Norc M305:what am I checking?

[brindle]

I picked up a shorty Norc m305 on Saturday. I got a decent deal on it as it has a fair amount of things done to it that I was thinking of doing to the one I already own. I’m familiar with this type of rifle and even attended a DIY clinic two years ago. So I know enough to know I don’t know enough, you know?
I will be taking it in to a smith to get the headspace checked and to ensure it is safe to fire. I haven’t stripped it yet to check for traces of Bubba so my fingers are crossed. It looks well done with a decent bore. Function tests fine. Used but clean and greasy where it should be. Nice Boyd stock and what may be an adjustable gas block, USGI sights ( I was told but don’t really know, they look pretty good ) aftermarket spring guide.
My question is this: what should I ask the smith to look for when he checks headspace when I strip it tonight what should I be looking for? There have to be some obvious red flags to check for and I would be grateful for the experts to chime in.
For now I will just have to keep reading the sticky’s. Thanks in advance!

 

[tripoli99]

check the 'sticky' subforums at top....whole bunch of M14 topics covered

 

[brindle]

Yep. I’m reading through them.

 

[KB_TheDireWolf]

Is the gas system shimmed properly! This is a common thing that most miss. It will cause the gas cylinder to become misaligned with the gas port turning your m305 into a straight pull bolt action. It's relatively simple if the flash hider isn't welded on, which for whatever reason happen on the older production rifles. There is a very good video on YouTube for it, google M14 gas shimming and you should have it.

Lesser important things: upgrade the recoil spring if its stock, and is the op rod guide tight to the barrel.

Oh, pick some AIA M10 mags, 10rns legally!

 

[KB_TheDireWolf]

Oh I forgot this too, make sure that the barrel is properly indexed. They tend to over tighten them at the factory and a good sign of your barrel being over indexed is if the sights are tilted to one side...

 

[Joel]

The shims may help a bit with accuracy (its basically acting in place of a weld or screw and glue unitizing) but your rifle won't stop working if you don't shim! It would have to be reeeaaal loose. The USGI rifle were loose as a goose too.

 

[Rocket Surgery]

Make sure it's not rusty

 

[Pr589]

Check recoil lug contact area.

 

[brindle]

Thanks for the advice, it’s headed to a local smith for a headspace check

 

[norlandgeese]

You already bought the darn thing what options do you have if it doesn’t pass your smith’s go-no-go gauge?
It seems headspace should be best checked as party of the pre-buying conditions.

 

[KB_TheDireWolf]

You already bought the darn thing what options do you have if it doesn’t pass your smith’s go-no-go gauge?
It seems headspace should be best checked as party of the pre-buying conditions.

so where the heck do you find headspace gauges here in Canada? Becuase everytime I look online just comes up with a gauge for empty casings...

 

[brindle]

You already bought the darn thing what options do you have if it doesn’t pass your smith’s go-no-go gauge?
It seems headspace should be best checked as party of the pre-buying conditions.

It seems unlikely that it will fail but there are options. They all cost money to be sure but I always assume work will be needed on these rifles. My 2007 benefitted from a little money and time invested, as will this one.