Compact JW15a - Worth it?
- Thread starter sixty9santa
- Start date
Well, you would need to define "worth". I have one (pictured below) and picked-it up used, in like-new condition, for $175. I think it's worth for the convenient size~for me. What I hadn't anticipated is how useless the 10-round Norinco mags were, and no amount of cleaning/polishing/lube would correct that. So, I picked-up 2 x steel, 5 round CZ mags for it that set me back more than $100 with shipping. The factory/iron sights are pretty poor to (the same ones used on their standard-length JW, not accounting for the front blade now being too wide on a 13" barrel) I had planned on a fixed, vintage low-power scope anyway, so that was no strike against it for me.
So, is it "worth" about $400+ to have one set-up the way I have? I'm honestly on the fence about that a little, but it's a very accurate rifle with the right ammo, very compact, with a decent trigger. Had it out in the rain yesterday afternoon in fact, running CB longs (which it feeds perfectly) knocking-over coffee cans with offhand shots from about 40 yards. Fun little rifle. I plan on putting it to use with some grouse this fall.
So, is it "worth" about $400+ to have one set-up the way I have? I'm honestly on the fence about that a little, but it's a very accurate rifle with the right ammo, very compact, with a decent trigger. Had it out in the rain yesterday afternoon in fact, running CB longs (which it feeds perfectly) knocking-over coffee cans with offhand shots from about 40 yards. Fun little rifle. I plan on putting it to use with some grouse this fall.
I had one of these for a few months and the novelty wore off quickly.
At the range it is a fun little toy which gets some interesting looks for sure.
Construction seemed pretty decent though the trigger is double stage which wore in pretty quickly and predictably.
The bolt is cast metal, The sight distance is so short its more or less useless.
I was surprised that the norinco isnt a lot lighter than a standard rifle.
I got mine with the 5 round mag which had a nice flush fit in the stock.
Accuracy was decent with a red dot though.
For the money i would suggest a stevens bolt action with a standard lenght barrel, I dont think the premium for the short barrel
is worth the cost.
At the range it is a fun little toy which gets some interesting looks for sure.
Construction seemed pretty decent though the trigger is double stage which wore in pretty quickly and predictably.
The bolt is cast metal, The sight distance is so short its more or less useless.
I was surprised that the norinco isnt a lot lighter than a standard rifle.
I got mine with the 5 round mag which had a nice flush fit in the stock.
Accuracy was decent with a red dot though.
For the money i would suggest a stevens bolt action with a standard lenght barrel, I dont think the premium for the short barrel
is worth the cost.
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As for the rifle, I have the Stevens version of the same rifle.
It is what it is. Short site radius, heavy trigger.
Great handling little gun, very compact and light. Totally reliable both rifle and mags for me. I use both the Stevens mag it came with and some Savage MK11 mags I have.
The gun is mechanically very accurate. The sites are poor quality and the short radius makes it challenging. A red dot or compact scope is ideal here.
The thing is a pure joy to tote in the bush, on the 4 wheeler etc. Hides away in a pack or other gear easily too.
The way I look at it.....it's the closest thing to a 22lr handgun format I can legally use in the field.....which makes it great!
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sixty9santa
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Or should I simply pick up a Remington 597HB.....questions, questions....
I'd like to know if anyone has seen the 597 HB and/or the 597 HB ATACS anywhere in Canada?
The price seems right!
I'd like to know if anyone has seen the 597 HB and/or the 597 HB ATACS anywhere in Canada?
The price seems right!
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