I'm writing this post to put Norinco M4 quality issues to rest. If you don’t have the budget for a high end AR15 like me, this is a great choice. I originally handled the 1st gen Norinco m4 about 1 year ago...I must admit the quality was absolutely horrible compared to North American domestic variants. There were shooting reviews on them which showed they were on par (accuracy wise) with American made ar15’s. Even with the performance I was not convinced to buy one since the fit and finish was terrible. Around Spring 2010 there was word of the new Norinco CQ-A M4’s going to be imported into Canada. Initial word was that the fit and finish was much better than the original CQ’s. This had now convinced me to buy one. I originally put my order in with Marstar, but after a several month wait I cancelled and purchased one from Epp’s which was only an hour drive away. When I finally got my hands on it, boy was I impressed. The finish is actually anodized rather than painted, the lower and upper had very little play, Norinco got it right!!!
Performance
Performance wise i have no complaints, it's slicker then a 8 ball off of Megan Fox's ass
In all seriousness it is a straight shooter. I have had no malfunctions what so ever off the hundreds of reloads and factory ammo i have fed it. As far as the trigger goes it certainly is a big improvement over the original Norinco CQ's. The trigger is a little rough straight out of the box but has really become extremely smooth compared to its initial state. Like all firearms it requires some breaking in. Once the barrel has had a bunch of rounds through it the accuracy settles down and easily (through my tests only to 100 yards) keeps up with all other ar-15's. Don't believe me?
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=513065
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503299
Mods
Even with the fit and finish upgrades there are a few things that I think need to be changed at bare minumum.
1. Replace the charging handle, what a POS. New American made charging handles can be purchased for around $30. If you prefer a particular charging latch, find one with the style you like and take out two birds with one stone.
2. If your hands are big like mine a new pistol grip might be in order. There is nothing wrong with the A2 that comes with it. I purchased a magpul moe grip ($25ish) with the enhanced trigger guard ($10) and never looked back.
3. Now there is very little play between the upper and lower receiver, but if you like things in life tight like I do think about getting an accuwedge ($5) It takes out any little play there is.
Past that all other mods are preference.
Mags
In my opinion there are only two choices for magazines, the only separating factor is polymer or metal.
1. Polymer? Magpul P-mags ($35 per mag, dynamite monkey)
2. Metal? C products ss mags ($40 per mag, Questar or Arms East)
Optics
Optics is really a personal choice. If you want a good bang for your buck I recommend Vortex optics ($150-250). They have a lifetime (no questions asked) warranty out of Guelph ON. I accidently stripped my mounting screw, called them and they sent me a new mount Both me and my partner in CQB use them and outshoot guys running Aimpoints and other high end optics 
If you have any questions regarding these lovely ar-15's in terms of mods or anything please feel free to pm me!
*UPDATE* Oct 17
I am truly amazed at this rifle and its capabilities. I now have close to 1000 rounds through it with not one malfunction......if this doesn't sway your opinion on this economically priced super rifle this will
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525951
Here is one of my groups.
We managed to take 1st place in the CQB finals
. Both my partner and I were using Norincos. He has the CQ with a Vortex strikefire and i have the CQ-A with a Vortex sparc. I shot a 453 my personal best. I have also now realized the limitation of my stock trigger and plan to upgrade to a better trigger for next season. For the $720.00 base cost i honestly believe this is the best firearm i have purchased so far. I hope by posting this it will sway more opinions on these rifles.
A shout out to my buddy OneTime for taking all these great pictures
Performance
Performance wise i have no complaints, it's slicker then a 8 ball off of Megan Fox's ass
In all seriousness it is a straight shooter. I have had no malfunctions what so ever off the hundreds of reloads and factory ammo i have fed it. As far as the trigger goes it certainly is a big improvement over the original Norinco CQ's. The trigger is a little rough straight out of the box but has really become extremely smooth compared to its initial state. Like all firearms it requires some breaking in. Once the barrel has had a bunch of rounds through it the accuracy settles down and easily (through my tests only to 100 yards) keeps up with all other ar-15's. Don't believe me? http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=513065
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=503299
Mods
Even with the fit and finish upgrades there are a few things that I think need to be changed at bare minumum.
1. Replace the charging handle, what a POS. New American made charging handles can be purchased for around $30. If you prefer a particular charging latch, find one with the style you like and take out two birds with one stone.
2. If your hands are big like mine a new pistol grip might be in order. There is nothing wrong with the A2 that comes with it. I purchased a magpul moe grip ($25ish) with the enhanced trigger guard ($10) and never looked back.
3. Now there is very little play between the upper and lower receiver, but if you like things in life tight like I do
think about getting an accuwedge ($5) It takes out any little play there is. Past that all other mods are preference.
Mags
In my opinion there are only two choices for magazines, the only separating factor is polymer or metal.
1. Polymer? Magpul P-mags ($35 per mag, dynamite monkey)
2. Metal? C products ss mags ($40 per mag, Questar or Arms East)
Optics
Optics is really a personal choice. If you want a good bang for your buck I recommend Vortex optics ($150-250). They have a lifetime (no questions asked) warranty out of Guelph ON. I accidently stripped my mounting screw, called them and they sent me a new mount
Both me and my partner in CQB use them and outshoot guys running Aimpoints and other high end optics
If you have any questions regarding these lovely ar-15's in terms of mods or anything please feel free to pm me!
*UPDATE* Oct 17
I am truly amazed at this rifle and its capabilities. I now have close to 1000 rounds through it with not one malfunction
......if this doesn't sway your opinion on this economically priced super rifle this will http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=525951
Here is one of my groups.
We managed to take 1st place in the CQB finals
. Both my partner and I were using Norincos. He has the CQ with a Vortex strikefire and i have the CQ-A with a Vortex sparc. I shot a 453 my personal best. I have also now realized the limitation of my stock trigger and plan to upgrade to a better trigger for next season. For the $720.00 base cost i honestly believe this is the best firearm i have purchased so far. I hope by posting this it will sway more opinions on these rifles.
A shout out to my buddy OneTime for taking all these great pictures
Last edited:
