10.5" Norinco CQ or Sabre Defense? Can't Identify.

greg11

greg11

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I bought what I was told was a Sabre Defense 10.5" upper from the EE. I've since purchased a complete 14" Sabre Defense rifle, and none of the markings match up. I'm a little steamed.

Just wondering, can anyone post a high resolution picture of the left side (opposite the ejection port) of their Norinco Upper? My suspect upper only has one marking that says "5.56MM/.223 CAL"

My Sabre has a Sabre Defense logo on the rail, right where the charging handle is, and it has "T" marks on the rail as well, the suspect upper does not. Also, the suspect upper's finish is glossy dark black, whereas the Sabre 14" upper looks like a flat grey, sort of like the NEA's...

Any help would be appreciated.
 
Given Sabre Defense's somewhat colourful history, it's very, very possible that they made uppers with very few markings on them - it makes it harder to get busted when there aren't many markings on your product. - was the upper complete? - if it was them the BCG would be the best way to tell. I'm sure someone here will know who's upper forging Sabre used - the vast majority of makers use forgings from a very small number of forges. Finally, what shape is the forward handguard ring, Norcs are non-standard in this regard. Pics would help.
 
Not sure if wolverine ever brought in any 10.5 sabre uppers.

I know they brought in 11.5, 14.5 and 20. 1/9 twist. Excellent barrels spec'ed for UK forces. They should have UK proof marks on the barrels near the front sight base.
Most uppers had "sabre defense" machined on the left side of the upper, and most were cerro forged. (keyhole forge marking)
 
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You got a norc (IMO)...I've seen a pic of that upper with 5.56/.223 marked on it somewhere...just trying to find it. Also, Norc BCG's look like what you're images show. Lastly, the fact the delta ring is beat up is a good indicator as getting Norc handguards off is a royal pain.

**edit** found the pic I was looking for: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1043341-M-4-carbines/page2 (post #125)
 
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Yeah ytou can see the machining is so much better on the darker BCG (Sabre).

I've been hunting for Norinco markings but all the pictures I find are too blurry...
 
Hi, I've found the following statement on ar15.com hope it is the info you were looking for:

If this helps...

1.) If there are no markings on the barrel, it is probably not a Sabre Defence barrel. We have always marked at least the caliber, material (CMV of 410 SS) and rate of twist on the barrels. For the past two years we have also included our name and a lot number of every barrel.

2.) We've made a lot of different barrel contours and lengths over the years, but in the past three years I am certain Sabre Defence never made a 10.5" HBAR barrel. All our 10.5" barrels are Gov't contour. If it has no markings and is a 10.5" HBAR, I can say with 99% certainty that it is NOT a Sabre barrel.

-Michael Curlett
Director of Sales & Marketing
Sabre Defence Industries
 
Can't say 100% it's a Norinco (my guess is 95%), but you can 100% say it's not a Sabre. I'd be PISSED it that was passed off as a Sabre... if you paid more than $400 for it, you got screwed.
 
Okay well if you didn't pay Sabre pricing, it eases the sting for sure.

You paid market value (or maybe a liiittle less) for a Norinco upper.

STILL a douche sales job by whoever sold it. If he said 'It's a Sabre', he's a liar. If he said "unknown upper... maybe Sabre?", it's caveat emptor. My humble opinion only...
 
Known Norinco:
IMG_20140309_150555950_zpsec90be0b.jpg

My suspect AR15 upper:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/sp7dgmnn3hpkxuh/2lCGh9SY-h/IMG_20140327_140313.jpg
 
Solid steel sling swivel with no rubber coating is a Nork feature as well. Nork upper you got there. On top of the barrel under the gas tube at the receiver may have some light etched markings that were parkerized over.
 
enefgee said:
If the dust cover is held on by pinching the shaft, rather than a separate clamping device on the shaft, it's definitely Norc (it's the one oddball Norc thing I've never seen anywhere else)
Click to expand...

The square gas section on the cast FSB, the pinched dust cover shaft, firing pin head, steel sling swivel, no forge marks...and crap finish are identical to the Nork M4 I just bought as well.
 
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