Norinco CQ-A1 20 inch?

I haven't handled this particular model but I had a CQ-A before. It worked well but it was ugly. Cheap finish and plenty of machine marks. I always found myself mumbling my answer whenever someone asked what brand my AR was... no real pride with that one. I was always bothered by the fact that the serial number was painted on too. WTF is with that? Are roll marks that cost-prohibitive?

So in short, if you want a cheap beater that will probably function just fine, go ahead. But if you're the type that likes a nice finish and attention to detail, look elsewhere.
 
WRH said:
I haven't handled this particular model but I had a CQ-A before. It worked well but it was ugly. Cheap finish and plenty of machine marks. I always found myself mumbling my answer whenever someone asked what brand my AR was... no real pride with that one. I was always bothered by the fact that the serial number was painted on too. WTF is with that? Are roll marks that cost-prohibitive?

So in short, if you want a cheap beater that will probably function just fine, go ahead. But if you're the type that likes a nice finish and attention to detail, look elsewhere.
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I've read that the later CQ 14.5 models have better fit and finish than the ones sold a few years ago. But I have not read about this particular norc.
I'm not looking for the same finish my Colt SA15.7 has. I just want something to modify and have fun with.
 
ricohman said:
I've read that the later CQ 14.5 models have better fit and finish than the ones sold a few years ago. But I have not read about this particular norc.
I'm not looking for the same finish my Colt SA15.7 has. I just want something to modify and have fun with.
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I believe that I had one of the later models. I have seen the earlier finish as well, they were really bad. Since it's not your only, you may as well pick one up. Mod away and have fun.
 
I bought one of the Dominion Arms M16A1 clones from Canadaammo for $499 and couldn't be happier. I put usgi green painted furniture on and it is great. Just shimmed the upper and now fit is A+. A great shooter and companion to all my other AR's.
 
ricohman said:
Anyone have any info on the fit and finish of this gun? I have read some good things about the 14.5 and I was looking for a cheapish 20 inch. I'm not fond of the "imported by lever arms" etching though.
http://www.leverarms.com/rifles/semi-automatic-rifles/polytech-cq-a1-2377.html
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Why not buy the same rifle from CanadaAmmo for $200 dollars less?

They have it for $499 dollars, and their customer service is impeccable, which definitely could not be said about Lever Arms.
 
lanis said:
Why not buy the same rifle from CanadaAmmo for $200 dollars less?

They have it for $499 dollars, and their customer service is impeccable, which definitely could not be said about Lever Arms.
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If I had to guess:

Removable carry handle
Proper A2 handguard
Shell deflector
Collapsible stock
Non-metric threads
 
The Joe-Man said:
Non-metric threads
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The Canadaammo rifle doesn't have Chinese metric threads, I was able to throw on an A2 birdcage and a AAC Blackout no problem, as well as swap out the front post and rear aperture. It's not made from surplus CQ311 bits, it's a new rifle.

OP, the finish on the Canadaammo rifle is not very good at all. However, it shoots very well. I have a thread about it HERE.
 
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I just picked one of the Canada ammo models. It has a fixed a1 carry handle, the stock and handguard are, shall we say, unique. The handguard cap is round, so it made installation of an a2 handguard tricky, but a couple of passes with a file on the front of the hand guard it popped right in and fits right. The finish is not great.
 
IMHO, you get what you pay for with these rifles.

Lack of removable carrying handle and hideous hand guard is why I didn't like it either.

However, OP might not be bothered with that, and $200 less is nothing to sneeze at, at that price point is almost 50% percent less.

Did anyone compare Canada Ammo rifle with one that Lever imports, side by side?

Is finish quality any different?
 
lanis said:
IMHO, you get what you pay for with these rifles.

Lack of removable carrying handle and hideous hand guard is why I didn't like it either.

However, OP might not be bothered with that, and $200 less is nothing to sneeze at, at that price point is almost 50% percent less.

Did anyone compare Canada Ammo rifle with one that Lever imports, side by side?

Is finish quality any different?
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It's that hand guard and carry handle. I'm willing to spend a bit more to get the more modern version. Is this a relatively new model? I've not seen any others dealers selling the 20 inch yet.
 
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lanis said:
Why not buy the same rifle from CanadaAmmo for $200 dollars less?

They have it for $499 dollars, and their customer service is impeccable, which definitely could not be said about Lever Arms.
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Not to mention free shipping. Use the savings to buy ammo.
 
I have one of the Canada Ammo 20 " DA556 M16 style rifles, and I really like it. The finish is a bit better than the older Norinco CQ-A 14.5" I owned. Mine has the 1/9 twist lightweight barrel. I swapped the weird ribbed factory handguards for a standard A2 set, after a bit of trimming. Might swap out the buttstock too, if I can find a cheap A1 butt. Basically it is a budget clone of a Colt Model 711; skinny barrel, teardrop forward assist, A1 sights, no case deflector.
Not too bad for the price.
:)
Requisite poor photo:

SAM_0102_zps45d6863e.jpg
 
ricohman said:
It's that hand guard and carry handle. I'm willing to spend a bit more to get the more modern version. Is this a relatively new model? I've not seen any others dealers selling the 20 inch yet.
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Irunguns Colt AR with 20in barrel, if you don't mind spending a bit more, for a LOT better rifle.
Good guys to deal with.

http://www.irunguns.com/product.colt-ar15a4-carbine-556mm-20-barrel-matte-finish-30-rounds-48-317


Arms East have Stag Arms Model 4 for about the same price, when exchange rate is accounted for, and it comes with lifetime warranty. Great dealer.

http://www.armseast.com/store/right...l_4_20_special_edition._1/7_govt_profile_bbl/


Wolverine Supplies has ArmaLite M15A4 for $1199, and is another outstanding firearms dealer.

http://www.wolverinesupplies.com/details/14885/ArmaLite-M15A4-SPR-556-Nato-20-Black-Rifle.aspx


Lever Arms is not recommended dealer.
 
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I've never had any problems with Lever, Jeremy and the guys were always good to me and my friends.

The Lever 20" is pretty nice, I've handled it and it feels pretty solid. I used to have a Norc 14.5" and it never failed me once.

Here's Lever's 20":

20a.jpg


Not a bad looking rifle in my opinion.
 
Here is my 20" 1:9 DA from CanAm. Swapped out the upper for a flat top and carry handle I had. Finished it off with surplus CF furniture painted to match Magpul Foliage green. Very fun to shoot and pretty damn accurate.
 
sdizzyday did you use thechinese barrel?. I guess what i'm asking is, will the barrel marry up properly to a north american upper?. I'm not saying it was made metric or standard, but when I put the a2 stock on it i had to use the chinese screws (now that I think back, I believe it was because the chinese screw was longer than the american one). Any info would be appreciated.
 
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