Norc M4 Rattle

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HW77Shooter

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In looking for my first AR, I've satisfied myself that a Norc M4 is probably a good way to get started. Last night I held one, a used one, in my hands at my local shop. I've heard of poor fit between the upper and lower, but this seemed particularly sloppy. I could definitely see daylight between then and they gave a healthy rattle when shaken. If I had to guess, I'd say the gap was something like 0.040", maybe more.

So, the question is: how much is too much? Are they all like that, or should I wait for Marstar to get more in stock.

(also, how long is Marstar likely to be sold out?)
 
While one does not want a gun, any gun, to rattle, a sloppy fit between the upper and lower is not necessarily a problem, bad functionality and accuracy-wise. The latter is defined almost solely by the upper quality, assuming that the lower does not move while you're sighting the rifle in the process of firing. You should check, however, that the sloppy fit is not an indication of other parts being sloppily fit as well, in other words, poor assembly and machining. Check that the numbers on the upper and lower match, if there are on both. Most Norinco's are not exactly known for precision fit but they seem to work fine.
 
If you search this forum, you'll see that people are generally impressed with the latest Norinco M4 rifles coming into the country. We have 2 of them, and I wouldn't pay 2 or 3 times the price for another brand. The Norinco M4 fits the bill for me...

That being said, use an accuwedge if your concerned about the way the upper & lower fit...

Cheers
Jay
 
Considering that you can get them new for $700 I would just buy a new one if you are at all concerned. The newest ones are supposed to be quite good for fit and finish so unless you can get that one for under $600 just wait for a new one.
Just my 2 cents.
Good luck
 
Thanks for the input. That's pretty much what I thought - although this one in particular seemed a bit excessive. I wondered if that's why it was on the used market.

Any idea how frequently Marstar gets these things? The used one has some mods I'd rather not pay for (they want $800), but I don't want to wait six months for a new one, either.
 
Frontier Firearms also has some in stock, and Marlin is a great guy to deal with. Give him a call.
 
I think there's something called an "accu-wedge" you can get that is a rubber or plastic shim that fits between the upper and lower to remove all slack, play and rattle. Supposedly, it makes the gun a bit more accurate.

Not sure if that's the right name for it tho.
 
Meph said:
I think there's something called an "accu-wedge" you can get that is a rubber or plastic shim that fits between the upper and lower to remove all slack, play and rattle. Supposedly, it makes the gun a bit more accurate.

Not sure if that's the right name for it tho.
Click to expand...

I use a foam ear plug under the rear take down pin boss. Helps take out some of the wobble. Does it help accuracy...never thought to shoot groups with it out so I don't know. But it costs about 30 cents so what the heck.
 
Another way to accomplish some tightening is to use a very small O ring around the front lug. Generally though, all of these solutions fix a problem that isn't one, and over time cause more issues than they solve.
 
Pretty much all the C7's I used in 16 years of service had some degree of rattle, some more than others, this is normal. I do own a new generation Norinco M4, very minimal play, 0 problems.
 
I hate to dredge up an old thread, but I thought people searching the forum about Norinco M4's might appreciate an update. My rifle arrived from Frontier a few days ago. I was very pleasantly surprised to find virtually no gap at all between upper and lower receiver. If you give it a good shake, some movement is perceptable, but only just. You certainly can't see any daylight between them, and the fit looks really good.
 
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