Help a Newb! NR vs R, etc: What to buy?

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Rohann

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Hi folks,

Yet another "what to buy" thread here, but with some caveats:
-I likely wouldn't be buying immediately if not for our Comrade in office
-Undecided on the implications of NR vs R at this point in the political agenda
-Was initially looking for an AR platform but am considering NR too

I'd like to do 3-gun or SR shoots eventually, but the freedom of an NR would outweigh that benefit so I'm either/or on this. So -- NR or R, given the current legislative threats? Already have my RPAL.

On the one hand:
- I have a friend with a Norinco AR with some light upgrades (handguard, etc) he'll sell for $550. Just one magazine. Not sure as to the reliability quite honestly, but the firearm that's available is better than the one that isn't. Was initially looking for an M&P15 or similar. May or may not build it up eventually. Is the cost worth it just for the lower, if I eventually swap out the upper?
-Any other suggestions for a restricted AR platform? I'd even consider just buying and registering a lower receiver at this point. If I buy R I want a short barrel (i.e. 16" and under). I'd entertain a longer one for the time being.

Available options: DPMS Panther ($929) https://www.nordicmarksman.com/DPMS-Panther-A3-Lite-16-AR-15.html
Radical Firearms ($800): https://www.nordicmarksman.com/Radical-Firearms-16-556-NATO-17-Carbine-M4-w12-FCR-MLOK-Rail.html
EDIT: Cabela's has an M&P in locally for $899 ($850 with my discount). Worth it over the Norinco? $400 extra after tax?

On the other -- no need for the headache if one goes NR, but it seems more expensive and more difficult to get parts.
 
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NR is always convenient in that you can shoot anywhere. The ARs are fun, but for me I didn't enjoy static shooting at the range. Some people have cool ranges with steel and interactive setups, so that would make the AR shooting more enjoyable. I like the NR in the bush to do drills, shoot steel, etc. Just need to decide your primary use
 
The RCMP can designate any firearm at any time to a different status don't worry about what is NR/R. Buy what you want. Also look at warranty and parts/mod availability/compatibility.
 
Good points.

Hadn't considered the ATI, will look into it. Better than Norinco? Also, not interested in pre-ordering an NR, just doesn't seem wise given the current climate.

Bratwurst: Great thread, by the way.

Laker: That's my hesitation too. Our range rules are kind of ridiculous.
I suppose my motivation is to own an AR or similar in case the old prohib hammer comes down, and to have a "SHTF" rifle. There's also the hope that the AR platform will eventually become NR given the arbitrary nature of its classification. The problem is that if the NR rifles get prohib'd they wouldn't be allowed in the bush anyway. That said, it would be nice to be able to go shoot steel in the bush assuming nothing changes for a while (but even then I live on central Van Island so good luck finding anywhere to shoot).

My other hesitation for NR is to get something overly-expensive and under-performing simply to fit into that category. It's hard to stomach a $1500 AR-ish rifle when you can get a workable AR for $600-800. The Tavor is certainly interesting, but very pricey.
 
Rohann said:
The WK180C is piquing my interest. You mention there are a lot of aftermarket parts -- can you put most AR things on it?
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AR triggers (Except the drop in packs), pistol grips, and stocks. It comes with an MLOK rail so who cares about that? and the barrel is good so worry about that once you've put 20,000 rounds through it.

Personally I would look toward the WS-MCR over the WK-180C because Wolverine supplies have had the opportunity to sit down and fix all the issues that occurred with the WK180C.

In pictures the WK180C/WS-MCR can look ugly as hell. In reality it actually looks fine.
 
Rohann said:
The WK180C is piquing my interest. You mention there are a lot of aftermarket parts -- can you put most AR things on it?
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The 180 is decent for what it is. Try and snag a used one on the EE. I sold mine as I wasn't super impressed with it. I am on the pre order for the coyote as I like the more AR type ergos compared to the 180. If you can swing it, get the more expensive NR option now, then add an AR if you still feel the desire for a short barreled platform
 
Rohann said:
Ah okay good to know. Any experience with VZ-58s? I'd consider that as well. Seems annoyingly expensive for an AK-ish platform though.
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It is expensive but look at what you're getting. All the AR modularity and ergonomics. And for all intents and purposes, it doesn't exist according to the government. If you are interested in an AR, a gun like the VZ is not going to feel the same.
 
If you're looking to shoot competitively with it, classification really doesn't matter, because if, say, all semi-auto mag-fed centrefire rifles get prohibited, the sanctioned matches that take place on ranges will cease. In the event of prohibition, depending on where you live and your access to land away from prying eyes, having a previously-NR rifle might not really be any better than having a dewat.
 
1ABNDT said:
The RCMP can designate any firearm at any time to a different status don't worry about what is NR/R.
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False.

The status of all firearms is set by legislation and regulation. The RCMP plays a small role in interpreting what category a gun falls into if it is a grey area, but for the most part they have little to do with designating legal status, and absolutely zero power to change a designation arbitrarily.
 
Agent Law said:
If you're looking to shoot competitively with it, classification really doesn't matter, because if, say, all semi-auto mag-fed centrefire rifles get prohibited, the sanctioned matches that take place on ranges will cease. In the event of prohibition, depending on where you live and your access to land away from prying eyes, having a previously-NR rifle might not really be any better than having a dewat.
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So if Comrade T et al pass legislation that they get prohib'd, and you're grandfathered in, are you not allowed to continue taking them to the range? Say they only designate "military style" firearms, does that change anything to the 12.x designation? I thought I read about being able to apply for exceptions or simply going through some sort of appeal process that takes a few years.
 
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Bratwurst said:
How did you come to the conclusion that an AKA and a comoletely dufferent rifle should be cheap?
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Fair, but it's a standard-issue service rifle in 7.62x39 that doesn't shoot as well as AR's that are close to half the price and with limited accessories/sights etc. Definitely interested in one, but they smack of "pay to play" NR. Can't seem to find any in stock anywhere in any case.
 
Rohann said:
Fair, but it's a standard-issue service rifle in 7.62x39 that doesn't shoot as well as AR's that are close to half the price and with limited accessories/sights etc. Definitely interested in one, but they smack of "pay to play" NR. Can't seem to find any in stock anywhere in any case.
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I suggest you look into how these things are manufactured, the AK is an expensive and hard to produce rifle. The VZ.58 is being made by one or two small manufacturers in the Czech republic, even in the Cold War the supply was only ever for Czechoslovakia which was only a few million people.

Long story short: You don't get the same price for a VZ.58 in 2020 as you did when they were being made by a Communist superpower or shortly after when no one needed 100 million AKs etc.
 
My concern with an NR is that if legislation passes and the libs move forward as they seem to be promising, NR rifles will be hammered anyway. Thinking long-term, an NR is probably a better idea.

Any ideas on the Wolverine WS-MCR? $1300 seems not bad. Is the action reliable and durable?
 
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