what parts are NOT mil-spec on the current 14.5 inch Norinco CQ-M4 ?

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My wife has shown real interest in going to range with me on a regular basis. Out of all my rifles she likes the AR format the most.

I'm thinking of picking up a Norinco 14.5 in. CQ-M4. Think it would be perfect for her at this time.

Have read much on and off over the years, know about the finish issues in the beginning as well as some of the issues fitting after market parts.

Also quite aware of how well the run, how generally well made they are and that they have made QC improvements since they came to market.

I don't want to do a big research project on the current run of the rifles.

My only question is what parts are NOT mil-spec just incase she wants to add a pink stock of something like that...lol

Thanks guys.
 
tagged for interest. I just sold mine, and it was second hand to me. It had about 3200 rds through it when I got it, another 1000 in my hands, and it continues to run like a top. It is the only gun I've ever owned that failed to have a single malfunction of any kind. Go figure huh.......
It had tons of aftermarket parts on it, so if there are any parts that aren't mil-spec, they are pretty small I'd say.
 
The CQ-a uses a commercial spec buffer tube NOT mil-spec sized. Also the threads on thing like the front sight etc are likely not mil-spec threads but some sort of funky chi-com thing. Other parts like forends, pistol grip etc should be no problem. A little filing and Mcgyver work may be required for proper fitting.
 
Without Norc disclosing the materials used the entire rifle is most likely not mil spec. Barrel steel needs to be of a specific pedigree as does the bolt, receiver, buffer tube, gas tube etc etc. The manufacturing process also needs to conform to mil spec to be labelled as such. Most would agree that the materials are important but the absolute specifics to manufacturing process are generally trivial. That being said, Norc offers knock off copies for the civilian market and a proper mil spec gun costs significantly more to manufacture than a close copy/knockoff. From my experience with Norcs(handing and using) they are not mil spec in any way other than overall generall specs.

As for aftermarket stuff. You may run into trouble like many have with making it fit. You get what you pay for.

TW25B
 
On mine the front handguard retaining ring was undersized. This made it all but impossible to install aftermarket handguards. I replaced it with a cheap DPMS one and it was all good. The delta ring spring was also very stiff which meant a handguard removal tool was very helpful.

As others have already said, the buffer tube is commercial so you'll need to make sure any replacement stock is as well. The threads for the buffer tube are standard since I replaced mine with a Vltor A5 system with no issues.

I've heard that the ambi safety is not to spec, but I haven't touched mine so I can't confirm.
 
Wow, tons of fail here.

1) the trigger group is not milspec - it's a semi (the safety is an odd ball on some guns, too)
2) the Chinese don't use the same alloy designations as the US, so there's no way the gun can meet US milspec
3) the Chinese use the same threads as the US on these guns
4) Commercial receiver extensions can be replaced with milspec ones, the receiver threads are identical
5) Chinese made AR's are issued to troops in Paraguay, Iran and are used by Chinese SF units, so while not "US Milspec" they aren't bad guns, the same as many, many civillian market AR's - personally I've shot a couple and they work quite well.
 
I tried swapping the ambi safety to an ar with a dd lpk and I couldn't get it to function correctly. I may have over torqued the screw though.
 
Lol, it's a Norinco, I'd say that pretty much zero parts on it would pass the test.
Considering the price you can get an entry level US made AR these days like a DPMS or a CORE, I would skip Norinco completely.

Check out irunguns, wanstalls, and a few others for deals on a decent US built rifle for under $1000.
At least a US rifle will have a warranty and you know aftermarket parts will fit without issues.
 
They aren't advertised as mil spec, so I would assume it isn't. That doesn't mean parts don't interchange, it just means they may have a more general tolerance than mil spec has. And that is all mil spec is, is that each part MUST fall within their prescribed tolerance for that particular part. Since the military sources parts from umpteen different suppliers this assures total interchangeability in the field. Even that isn't a sure thing. If one part is on the tight side of the tolerance, and the mating part is on the tight side also, there could be a fitting problem.
 
If she wants a buttstock it will be a commercial sized buffer tube. Handguards may need to be fitted. Canada ammo's one I believe comes with a quad rail. Not sure if it's free floated. Recently I picked up a windham for $750. Lifetime transferable warranty. Better fit and finish than the norinco.

http://www.kellysonline.ca/collections/windham-weaponry
You can still get one for that price.
 
I believe what the OP really wanted to know more so what aftermarket parts will fit this particular rifle because of the "milspec vs commercial" thing not omg the guys in the factory weren't doing a left hand square dance while installing the take down detent so it's a piece of over prices chi-com non mil spec garbage. (I don't own one I've only ever seen guys using them at the range without problem)

I would have thought the thread would have gone more like dude your lady wants to shoot AR's that's effin' awesome! Where are the pics lol
I've yet to get my wife to come to the range with me other than for the safety orientation lol

keeper for sure
 
Thanks for the responses guys.

I'm quite aware of what mil-spec is. I should have stated in relation to parts sizing. Didn't think the Norinco was mil-spec in terms of metal.

Not too happy to hear about some of the fitting issues. Seems to me some parts are not mil-spec OR commercial. That could turn into a couple headaches.

Guess the best thing to do with this rifle is take it for what it is and leave it at that. When on sale it seems like a good deal but at the regular price a bit more (not much) will get say a Core15.
 
cr5 said:
Lol, it's a Norinco, I'd say that pretty much zero parts on it would pass the test.
Considering the price you can get an entry level US made AR these days like a DPMS or a CORE, I would skip Norinco completely.

Check out irunguns, wanstalls, and a few others for deals on a decent US built rifle for under $1000.
At least a US rifle will have a warranty and you know aftermarket parts will fit without issues.
Click to expand...

Yes this!
 
doc25 said:
If she wants a buttstock it will be a commercial sized buffer tube. Handguards may need to be fitted. Canada ammo's one I believe comes with a quad rail. Not sure if it's free floated. Recently I picked up a windham for $750. Lifetime transferable warranty. Better fit and finish than the norinco.

http://www.kellysonline.ca/collections/windham-weaponry
You can still get one for that price.
Click to expand...

I think I got the last one they had left, the Windham is a very nice AR.
 
cr5 said:
Lol, it's a Norinco, I'd say that pretty much zero parts on it would pass the test.
Considering the price you can get an entry level US made AR these days like a DPMS or a CORE, I would skip Norinco completely.

Check out irunguns, wanstalls, and a few others for deals on a decent US built rifle for under $1000.
At least a US rifle will have a warranty and you know aftermarket parts will fit without issues.
Click to expand...


I've had a Norc 10.5" AR for years.. thousands of rounds down range without any mechanical failures. I did put in a replacement ejector plunger and spring but that was just to improve the ejection. (I heard they were weak when I bought it.). She's not pretty but damn, she's been reliable. I don't get why people crap all over Norc AR's.
 
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