It's been my experience, after having rebuilt a few "Norinco" '305/M-14s, that "out of the box" they're essentially DIY projects.
Quality control at the factory is non-existent as far as I can tell--parts and assembly are inconsistent. Occasionally we get lucky with a gun
where most things fit together properly and don't need fixing, but it's more than likely that you'll end up with a dud.
My first one was a gem--head-spacing was good, as was alignment. I did replace the op rod spring guide and spring as well as the rear sight.
The op rod guide needed tightening as well.
The front sight is the wrong size and will be getting replaced.
The next TWO examples I got were so sloppy I ended up returning them for a full refund. They were quite hopeless as candidates for rehab.
The original M-14 was my issued weapon when I was in the US Army, so I think I can speak from some experience. It's a "main battle rifle"
designed to hit human beings at centre of mass at ranges out to 350 meters. We never measured our groups to see how tight they were--
if the sillouette fell down, that was good enough.
I don't believe that any of these M-14 clones will ever become tack drivers, no matter how much sweat and money we pour into them.
Any .308 Savage or Remington bolt action will outshoot them straight out of the box, and for less money.
You've already done the major recommended part replacements. If you can get those results using your handloads, then I'd say you're a lucky
man indeed! You must have gotten one of the "gems".
Have you been able to replicate that 1/2 MOA group? Could you post some pics of your targets? It might encourage all of us M-14 shooters
who have been trying to make silk purses from these sow's ears.
Cheers,
SL
.
