Norinco/DA AR-15 Problems

[aiwa]

So, I was talking with a friend the other day in the parking lot of the auto wrecker. The conversation quickly turned to a subject we are both passionate about: guns. In particular, we started talking about the AR-15 rifle. Now, I have an AR but my buddy does not. He'd kind of like to get one, but is unsure as to what manufacture he should buy.

He noted, that, obviously he wouldn't want a Norinco "..because they're crap." I pointed out that the sense I got from the web was that Norinco/DA AR-15s are quite robust, and that many people are more than satisfied with their chinese ARs. In fact, I stated that I might personally prefer a Norinco AR to some of the other manufacturers I have heard about. I was thinking, in particular, about this poll:

http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1204901-NEA-Problems?highlight=nea+problems

I thought it might be interesting to see what Norinco owners think of their ARs. So, Norinco owners, here is a poll for you.

*Note* Option 4 in the poll linked above turned out to be contentious. I wanted to retain something like this option in this poll in order to make direct comparison of the two polls possible, so the language of that option has been clarified.

 

[Mister Donut]

That other Poll went sideways because the friend is counted once, then the owner could be counted as well if he/she is on CGN. It wasn't a fair poll, but still made me think twice about buying NEA. I understand there are a lot of happy customers out there with them, but there seemed to be an awful lot of lemons as well.

I had a Norc for a few years and put about 5000 rounds through it, sold it to a buddy of mine who put a few thou more through it, no issues. It wasn't the prettiest AR out there, but at the time, it was the cheapest around. Then there was the price war when US ARs could be had for as low as the price of a Norc, but with the tanking Canadian dollar, Norcs might find an appeal with new shooters again.

 

[*MALICE*]

When Norinco ARs first came out i recommended them to people as they were a really good value at the time especially considering what other ARs were selling for.

But in the past couple years I have witnessed the same failures with them time after time. And now that the prices on ARs has come down, for not a lot more money you can get a much better quality gun.

I would still buy a Norinco over an NEA any day of the week.

 

[sgt.rock]

I bought one with about 3000 rounds through it. Previous owner said it always ran like a top. I put 800 through it without A SINGLE HICCUP. Kinda miss it. Sold it when I got out of restricted rifles. Now I have a Mossberg MMR and it has 500 rounds through it from me (bought lightly used) and it has yet to give me a single malfunction of any kind.
JEEZ!! What is with all the cheap AR15's and the boring reliability they give??? I even owned a Norinco 311 (M16A1 version) and that thing was a tank. Loved it.

 

[Gatehouse]

After thousands of rounds of steel cased ammo I had a problem wtih the extractor. MiketheBike graciously sent me a little upgrade and it's now been at least 5000 rounds although I mostly use brass case ammo now. My second Norc AR has had about 3000 rounds through it with no trouble. The work for my purposes, which is as a range rental gun. If I was to really get into AR's for myself I'd probably get something a bit more fancy

 

[Tarrantula]

My Norc AR had the classic extractor spring problem too. Threw in a new one with an o-ring and never looked back. Has ran great every since. Two big thumbs up.

 

[Dietz]

I put 800 through it without A SINGLE HICCUP.

That's a good TWO DAYS for some people, dude.

 

[Ebola]

Have a gen 1 M4gery. Paid close to 900$ for it when that was a good deal at the time. The finish is a little rough but it runs fantastic.

I would have no problems owning another one. Although im not sure I would buy one again. With the prices of AR15's reaching rock bottom and multiple brands and models to choose from, spending a extea hundred or two more then a for a Norinco can get you alot of nice options to choose from.

 

[aiwa]

So far only 17% of respondents reporting problems of any kind. Better than I expected.

 

[NoTarget]

I have two DA556 rifles.

The 14.5" rifle has about 1000 rounds through it and has never had an issues other than a couple FTF.

The 20" rifle is giving me problems.

 

[Phat Eagle]

This has been beat to death...

Bottom line, they generally run fine, though they have some lemons. Sometimes aftermarket parts will need a little fitting, sometimes, they're perfectly fine.

There are lots of nicer ARs for more money, but if budget is your number one concern you generally won't be disappointed.

 

[OC-3]

[Youtube]0DyRfHzvwkc[/Youtube]

 

[saskcop]

I have had two and nary a problem - except not selling them.

 

[Somerset Bar]

2 crates of surplus and about 1000 reloads through mine, had to replace the gas rings and I also did the extractor spring upgrade. Otherwise no problems and still shoots like a champ. I'm half-assed looking for a barrel and gas tub replacement for when this one finally wears out, but for the $500 or so it cost me, I can't possibly imagine complaining.



That said, my norinco coach gun looked like it was put together by a barrel of drunk monkeys. Tequila drunk.

 

[Juster]

One issue with the cheapest possible gun is that they get the cheapest possible operator.
Mr. Cheapo is either knowledgeable or not. If not, the gun may end up with problems.

I have 2 CQ-As, for twice the superior annihilating firepower. If such a thing is even grammatically possible.

 

[Deadbeat]

My Norinco works fine. I pulled it out of the oily plastic bag, wiped it down, then put ~400 rounds through it so far.

 

[aiwa]

That said, my norinco coach gun looked like it was put together by a barrel of drunk monkeys. Tequila drunk.

What's the fit and finish like in comparison to the AR?

 

[Mister Donut]

What's the fit and finish like in comparison to the AR?

I don't have the Coach Gun, but I picked up the Outlaw and the finish on that was pretty nice, even nicer than my AR, but maybe I got lucky? Beautiful wood, nice bluing on the steel, and no burrs or visible machine marks.

 

[Cain379]

I Put 1500+ rounds through my DA556 this summer and not even a hiccup, not a single fail to feed, fire, or extract. Been very happy with it.

 

[Ebola]

I don't have the Coach Gun, but I picked up the Outlaw and the finish on that was pretty nice, even nicer than my AR, but maybe I got lucky? Beautiful wood, nice bluing on the steel, and no burrs or visible machine marks.

Mine looked and operated good to when I had one. Going to get another one soon. I regret getting rid of it even though it didnt get much use. Its one of the few legal Lupura's you can own here.