The Norinco Rifles are really unique and distinct look to them. They really do stick out in a crowd of M16s. I honestly have to say the Norinco "Revolver" grip is EASILY the most comfortable grip I've ever had on an AR15. Really want alot more of em, let alot of my friends try them too and many also fell in love.
To address you about rifles under 16 inch barrels. Here in the US we have whats called the National Firearms act of 1934, this effectively made people pay for a $200 tax stamp for Rifles with a barrel shorter the 16", shotguns with barrels under 18", Putting a stock on a pistol (There are actually quite alot of exemptions to this rule) and Sound Suppressors. Keep in mind, in 1934 $200 was a HUGE amount of money, My Grandfathers parents made that much money in a year. So you have to pay the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabasco, Firearms & Explosives $200 bucks, wait Six months to a year+ and get your tax stamp. This allows the owner of said tax stamp to do one of the things listed above. Its kind of a head ache, and there are tons of work arounds now, Pistol braces and things of this nature. This is of course if the state you live in hasnt BANNED NFA items out right. Which mean unless you are connected you have 0% chance of ever getting an NFA item legally.