M305 SN and stampings info

[c0ntract]

Hello I have two very different Norc M305's

The first one is stamped "m14 .308" CJA SFLD MICH 20091746

The other is just Norinco Made in China 004324

How do I determine year of manufacture? As well, the one stamped M14 seems to be a lot better quality in terms of less machine marks and smoother operation... why are the stampings so different? sorry for the newb questions.

 

[walleyed99]

The first one is a 2009, and the second there must be another number you are missing somewhere. Have another look.

 

[c0ntract]

The first one is a 2009, and the second there must be another number you are missing somewhere. Have another look.

those are the only digits on the receiver.


why are older norcs considered better?

 

[djankle]

The year of manufacture can be determined with the numbers below the stock line on the left side of the receiver. Theirs a way to decipher the numbers to get a date but I forget the exact format. It's on the m14forum if you google it.

 

[BattleRife]

Hello I have two very different Norc M305's

The first one is stamped "m14 .308" CJA SFLD MICH 20091746

The other is just Norinco Made in China 004324

How do I determine year of manufacture? As well, the one stamped M14 seems to be a lot better quality in terms of less machine marks and smoother operation... why are the stampings so different? sorry for the newb questions.

Chinese M14s have been coming into Canada for 25 years, with a lot of history behind when they were made, how and why they got here, and who brought them in. Generally speaking, the fewer markings, the older the gun, and in fact some of the early ones came in with no markings whatsoever (I don't think they even had serial numbers). Also, generally the earlier the import the less refined the manufacturing, though some people claim quality started going back down after 2007 / 2009/ 2011 (matter of opinion). Note these are import dates, some or all of the components were made decades before the guns were sent here.

 

[djankle]

...

 

[c0ntract]

Thanks everyone! 45ACPKING was a huge help and sent me a PM explaining a lot to me.

I appreciate all the feedback.

Regards

mike

 

[djankle]

When you find a nice receiver don't let it go!

 

[sunray]

CJA SFLD MICH was a U.S. importer from before Slick Willy's ban. There was a guy on AR15.com with an SKS having the same stamp. The receivers were supposedly made around 1993 and exported under the U.S. foreign parts thing.