I picked up one of the new production Norinco JW15A rifles from Tenda, in my case the 24" barrel synthetic stock version. Just thought I'd share some observations in case anyone is interested in one.
They are a copy/re-engineered version of the amazing CZ 452 rifle (** see below). The basic design with dual rear locking lugs, the bolt design, magazine design, and heavy receiver are all pretty close to the original. There is some Norinco 'value engineering' in some areas, such as a simpler trigger guard and a trigger design that's closer to a '98 Mauser than CZ 452.
Most of the comments in threads and reviews from past production models still stand. They are reasonably well made with rough finishing. YouTube channel '314299 Shooting Channel' does a great 2-part review of the construction and shooting test from 14 years ago (shout out to his channel, plenty of great information there about many different firearms and ammo tests). Link:
It ships in a sealed plastic bag swimming in heavy oil. A good cleaning is needed, and bolt definitely needs to be taken apart and cleaned, mine was awful.
The two most common issues mentioned are the magazines not feeding well and a heavy and abrupt trigger break.
I had problems with several magazines myself, most of which have to do with the internal dimensions being too tight and not allowing the follower to push up smoothly or enough. A couple mags also had uneven feed lips pushing the rounds off to one side. Tenda was very responsive in replacing some that were truly awful. It's not too hard to smooth them out and make them work properly. The new production magazines are also 9-rounders...there's a plastic spacer in the bottom, maybe to add spring tension? Another solution is to use CZ 452/455/457 magazines which work perfectly as is.
As far as the trigger goes, there is a very small sear engagement adjustment screw in the back of the trigger. Adjusting the screw clockwise (tightening) pushes the sear down, reducing engagement. This makes a huge difference in trigger feel. Do a safety check, it can be adjusted too much where there is insufficient sear engagement.
With the feeding and trigger improvements, this is very decent inexpensive rifle. Like any 22, they are ammo sensitive. Mine does well with CCI SV, SK Std+, and Norma Tac22. Shooting 6 5rd groups out to 100m yesterday with a 3-9 scope, got a couple of 1 5/8" groups with the worst being just at 2". Not spectacular but not terrible either.
While not in the same category as my CZ452 or 457 (OK, not even close), if you're looking for a knock-around bush rifle, hunting rifle, or project rifle, these guys have a steel trigger guard and decent synthetic stock (with built-in tight bedding at the front action screw). They have a nice heavy mechanical feel when shooting and are definitely much nicer to shoot once 'broken in'. For the price I'd say they are pretty good value.
Happy shooting!
**CORRECTION - *lawrence pointed out that the design is based on the Brno No. 1. I'd have to say he's right, the trigger design looks identical.
They are a copy/re-engineered version of the amazing CZ 452 rifle (** see below). The basic design with dual rear locking lugs, the bolt design, magazine design, and heavy receiver are all pretty close to the original. There is some Norinco 'value engineering' in some areas, such as a simpler trigger guard and a trigger design that's closer to a '98 Mauser than CZ 452.
Most of the comments in threads and reviews from past production models still stand. They are reasonably well made with rough finishing. YouTube channel '314299 Shooting Channel' does a great 2-part review of the construction and shooting test from 14 years ago (shout out to his channel, plenty of great information there about many different firearms and ammo tests). Link:
It ships in a sealed plastic bag swimming in heavy oil. A good cleaning is needed, and bolt definitely needs to be taken apart and cleaned, mine was awful.
The two most common issues mentioned are the magazines not feeding well and a heavy and abrupt trigger break.
I had problems with several magazines myself, most of which have to do with the internal dimensions being too tight and not allowing the follower to push up smoothly or enough. A couple mags also had uneven feed lips pushing the rounds off to one side. Tenda was very responsive in replacing some that were truly awful. It's not too hard to smooth them out and make them work properly. The new production magazines are also 9-rounders...there's a plastic spacer in the bottom, maybe to add spring tension? Another solution is to use CZ 452/455/457 magazines which work perfectly as is.
As far as the trigger goes, there is a very small sear engagement adjustment screw in the back of the trigger. Adjusting the screw clockwise (tightening) pushes the sear down, reducing engagement. This makes a huge difference in trigger feel. Do a safety check, it can be adjusted too much where there is insufficient sear engagement.
With the feeding and trigger improvements, this is very decent inexpensive rifle. Like any 22, they are ammo sensitive. Mine does well with CCI SV, SK Std+, and Norma Tac22. Shooting 6 5rd groups out to 100m yesterday with a 3-9 scope, got a couple of 1 5/8" groups with the worst being just at 2". Not spectacular but not terrible either.
While not in the same category as my CZ452 or 457 (OK, not even close), if you're looking for a knock-around bush rifle, hunting rifle, or project rifle, these guys have a steel trigger guard and decent synthetic stock (with built-in tight bedding at the front action screw). They have a nice heavy mechanical feel when shooting and are definitely much nicer to shoot once 'broken in'. For the price I'd say they are pretty good value.
Happy shooting!
**CORRECTION - *lawrence pointed out that the design is based on the Brno No. 1. I'd have to say he's right, the trigger design looks identical.
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