maple_leaf_eh
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Every Norinco M14 owner becomes a rat-bike mechanic. There aren't many gunsmiths around who know what to do with these rifles, so owners become their own maintainers.
Indexing is the term for where the barrel stops when it is screwed into the action. Most Norincos are tightened a bit past centre. The tip off is the front sight ears are cocked to the left when you look closely compared to the back sight. Not a huge issue, but something to keep in mind.
Shimming is the term for slipping a measured thickness washer in between the gas cylinder ring and a particular shoulder on the outside of the barrel. If the gas cylinder lock, sort of a figure 8 affair, turns against resistence to the 6-o'clock position for the gas plug, then you don't need shims. If the lock turns past 6 and has to be backed off, then there is undesireable looseness in the front end. The US Army never fixed this deficiency so don't worry. Getting your Norinco to the point where you can install the shim is a bedtime story for another night.
