Being less optimistic about the Type 97 getting an FRT any time soon, I decided to go with a Norc in 14.5" as soon as the boat lands, just to test the platform as I can sell it for pretty much what I paid for it anyway if I don't like it. Of course, I wanna get the most out of the platform on the budget. The gun will mostly be used at a 50yd indoor range, but I will hit a 200yd outdoor range a couple of times over the summer, too. Just wanted to get some suggestions on how to accessorize it on the budget. Already got an aluminum quad-rail handguard on the way, got plenty of LAR mags, got a forward grip, even though I might go for one of those triangular ones (can get'em pretty cheap). Other than mounting some optics, what else would you guys recommend to start with on this gun? Different trigger or a trigger job? So far my centerfire ownership has been limited to 2 SKS rifles, zero experience with the AR platform
Norc AR - What to start with?
- Thread starter TRaTSeRiF
- Start date
Ar180shooter
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Ottawa, ON
Yup. Throw some optics on it and go. Don't bother tacticooling it.
Thank you gentlemen and my thanks go out to all the posters in this thread, in advance
I can always use the quad-rail on a different platform later on if I realize that I like AR's and wanna get something like a DD and I like using a forward grip on the SKS (you do NOT wanna know how I mounted the rail there lol), figured it would be the same on the AR. I just wanna make it shoot with a bit more accuracy and make it more comfortable to handle. The reason I was inquiring about the trigger is that it made a HUGE improvement on my SKS (polished the sear and the rails, got different springs).
Travis Bickle
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Upper Lower Middle Alberta
Bah, just shoot it as is.
Lipstick on a pig you know?
The triggers on the Norc AR's are actually very decent for a semi auto battle rifle.
Lipstick on a pig you know?
The triggers on the Norc AR's are actually very decent for a semi auto battle rifle.
if you planning on ditching it for a 97, I would hold off on changing anything. when it comes to selling it, the rifle will hold it's value, but the aftermarket accessories will not, people will never see beyond the Norinco band name.
I'm not planning anything specific with it.. When (if) 97 comes out, which could happen a year from now for all I know, I plan on testing it and seeing which I like better.. I could even decide to keep the Norc AR if I don't get sick of the restricted hassle. In any case, I'll defer to the general consensus here and keep it pretty much stock. Was able to source a rail pretty cheap and the forward grip can be used on other platforms, too.
I bought a Lucid optic and it was money well spent. Not one issue with it, and it can always go on another firearm. You can do a poor mans trigger job on the Norc and it turns out great, if you don't know what it is I can explain. Other than that, a new grip makes a big difference (I went Magpul MIAD) and stock if you desire (standard stock is good enough).
They are a hoot to shoot, and come problem free really. I had to change the extractor buffer in mine on the 10.5", which many people did. Once that $5 part was in I have not had one jam or FTF/FTE. Best bang for the buck for sure.
They are a hoot to shoot, and come problem free really. I had to change the extractor buffer in mine on the 10.5", which many people did. Once that $5 part was in I have not had one jam or FTF/FTE. Best bang for the buck for sure.
Pray tell, and thanks in advance
Don't wanna sink too much $$$ into the gun and I like to tinker. The trigger job that I did on the SKS did WONDERS. I'm gonna be getting the 14.5" as it's a decent all-around use length. If I wanna do a PDW build, it'll probably be with a 58 and not an AR.Yeah like everyone else is saying just leave it stock and maybe throw on a red dot. You can put on a bunch of stuff on it but at the end of the day it's still a Norc and if you decide to re-sell it people will only see the value in the name and not the accessories you put on it. Great gun for the money though they run reliably and they are decently accurate HAVE FUN!
HAVE FUN!Ammo - metric buttloads of ammo. Maybe an optic, but the irons are light years ahead of what you're used to, and we're all supposed to know how to shoot irons anyway. More ammo, more mags. Maybe an improved pistol grip, lots of guys with normal to large hands prefer something that fills in the arch, even the best grip costs less than $50. Which I guess brings us back to ammo - you'll never have enough of that.
Already got a bunch of brass on the way from Henry (Budget) and can source the projectiles locally from a fellow range member (9-35). As long as I can make my own, I'll never run short. In a typical evening, I may only go through 100-150rds of centerfire ammo anyway. Already had a half-dozen LAR mags lying around. My hands are smaller than average, so I'll hold off on a grip (for now but not for very long if I get to like the rifle).
My two big concerns with a new rifle are ammo and sling. You've got ammo covered, have you put much thought into a good sling? All the tacticool crap in the world won't help you as much as a sling can. OSTS has a bunch of black BFG VCAS on sale for $38. Best upgrade ever IMO. If you want an MI rear flip sight to replace your carry handle and make room for optics shoot me a PM. A nice RDS is a good upgrade for CQB work and you don't have to break the bank with a budget range toy.
^^^ What he said!
I picked up a Norc 10.5 and so far I added a nice quad rail, a hoque grip, a bi-pod (cheap NC Star one, works great) and a carry handle scope mount for a 1.5 - 5 Simmons scope I had laying around, this way I can use my scope, and use the carry handle, and use the factory peep sights if the scope craps out.
Your main problem will be making sure you have enough ammo, I put another 200 through mine today, sure didnt take very long LOL. Around 500 rounds through it so far and not a single hickup. VERY happy with my Norc!!!
I picked up a Norc 10.5 and so far I added a nice quad rail, a hoque grip, a bi-pod (cheap NC Star one, works great) and a carry handle scope mount for a 1.5 - 5 Simmons scope I had laying around, this way I can use my scope, and use the carry handle, and use the factory peep sights if the scope craps out.
Your main problem will be making sure you have enough ammo, I put another 200 through mine today, sure didnt take very long LOL. Around 500 rounds through it so far and not a single hickup. VERY happy with my Norc!!!
I am currently doing some work on my comrades 14.5Norc.
Below are some of the really shoddy things I have noticed so far.
I should note that I have worked on a lot of different AR's, this is the first time I am handling one from Red China
- most small parts are of very poor quality (bolt catch, selector switch, magazine release, etc.
- the standard trigger seemed to get a coat of that Norinco black paint on it. Although rough, if one did a bit of polishing, that should clean up the bearing surfaces.
- mil-spec LPK has a hard time fitting in the norc receiver. there is alot of binding, and minor fitting to make it work.
- finish is pure $hit, but thats for those who care about that kind of thing.
- pitting in the bolt carrier (new gun), and for a new gun/bolt, it needed a new extractor and gas rings.
quite honestly, unless you want to do alot of playing around with fitting and adjusting it, just shoot it as is. She went bang fine before, and it will after, but it will take some time on my end.
Just remember you aren't getting some high end LMT or KAC rifle, so don't expect the same fit/function/results. If you get close, 'effin A. Can't complain with that!
Enjoy your new rifle.
Below are some of the really shoddy things I have noticed so far.
I should note that I have worked on a lot of different AR's, this is the first time I am handling one from Red China
- most small parts are of very poor quality (bolt catch, selector switch, magazine release, etc.
- the standard trigger seemed to get a coat of that Norinco black paint on it. Although rough, if one did a bit of polishing, that should clean up the bearing surfaces.
- mil-spec LPK has a hard time fitting in the norc receiver. there is alot of binding, and minor fitting to make it work.
- finish is pure $hit, but thats for those who care about that kind of thing.
- pitting in the bolt carrier (new gun), and for a new gun/bolt, it needed a new extractor and gas rings.
quite honestly, unless you want to do alot of playing around with fitting and adjusting it, just shoot it as is. She went bang fine before, and it will after, but it will take some time on my end.
Just remember you aren't getting some high end LMT or KAC rifle, so don't expect the same fit/function/results. If you get close, 'effin A. Can't complain with that!
Enjoy your new rifle.
Last edited:
If you already have the free float handguard I would go with it. While a Norc is fun to just shoot bone stock it actually does have the accuracy potential to put on a free float handguard. The pain will be in getting that handguard on as removing the Front sight is said to be a pain. Even though it's just a Norc, those barrels are hammer forged. I have shot one and seen a buddy shoot one with moa results using a 3 moa dot at 100 meters. 55 PMC bronce 223 ammo was used. The Norc had a free float handguard.
Also either Ergo or Magpul pistol grip. I use either one depending on the rifle. It's worth the $40. As for the trigger, you can get lighter springs (fairly cheap) and there are various other tricks to making it better. I wouldn't bother putting in a match grade trigger or spending money on this. As others have said, you won't get your money back as the Norc name is budget.
Thanks for the tips.. I like to tinker, so I'll most likely see what I can do about the stock trigger without blowing $$$ on a target model. I have a local source that I can get Magpul goodies from, including their sling and pistol grip.
