Norinco CQA

If you have a bit more money, buy a S&W M&P II. If you just have enough for a CQA and are kinda lucky, the rifle will be fine. There are tons of them out there and they work fine.
I used to look down on them but after shooting many examples, I’ve changed my mind. They’re ugly but they work.
 
Still alive said:
If you have a bit more money, buy a S&W M&P II. If you just have enough for a CQA and are kinda lucky, the rifle will be fine. There are tons of them out there and they work fine.
I used to look down on them but after shooting many examples, I’ve changed my mind. They’re ugly but they work.
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yeah i'm curious how the M&P feels quality wise compared to the norinco. Apparently mil spec parts will fit the norinco?
 
I have had a few of them over the years. Long story short is they were all great. The 14.5 the 10 inch. Only down side is they are not as nice aesthetically pleasing as similarly priced AR's, and if you are a person who likes brand names norinco is not the coolest. Right now they are not as cheap as they use to be and a s&w mp15 can be had for a similar price and it is a slightly better rifle for the money. However if you can pick a cqa up used, for a sweet deal, get it, shoot it, and enjoy it. It is a solid rifle. I didn't really get rid of mine, I essentially gifted them to my father and uncles, guys who have never owned an AR but when they shot it have to have one!
 
M&P charging handle is a bit rough. Trigger is average for mil spec. Not much different to a CQA. Visually, the finishing is better on the Smith. CQA has the ambi mag release and safety which can be a plus.

Parts interchangeability can be a hit or miss with a Norc.
 
Still alive said:
Parts interchangeability can be a hit or miss with a Norc.
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This is the only real concern, and it can be a PIA. I have a Norinco Upper Receiver that was a wee bit out of spec. It took many hours with a file and a bore mop slathered in Rubbing Compound to get it to fit my lower properly, but it was fine after reshaping the front take down pin hole. If you buy a Norinco, better to leave it as it came from the factory, save yourself some potential headaches.
 
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Not on your discussion list but I picked up a DPMS LCAR and although the ranges are closed and I can’t fire it I did a full strip and wipe down on it. It fits together great. I did swap out the cocking handle to an aftermarket one already just because I wanted to. It was only $800
 
I bought one to get used to the platform with the plan of upgrading down the road.
Now, several years later I'm still running it. I changed the pistol grip and fore guard to a quad rail. It's never missed a beat.
 
Thank you all for the info, I'll definitely be considering a new to me CQA. I just recently got my first Restricted ( a norinco NP-34) and i already cant wait to start filling my walls.
 
I used to own a norinco cqa 14.5 and I never had any issues with its function; however, I did find that some milspec parts would not fit on it.
 
If you plan crossing borders to try some US 3gun or other matches, it will be a negative to owning a norinco (US ban). That being said, they are a hell of a tough gun for the price (if you don't want to tacticool the hell out of it)
 
I have one in 10.5" that I run like my work gun. No issues at all.

If you want admire your firearm, buy something else.
If you want to actually shoot it and not cry when you scratch it, buy a CQA and enjoy it :p
 
My first AR15 was a 10.5" CQ-A. My 2nd was a M&P15. My 3rd and current AR15 is a 14.5" CQ-A. The M&P looked nicer. The CQA works just as good.
If it came down to one or the other I'd buy the cheaper one. Then I won't cry when I scratch it lol
 
I have had a CQA since they first landed in the country, back when they cost waaay more than they do now...lol. It was still a good deal at the time though. I have have had almost zero issues with mine. The only thing I had to replace was the extractor spring when a coil broke off. It was a $5/5 minute job and its been 100% ever since. Surprisingly accurate with a 14.5" bbl no problem maintaining palm sized groups at 100 yards with bulk 55gr ammo and a low power optic, and 1.5-2" groups with hand loaded ammo. I have changed the hand-guard a couple of times and have no issues, they dropped right in. I would encourage you to get one if you find a good deal.
 
AB.boy said:
I have had a CQA since they first landed in the country, back when they cost waaay more than they do now...lol. It was still a good deal at the time though. I have have had almost zero issues with mine. The only thing I had to replace was the extractor spring when a coil broke off. It was a $5/5 minute job and its been 100% ever since. Surprisingly accurate with a 14.5" bbl no problem maintaining palm sized groups at 100 yards with bulk 55gr ammo and a low power optic, and 1.5-2" groups with hand loaded ammo. I have changed the hand-guard a couple of times and have no issues, they dropped right in. I would encourage you to get one if you find a good deal.
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Very good to know, Thanks alot. i'll be honest i was put off norincos by a friend of mine that had a couple bad experiences with his M305 out of the box, namely a cracked bolt and mag issues i believe. I've since started to come around when i got my NP-34 and saw the fit and finish first hand.
 
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