M305 18.5 vs 22 barrel

Nate.308

Nate.308

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I was wondering if anyone has experience with the Norinco M305 18.5' barrel and the 22' barrel. :p Which do you prefer and why? Anyone have number on the ballistic differences? Is there any particular advantages or problems I can expect with one over the other? Is this a classic argument?

Im new to this rifle....
 
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I've seen posts where guys have complained about feed issues with the short barrel. It could just be that short barrels are a just little fussy about the ammo you feed.
 
i got a shorty 2013 model and no issues the front post was straight as an arrow its a beast of a gun feeds everything not one malfunction yet i hit the 200 yard plate at my range no problem with norc surplus
 
22" is the classic look. Longer sight radius if you are shooting over irons the way the rifle was developed. Longer reach with your bayonet when the going get hot. The velocity drop for the 18.5" and NATO ball ammo weight , should be about 105-140 fps. I don't own the shorty, but I do get 2804fps average at 15 feet from Norinco M-80 ball in a 22" Nork M-14S. You should get around 2650-2700 with same ammo.
Like Yomma said,.. if you don't shoot past 400yards, why not get the shorty, unless as I say you will use iron sights always, then get the standard.
Don't seem to be any cycling problems with the shorty's or at least none from gas issues on here.
 
Check the gun out first...what it needs will become obvious.

You can shoot me three fired cases with the fas valve turned off and I'll be able to tell you your headspace.

Pm me for address.
 
Nate.308 said:
Any suggestions for immediate upgrades ie internal springs ect
Click to expand...

Springs that come with the rifle are generally good, although having a backup set of GI springs isn't a bad idea. An aftermarket cylindrical recoil spring guide rod to replace the stock flat guide is a common upgrade...this will smooth out your action movement and improve accuracy [allegedly...I'd be interested to see some side-by-side comparisons]. Check the iron sights for good movement...the older M305s had ones that weren't properly machined or hardened, and sometimes the actual hole in the peep sight was off-center. If you want to use irons a lot, replacement sights are fairly easy to find and not too expensive.

That's really about all I'd look at immediately. Grease yer gun up and shoot a few hundred rounds...any real problems should become apparent quickly. Don't expect MOA performance out of the box...2 or 3 MOA is more typical. With some tweaks and careful handload development this can be improved...maybe. Within its limits, the M305 is a great rifle. I have 3 shorties and they all perform very well...I don't hanker after a 22".
 
As "Yomamma" said check out your rifle first go over it from inside out and see how it fits and functions, if you need any help in the Disassembly and Reassembly of the rifle do yourself a favor and look up Tony Ben's videos on youtube just type in tonyben m1a Disassembly and Reassembly and you will find him and for even better info try and catch one of Tactical Teacher's (Barneys) m14 clinic's. and if all looks good take it out for a few shots see how it preforms and if there is issues just ask for info on here there is plenty here to give advice.
 
They should be neck-n-neck out to about 600, and that's where the 22" barrel really begins to shine.
 
Buy them both! What's not to like? Remember my advice about : Don't buy ONE, but buy TWO of them?

Well, here's your chance! I'm not joking about buying both of them. Many of you have taken my advice and have PM'ed me in the past with yer gratitude. I'm honored and you're welcome! :D

Cheers,
Barney
 
Check your OP rod guide, mine is loose and will need to be dimpled with a centre punch to firm it up (I think I have that right). Just need to find the time.
 
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