Ar opinions: NEA vs Norinco

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thinking of going for an AR... right now interested in both the Norinco and NEA

I know NEA has hard their faire share of issues, how are the latest ones compared to Norinco? Interested in accuracy and reliability only.
 
I can't speak to Norinco as I don't own one but I do have an NEA.

If you were to buy a recent model of a completed NEA, I think you would do just fine. I've heard from a number of sources that the barrels they use are very accurate. I'll be the first to admit I had some issues with mine when it came to putting it all together. Some were definitley my fault, others were not.

Since putting it together I've had not one single issue with reliability but I've ony put maybe 500 rnds though it so far. Accuracy is very good.

There will be MANY to say stay clear and many that would completley endorse you buying one. I'm in the latter camp, I quite like mine and look forward to putting thousands of rnds down range with it. I certinaly would consider another.

Most of the knocks I've heard about them most frequently was the flat colour of the finsih, more grey than black. Recently at TSE in Calgary I came across a brand new matched upper and lower from NEA, JET black finish, best I've seen from them yet.
 
My brand new NEA doesn't like PMAGS. They don't engage the bolt hold open and I get a double feed regularly.

Other than that, it's a great rifle for the price. Could definitely use some attention to cosmetic details though. Both my new NEA rifles have burrs that will cut you (caused by dull tooling). The barrel on one has an uneven coating. Its not just nitpicking, half the barrel is a different color. Yeah, it's just a cosmetic thing and doesn't affect function, but the fact they put that out the door doesn't instill confidence.

I'd put the Norinco and NEA on near equal footing with the NEA edging ahead with the better furniture and barrel.
 
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I have an NEA, I hate the forward edge of the magwell, I will probably shave it down as it is sharp.

I also do not like the mismatched grey finish on mine.

Norc is ok, but the fit and finish leave something to be desired.

seriously look into Armalite or Core. They are not too much more, and a much nicer gun.
 
Took my Norc to an IPSC 3 Gun with the stock irons. Was the only guy out of 19 not running a dot. Came 2nd. thing shots as good as any of the 3 Colts, 1 Bushmaster, and 1 Armalite I owned. Never had a jam in the 2K rds I have through it. For a time it didn't get cleaned for 500 rds (twice I did that).

Finish Meh, accuracy and reliability are par with my previous AR's

Moe
 
Personally I would save another $200 or so and go with something like DPMS, windham weaponry, s&w sporter, etc.
 
I went with a core for a bit more than a Norc and a bit less than an NEA because of the following advantages:

Over a Norc:
-I can take it south of the border if I wanna compete there
-Supporting manufacturing in North America

Over an NEA:
-No stink about reliability
-Excellent warranty service
 
TRaTSeRiF said:
I went with a core for a bit more than a Norc and a bit less than an NEA because of the following advantages:

Over a Norc:
-I can take it south of the border if I wanna compete there
-Supporting manufacturing in North America

Over an NEA:
-No stink about reliability
-Excellent warranty service
Click to expand...

Good point about not being able to take the Norc south of the border!!
 
How much do the Norc 15's rattle when shaken? I had a Norc 1911, from 2008, that rattled so much I considered giving it to a baby. I'm not bashing Norinco, I love how solid their composite arms are. Just asking about the '15 because of my experience with their '11.
 
Runningfool said:
I'm firing up the popcorn maker!
Click to expand...

Make a double batch, this should be good!!

TRaTSeRiF said:
I went with a core for a bit more than a Norc and a bit less than an NEA because of the following advantages:

Over a Norc:
-I can take it south of the border if I wanna compete there
-Supporting manufacturing in North America

Over an NEA:
-No stink about reliability
-Excellent warranty service
Click to expand...

Good advice with regards to a CORE(or other make). Look in the EE, there are plenty of good deals on AR's of reputable brands.

TDC
 
Definitely a good idea to take a look at EE. I almost went for a great deal on an upgraded version of my baseline CORE (Magpul goodies up the rectum) but I wanted something now since I sold my only poodleshooter and private deals take a bit of time to finalize.
 
I have handled many C8s that rattle and feel loose. My norc 10.5" is solid as a rock. It functions flawlessly and I think it looks good - ultimately, I load explosives into it to punch little holes in paper...does it need to be pretty?

I considered getting the NEA but I just can't get over the grey finish...I have also seen a lot of pictures where the finish has worn off in certain places exposing silver underneath. I have heard, however the the NEA barrels are second to none.

I would say buy the Norinco and have fun with it. Use the $300 difference on some ammo.
 
My vote goes to norc. If you want a tool that works everytime (in my experience) and aren't to concerned with the finish of a gun, that's your winner. That's only after believing all the chatter about NEA's not so sparkling track record. I've never met a guy who owned an NEA that didnt have serious issues. However, if you do ever plan to take it to the US, I'd go for the CORE(next best thing), or do what I do and use owning a norc and excuse to buy another AR.
 
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