Norc M305 vs Norc AR- Which one to keep?

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bazza

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C'mon team - if you had a choice between these two fine long arms ( and your budget only allowed for one or the other- like my budget!) what would you keep? The big punch of a 7.62 round, or the light weight- small projectile- higher accuracy of the Norc AR? I am about to buy a Norc AR, but it means selling my modestly accurate, totally reliable and heavy as a hog M305.
 
You won't find any other reasonable clones of an M14 than the M305... I'm not sure I would quantify the AR as more accurate either... With irons my Norinco 305 is considerably more accurate than my free-floated and expensive AR using irons.

Really, it depends on what you're using it for.

How much is the difference in ammo cost in NZ? Any other considerations like our bizarre restricted status for ARs that would relegate it to ranges?
 
Ammo cost is certainly a
factor ( not considering reloading ), .308 is around $30 for Federal and I can source .223 around $24 ( per 20). So long term .223 is always going to be cheaper, but while I really love my Norc m305.... A lightweight Norc AR for varminting and head/neck shooting bigger game is very tempting. So I will refine the question: which one for all 'round plinking-hunting rifle??
 
Up here it's a no brainer for me. I'd vote m305 because of its non-restricted status.
I sold my "nice" AR's because of this and picked up a m305. In addition I love the look, shooting irons and .308 punch! Fun for plinking and probably great for hunting just about anything...but I have no idea whats down there in NZ to hunt.
 
It is a tough call- both .308 and .223 ammo seem plentiful...for now. With a closed pistol grip the Norc AR's are unrestricted down here in NZ, but damn are they expensive! Might have to look at getting a S&W M&P AR15 for $400 more than the Norc.
 
With the issues and problems many people run in to getting an M305 running well, you might want to keep the m305. If you have one that works well, runs well, has no issues, the chances of you lucking out with another on in top shape are a little slim, and unless you enjoy the work of getting one tuned, you will have lost any time that you worked on the one you have.
I would say if it's not broken, don't fix it.
 
OP is in NZ so can probably use either outside the range. I'd say keep the AR...cheaper ammo, easier to work on, lighter.
 
"...because of its non-restricted status..." Doesn't apply in New Zealand.
A .308 will do things a .223 never will.
"...head/neck shooting bigger game..." Absolutely not. Depending on what you call big game, of course. And if you can get ammo loaded with non-varmint bullets. Otherwise, the .223 isn't suitable for anything but varmints. Might not be legal for deer sized game either.
"...not considering reloading..." You should. Makes the endless search for the best price for ammo go away and you'll be shooting ammmo that is tailored for your rifle.
 
You would be amazed at how many deer are shot with .223's in New Zealand, my Norc m305 is reliable and modestly accurate ( have never Shot it from the bench ). But damn, at 12 pounds it is relatively heavy. I am leaning towards the Norc AR at this stage, lighter rifle, should be accurate enough to blow up turkeys out to 200m and ammo will be cheaper.
 
Buy a .22 rimfire conversion kit and really enjoy a flexible platform or buy a 7.62 or 6mm, or .300 upper. If the receiver is not restricted then why not enjoy the mild to wild power?

Having a .22 conversion allows for cheap muscle memory shooting and trigger time that is why I sold my M305 it was just getting too damn expensive to shoot. :(

Randy
 
Excellent point- I had not thought about the possibility of changing uppers. That's it- I am Going Norc AR. I will post my range review in due course.
 
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