Norinco forged bolt fitment issues M305

KHTL

KHTL

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Hello all,

I purchased an older Norinco forged bolt to go into my new M305 and upon test fitting, it's not even close. Seems like the tip of the bolt is hanging up on the barrel, preventing it from closing. I know lapping and headspacing is in order but in all videos I've seen online, the bolt isn't as far off as this and actually closes Please see photos. Thanks.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/185191437@N04/74hcY2
 
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You are not the first to report the problem when trying to replace a MIM bolt. It appears that new receivers and/or barrel breech dimensions are not the same as they once were.
Obviously fitting the replacement bolt is going to require more work. I don't know if it is either practical or possible to do.
 
that looks like a cast receiver as well .
many comments on here about forged bolts not being able to fit those receivers , too far out of spec .

Breachface does look smaller than it should be ,
if you have the old bolt , measure it up and compare
 
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Did Norinco actually put out a cast receiver?

In any event, machining will be required to fit that, not lapping. Its not looking like a bolt lug issue. Possibly the barrel needs machining. The bolt should easily close on an empty chamber, and have generous clearance that is taken up by the cartridge. With no cartridge in place, the bolt should be able to be moved forward off the lugs a good distance. Who knows that the headspacing would be if you machined some off the breach of the barrel. It would take some time, but you could unthread the barrel to create clearance, then thread it back on until it touches the bolt and measure the distance to get some idea of specs. And insert a go gauge and see what the state of the chamber is. Can it even be made to headspace correctly with that bolt and barrel?

I think if you are really interested in saving this rifle, you will need to find an experienced m14 gunsmith to determine its future. Maybe with a good barrel and bolt it can be made to work.
 
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Thanks Peacemaker.

I'm a big fan of the Norinco M14s. I've had many, and never one that was junk, but they all benefited from some improvements. I recently swapped a USGI bolt into one with a Norinco barrel. It shot pretty good before the bolt swap, and the bolt swap did significantly tighten up the headspace, but it showed little if any improvement inaccuracy. It shot well before, 1.5" 5 shot groups at 100 yards with 168 grain Sierra Match Kings, and it pretty much shot the same afterwards. This is with a cold barrel. It shoots best with a cold barrel. If I shoot more shots in succession, the heat does affect the point of impact.
 
tiriaq said:
You are not the first to report the problem when trying to replace a MIM bolt. It appears that new receivers and/or barrel breech dimensions are not the same as they once were.
Obviously fitting the replacement bolt is going to require more work. I don't know if it is either practical or possible to do.
Click to expand...

In my experience, the chinese made the breech face longer on some rifles. The 1990's era forged receivers haven't changed. That said, the cast receivers now showing up may be different.
 
KHTL said:
Hello all,

I purchased an older Norinco forged bolt to go into my new M305 and upon test fitting, it's not even close. Seems like the tip of the bolt is hanging up on the barrel, preventing it from closing. I know lapping and headspacing is in order but in all videos I've seen online, the bolt isn't as far off as this and actually closes Please see photos. Thanks.

https://www.flickr.com/gp/185191437@N04/74hcY2
Click to expand...

Dude. That totally sucks.

I can't be sure from the angle of the pics, but is the bolt roller touching the receiver at the barrel as well?

Honestly, I'd say it's not worth the effort at this point.
If you can demand a refund for the rifle, I would. But I suspect you wouldn't be successful.

I'd say buy a used older M305 that's been tweaked off the EE from someone you trust

These cast receivers and bolts are a real shame
 
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I added a USGI bolt to my old M305 years ago and it required almost no fitting. The only benefit was a tighter headspace to decrease brass stretching in hopes of longer case life when reloading. I haven't owned a more recent M305 and several times considered jumping on the Stag 10 train but I really like the old girl for the casual shooting I use it for. The Norinco parts have stood up well and it can deliver some really great groups with good 168 grain loads.
 
Thanks for the reply guys. This is a bummer because I really like this rifle and had high hopes that everything would work out. I wonder how many people buy 2016+ M305 got away with shooting it with no issues. I preemptively bought a case of 7.62 NATO when I got this gun.
 
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