I just swapped with a fellow GNer for a used Chinese M-14. This one is the tightest I've personally headspaced yet ...
headspace is only .009" thou over 7.62 NATO GO ...
which is acceptable ...
When I did my usual thorough inspection, this one had absolutely ZERO deficiencies ...
rear sight works, front sight is straight, the bolt wear patterns show perfect bearing.
SO,
it IS possible to get a near perfect Norinco ... just the luck of the draw.
Of course,
I paid a LOT more than $ 399 plus shipping for my new toy, but that's Ok with me.
[;{)
LAZ 1