any modifications or spend any money on it as most parts will need to be fitted and you'll never get your money back out of it later if/when you decide to sell it.
Once you are familiar with the platform start buying parts for your own build. A little time on the Norinco will help you figure out what you like and don't like and your build will turn out better suited to you.
Just remember that you do get what you pay for and there is a lot more to a build than just slapping a bunch of parts together and expecting it to run reliably. You need to balance the gas system to the recoil system, this is where a lot of guys who buy a 16 inch rifle then throw a 10 inch or shorter barrel on run into problems and end up on here with questions about why their rifle doesn't cycle correctly.
If you like longer barrels then always go with the longest gas system you can, carbine will run smoother than pistol length, mid length will run smoother than carbine, rifle will run smoother than mid.

I'm not sure how it can be too short of LOP but either change your stance or you can add a recoil pad to some stocks which may help. I am 6 feet tall and run all of my AR's in position 2 - 4 depending on the optic that's on each.

Good luck but be warned, the AR is addictive like crack. I currently have 4 of them and have owned around 10 since I started buying AR's a few years ago. It will start out as one then an upper then another lower then a compete rifle then a build then a build in another caliber and so on. If it was non restricted I might not own any other rifles.
 
Don't let the anti norinco guys tell you to stay away, Im not endorsing Chinese products in anyway but from my experience running over 12000rds thru my norinco, works flawlessly with all ammo brands. I honestly have had more problems with my bushmaster which was twice the price ffs. If u can live with the ####ty finish of the norinco, it will be fine. Just my two cents worth....
 
MPiercey said:
Don't let the anti norinco guys tell you to stay away, Im not endorsing Chinese products in anyway but from my experience running over 12000rds thru my norinco, works flawlessly with all ammo brands. I honestly have had more problems with my bushmaster which was twice the price ffs. If u can live with the ####ty finish of the norinco, it will be fine. Just my two cents worth....
Click to expand...

Shrubmaster is American garbage like NEA is Canadian garbage. Its no wonder you think a norc is a better choice.

Tdc
 
cr5…has some sound advice.
As far as the finish….I fondled a new shipment of Norc 14.5" CQA and the fit and finish was actually pretty good.
Maybe I don't expect too much but I didn't buy it cause I really don't have any use for restricted long guns(had some and sold them)….but that's me.
 
strider007 said:
Go with the 14.5" barrel. If you have your mind set on a Norinco and the 14.5" is the longest barrel that they offer for the rifle in question, then go with that. It's a great all around barrel length, and will leave the door open for you if you decide to compete in 3 gun with it, making the list of uprades one item less. I personally prefer a 14.5" mid-length (as that's what I run and gun with) but you'll find that for shooting off the bench and doing a bit of running around with it, the 14.5" carbine-length will serve you quite well.

My 2 cents...
Click to expand...

Not true Sir.

You can get the full 20" pencil barrel in 1:9 twist now for very cheap!

My recommendation to the OP; get the Norc 1:9 20" pencil barrel. You wouldn't believe how lightweight it is.

You can always swap a barrel on an AR, it's not hard. Anyone with a vice and the receiver blocks can do it.

Plus if the rumours are true about the upcoming changes to the Firearms Act......:D
 
johNTO said:
I know very little about AR's but the 14.5" Norinco CQ-A is my favourite configuration.
I personally wouldn't change a thing….maybe just get some 5/20 mags and shoot it.
Maybe I'll add an AR one day…. when they become non-restricted:rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Just remember, sub 18.5" barrel will still be restricted if the rumours are true...
 
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