Just for viewing fun, as well as for a bit of a reference for anyone interested in purchasing one of these rifles, the following photos are of my new Norinco CQ-A, which arrived today. Hopefully the pictures and my very brief preliminary will be of some assistance.
Upon first handling, and fairly cursory inspection, the rifle appears to be very solid and generally looks and feels well made. However, it is also noticeably utilitarian in finish and has in my opinion, unnecessary tooling marks in a number of areas. However, I also knew in advance that the CQ was not going to be in the same fashion show as my oldest son's AR, so... I suppose that for the price difference, I shouldn't be too picky.
If my impressions seem jaded, that may stem from the fact that a few months back, I purchased a new Norinco NP22 from Marstar and have really been impressed with how nice the gun looks, handles, and performs. My guess is that this CQ-A was most likely made much earlier than the NP22, and in a different factory entirely. The magazines look and feel cheap, and at the moment are a bit snug fitting. They are also both much too scratchy sounding for comfort. The mags are disappointing at best and will probably end up being replaced very soon.
I haven't had the opportunity to shoot the rifle yet, and with Christmas knocking on the door and work still interfering with playtime, I may not be able to do so until boxing day... However, my youngest son and I are anticipating a plethora of plinking to finish off 2010, at which time I will update this posting. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photos.
1. Fresh from Marstar, delivered by expedited parcel...
2. Outer cardboard wrapping removed...
3. The box is opened...
4. What came in the box...
5. The Rifle itself - Left hand side...
6. Right hand side...
7. Magazine...
Upon first handling, and fairly cursory inspection, the rifle appears to be very solid and generally looks and feels well made. However, it is also noticeably utilitarian in finish and has in my opinion, unnecessary tooling marks in a number of areas. However, I also knew in advance that the CQ was not going to be in the same fashion show as my oldest son's AR, so... I suppose that for the price difference, I shouldn't be too picky.
If my impressions seem jaded, that may stem from the fact that a few months back, I purchased a new Norinco NP22 from Marstar and have really been impressed with how nice the gun looks, handles, and performs. My guess is that this CQ-A was most likely made much earlier than the NP22, and in a different factory entirely. The magazines look and feel cheap, and at the moment are a bit snug fitting. They are also both much too scratchy sounding for comfort. The mags are disappointing at best and will probably end up being replaced very soon.
I haven't had the opportunity to shoot the rifle yet, and with Christmas knocking on the door and work still interfering with playtime, I may not be able to do so until boxing day... However, my youngest son and I are anticipating a plethora of plinking to finish off 2010, at which time I will update this posting. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the photos.
1. Fresh from Marstar, delivered by expedited parcel...
2. Outer cardboard wrapping removed...
3. The box is opened...
4. What came in the box...
5. The Rifle itself - Left hand side...
6. Right hand side...
7. Magazine...
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