Yes, excellent information for sure. Very clearly presented. I've still got my eye on an NR 15.. thanks!I don't have the NR15a, but the NR15 in the traditional rifle stock
Just to throw in some data points about accuracy.
First target is my sight in target at 50 m, basically a bit over the place getting it to sight in with the scope I had.
I'm using an NR15, 24"; with a picitanny rail adapter and Athlon 30mm medium height rings. That holds a Discovery optics 2-12x24 HD MPVO scope.
The bolt is a little tight to the scope body but it still has clearance.
I did do 2 modifications to the rifle;
1. I used aluminum tape to shim the trigger to reduce the long trigger pull. I don't think it changes the weight but there is no longer a long take up before the trigger breaks.
2. I used aluminium tape again to shim the area in front of the front action screw to free float the barrel.
Both of these modifications came from a French Canadian forum discussing mods.
This first target was just sighting in the rifle and scope.
I then shot 2-9 round groups with the 4 ammo types I had lying around.
1. CCI Standard velocity 1070fps
2. Aguila Super extra 1130 fps
3. Aguila Standard velocity (the free ammo deal) 1130 fps
4. Winchester M-22 1255 fps
The white points are about where I was aiming at. The number after the ammo type is the measurement from edge to edge of the farthest impacts, in mm.
I also shot a "control" group with my CZ 457 varmint 20" with DNT the one 7-35x scope on it.
I shot the same 2 x9 round groups with the 4 ammo types I had lying around. To make an apples to apples comparison.
1. CCI Standard velocity 1070fps
2. Aguila Super extra 1130 fps
3. Aguila Standard velocity (the free ammo deal) 1130 fps
4. Winchester M-22 1255 fps
The white points are about where I was aiming at.
Observations: The NR15 is still rough, I had to use a lot of force to actuate the bolt rotating it down into the receiver. I am expecting that to clear up after I work the action some more.
Trigger after my mod to it, was acceptable. There is no creep, just 0 weight takeup, wall then bang. I don't have a trigger pull gauge but it definitely is less than 5 lbs.
I bought this rifle to be a light weight "hunting" style rifle that I would have no qualms beating up, or dinging it. As my CZ 457 is set up for target shooting, and its a heavy rifle to carry, and has a huge scope that is not suitable for free hand shooting at all.
The NR15 is light, synthetic, and has a more manageable scope mounted on it, if I were to use it for hunting/pest control.
I think I would still prefer the CZ 457, if I had the lighter barrel instead of the varmint barrel. But I am a spoiled boy that loves nice things.
But at the price of $209 for the rifle and ammo, the NR15 goes bang, isn't absolutely terrible accuracy wise.
Norinco NR15A
- Thread starter Lever30
- Start date
Yeah that could have been labeled a little more clear, but wanted to have a "control" accuracy value as I know I'm not the best marksman and wanted to show what I am capable of to contrast with the rifle.
Wish I could have done an accuracy comparison of before mods and after mods. But I just wanted to do them and get out there shooting.
The CZ 457 is and can be a lot more accurate as in there are people who can do the 1 ragged hole grouping but I can't really do that. But I hope I demonstrated it does show that the NR15 is less accurate than the CZ 457. But not super bad I think, the NR15 did pretty good groupings with flyers.
Still I kind of regret going for the NR15 as I gotten so used to my CZ 457 bolt, the NR15 bolt surprised me with how "rough", how much force, and the bolt throw angle. Still its a "beater" rifle that I wouldn't mind taking out into the woods and getting it banged up on stuff.
But in terms of price to value, $209 for a rifle, $30 magazines, and free 500 rounds of ammo is a pretty good deal.
Gun goes bang, the trigger isn't heavy gritty horrible, just a long take up that I eliminated with the tape shim. The French forum I mentioned used brass shims, but I only had tape around so I did it on the cheap.
extreme-precision. com/t98194-norinco-nr-15-22lr
The long bolt throw angle is tough as you need fairly high rings to use the bolt, I lucked out that I needed a picatinny rail adapter as I had a spare set of 30mm rings lying around which guided me towards selecting the discovery optics scope as it's a fairly inexpensive 30mm scope that I could use with my rings.
It still is tight to the scope.
Chilly - I have a CZ457 I've had various barrels and stocks on, the YoDave trigger spring kit, etc. They are a fantastic platform, very smooth and reliable, and super accurate with the right barrel. Hard to beat for value.
The attraction for the NR15 for me is more the price and functionality. Like other recent Chinese 22s (eg. JW15), the action and trigger smooth out with use or gentle polishing. From the days of the original Brno1, these models are famous for having to mount the scope relatively high to be able to clear the bolt handle.
The take up with the trigger can be adjusted with the screw at the back of the sear too. It can be adjusted for 0 take up easily. A bit too much adjustment and the sear won't catch the striker and you can have a 'slamfire' situation, or the bolt comes out when cycling, so test it after adjusting.
Don't regret the purchase decision, as long as it's functional. The great thing about most 22s is that there is always demand in the second hand market when you decide it's time to move it on.
