M305 Short vs Full length Quality

mosinmaster

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Hi,

I was wondering if the new batch of shorties are built better than the current M305 standard rifles. I'm reading that the fit and finish is better, the sights work, the barrels are indexed correctly, and everything locks up tight. Is this true?

What about the current M305 batch? Are they left overs from the 2009 shipment? What kind of problems did these have? soft bolts? bad rear sights? loose fitting parts?

In your opinion, which is a better buy?
 
I own a 2009 and had the opportunity to shoot a new shorty.

The finish looked about the same did not really notice mush difference, until I looked at the bolt. The bolt on the shorty had a smoother finish and was much tighter than the 2009. It was almost as tight as my 2009 with a USGI bolt in it.

Other than that, seemed pretty much equal. Including shooting - maybe a weensy bit harder on recoil. Either that or I'm just getting too soft. :D

Nice rifle overall.
 
Ok thanks. Now there's a thread about the barrel being brittle and blasting off on the 4th round, any concerns about the shorties there?
 
Been debating the same thing myself...The shorty looks pretty nice,but do I risk the slim chance of one failing,fracturing a bbl-or a bolt falling apart...They may be rare occurances,but I'm wondering....
 
In terms of ballistics, at what distance do you see differences between the 18.5'' vs 22'' barrel? Is there a big difference in weight?

How is the recoil different between the 2? More stout on the shorty?
 
check post below - mine blew apart in exactly the same fashion

I hope you're okay. Can you tell us what happened? And what exactly does it feel and look like when the barrel explodes in front of you? Or is it just a daze and it's over before you know what has happened. I think I'm going for the standard sized M14. Did you tinker with the gun or was this out of the box?
 
By the way, which importer/dealer brought in the standard M305's? Was it John at Marstar And all other 2009 rifles sold by other dealers got them via Marstar? And anybody know if these rifles are proofed? CanAm said that he's been proofing the Shorty's since Jan.
 
I gotta get myself a shorty and see for myself....let's investigate the facts or fiction before deciding on some sort of conclusion. :D

Cheers,
Barney
 
I have a Shorty from CanAm and when I compared it to my (2) 2009 Polytechs and another Norinco I would say the metal work and overall finish was nicer on my Shorty. The rear sights were really stiff but at least they worked and the front sights are not tilted to the side :).
 
Thanks, it seems like they are better than a 2009 manufacture. Just hope that the barrels don't pop off.

How does the action lock up for you? And are the bolts wearing evenly on the lock lugs? Is the flash hider welded on? I heard the safety is stiff too. How are the triggers? Pull weight? 2 stage? Gritty?

And does the bolt release work well?
 
I can't see any difference between the two.

If you can't see the differences, can you feel them in the action, rear sight, safety?

Also, regarding magazines, can the Norinco take USGI mags or any other aftermarket magazines or do they have to be Norinco mags.
 
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How does the action lock up for you? And are the bolts wearing evenly on the lock lugs? Is the flash hider welded on? I heard the safety is stiff too. How are the triggers? Pull weight? 2 stage? Gritty?

And does the bolt release work well?

The action on mine is fine, bolt lugs wearing evenly with decent bearing, flash hider was welded on (past tense), safety perhaps more than a little stiff - but a little honing and repeated actuation fixes this nicely.

Trigger OK, not gritty, but mine had a slight machining imperfection on one side of the front trigger lug. Replaced it with a USGI Garand trigger - $30. The original felt fine, but I didn't like the fact that it was releasing the front hammer hooks while bearing only on one side. A buddie's identical shorty had properly machined trigger, so mine was probably an isolated case.

Bolt release works OK.
 
Is the barrel chrome lined on these? How are the magazines? Do they fit nice and snug? How about when taking them out? And how is the mag release button? Do you have any close up pictures? There are very few of the shorty's. Also, are these chambered for .308 win or 7.62x51 Nato?
 
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I purchased a shortie and upon receiving it I noticed the oprod was extremely loose and was holding the bolt roller by maybe 1 or 2 thousands of an inch at the top of the op rod pocket. Also the left side reicever lug had been welded. And the right ledge of the receiver was only half the width of my other m305s wich I have three of. The back the reicever heel was ground oblonged. I shipped it back and asked if I could get one with a receiver that was more in spec. but was told that this was normal, and that was what you can expect. So I declined and they most graciusly said they will return my money. I have no intentions of slagging can am as they were very nice to deal with. But I would not even think of shooting that rifle as I would consider it unsafe. I dont mind if some of the other parts are out of spec as they are easly replaced but the receiver is not. I think I will consider replacing a bbl on one of the ones I have, to have a shorty, and know I have an acceptable receiver. Anybody else notice any issues with there receivers
 
I purchased a shortie and upon receiving it I noticed the oprod was extremely loose and was holding the bolt roller by maybe 1 or 2 thousands of an inch at the top of the op rod pocket. Also the left side reicever lug had been welded. And the right ledge of the receiver was only half the width of my other m305s wich I have three of. The back the reicever heel was ground oblonged. I shipped it back and asked if I could get one with a receiver that was more in spec. but was told that this was normal, and that was what you can expect. So I declined and they most graciusly said they will return my money. I have no intentions of slagging can am as they were very nice to deal with. But I would not even think of shooting that rifle as I would consider it unsafe. I dont mind if some of the other parts are out of spec as they are easly replaced but the receiver is not. I think I will consider replacing a bbl on one of the ones I have, to have a shorty, and know I have an acceptable receiver. Anybody else notice any issues with there receivers

Do you have pictures?

Do the regular M305's have these problems as well?
 
I purchased a shortie and upon receiving it I noticed the oprod was extremely loose and was holding the bolt roller by maybe 1 or 2 thousands of an inch at the top of the op rod pocket. Also the left side reicever lug had been welded. And the right ledge of the receiver was only half the width of my other m305s wich I have three of. The back the reicever heel was ground oblonged. I shipped it back and asked if I could get one with a receiver that was more in spec. but was told that this was normal, and that was what you can expect. So I declined and they most graciusly said they will return my money. I have no intentions of slagging can am as they were very nice to deal with. But I would not even think of shooting that rifle as I would consider it unsafe. I dont mind if some of the other parts are out of spec as they are easly replaced but the receiver is not. I think I will consider replacing a bbl on one of the ones I have, to have a shorty, and know I have an acceptable receiver. Anybody else notice any issues with there receivers

Every day I hear about the fantastic service and products at canada ammo, and every day I just want to order more teeshirts.
 
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