Hey all...like a lot of other people on here i'm going to be doing some tinkering with a Norinco M14. I have been on a lot of different sites and there seems to be two different sides regarding USGI parts and new production commercial parts (7.62, SA etc). Some people say there's nothing like USGI and some say the new stuff is just as good, but I don't know enough to make up my own opinion. Wondering what same of the more experienced CGN'ers have to say on the topic? I'm going to swap out the whole gas system in a kit and the USGI is quite a bit more which just seems odd to me because it's used and refinished....??
M14 USGI vs New Commerical
- Thread starter DasJager
- Start date
I can't speak for anybody else here, but upgrading components on my rifle was more of a quest to obtain tighter groups.
My Poly shot just fine and with my handloads, had some very sweet groups. That was with my stock rifle. No worries there. I decided to embark on that relentless journey to get it to shoot even tighter groups.
I didn't need to, didn't have to and certainly, was not a necessity. I just wanted to for no other reason than to say I did and have my rifle turn into a finely tuned instrument.
I suggest that you firstly go out to the range frequently and blast away. Have fun with your rifle. Then, if you're not happy with the groupings....start to tinker. Beware though, it is very addicting.
My Poly shot just fine and with my handloads, had some very sweet groups. That was with my stock rifle. No worries there. I decided to embark on that relentless journey to get it to shoot even tighter groups.
I didn't need to, didn't have to and certainly, was not a necessity. I just wanted to for no other reason than to say I did and have my rifle turn into a finely tuned instrument.
I suggest that you firstly go out to the range frequently and blast away. Have fun with your rifle. Then, if you're not happy with the groupings....start to tinker. Beware though, it is very addicting.
+1 for USGI - they were not made to a price point and their tolerances are exacting. On the down side, finding pristine samples takes some effort but is supremely rewarding. They form the benchmark to be emulated by others.
SEI, Fulton, Sadlak, LRB et all are fine component manufacturers and have filled a niche that was left void by dwindling USGI component reserves in the marketplace. I don't think these can be faulted as they all have a very large and loyal fan following and some supply directly to the US DOD as well. So, some parts can be considered, technically, "USGI" as well - just of a newer vintage. I would, however, stay clear of cheap imitators as their quality, in my mind, is questionable.
I have a few trinkets installed in my M14s - both USGI and others and they have performed well so far. They are certainly a cosmetic improvement over the stock Norc, but but for me, added no yield-able benefits in terms of improved groupings.
SEI, Fulton, Sadlak, LRB et all are fine component manufacturers and have filled a niche that was left void by dwindling USGI component reserves in the marketplace. I don't think these can be faulted as they all have a very large and loyal fan following and some supply directly to the US DOD as well. So, some parts can be considered, technically, "USGI" as well - just of a newer vintage. I would, however, stay clear of cheap imitators as their quality, in my mind, is questionable.
I have a few trinkets installed in my M14s - both USGI and others and they have performed well so far. They are certainly a cosmetic improvement over the stock Norc, but but for me, added no yield-able benefits in terms of improved groupings.
I decided to start adding USGI parts to my rifle about 6 months ago , so far i only have a flash hider and op rod but right off the bat i noticed a big difference in fit and finish .
I had a bit of a wiggle in my op rod , nothing serious but enough to annoy me , so i changed it out with a non welded tab H&R op rod and the wiggle immediately went away , then i decided to add a USGI flash suppressor, The difference between the usgi and norc flash suppressor was clear and my rifle is finally able to "ring" like the real thing , which i also wanted , the dimensions between the norc flash suppressor and usgi one are also close but different at the same time the usgi one looks better , feels better , and has a quality feel to it . Also have a usgi front sight , which is night and day different from the norc unit . Just waiting to get a rear site .
Be prepared to shell out some cash for these parts as they dont come cheap either .
I had a bit of a wiggle in my op rod , nothing serious but enough to annoy me , so i changed it out with a non welded tab H&R op rod and the wiggle immediately went away , then i decided to add a USGI flash suppressor, The difference between the usgi and norc flash suppressor was clear and my rifle is finally able to "ring" like the real thing , which i also wanted , the dimensions between the norc flash suppressor and usgi one are also close but different at the same time the usgi one looks better , feels better , and has a quality feel to it . Also have a usgi front sight , which is night and day different from the norc unit . Just waiting to get a rear site .
Be prepared to shell out some cash for these parts as they dont come cheap either .
I'm in the same boat as SOBO...it's just a hobby, something to keep me busy. I've been into precision bolt rigs for a while and just need something different for a change of pace. I can get a whole USGI gas assembly refinished for $160.00 or a new SA kit for $119.00, only problem is you don't know what kind of shape the USGI stuff is in until it arrives. Already have a SADLAK Spring guide/USGI spring and a USGI fiberglass stock i'm refinishing. M1 repro. rear sight and NM front sight is probably next, but i'll wait untill I have everything together to install any parts...probably wait until I can afford a scope mount.
