Norinco M14 Range Report

Carlsen Highway

New member
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
Gentlemen,

A range report for the Chinese M14, which is new to me a couple of weeks ago. Hearing much about disparities in accuracy due to a lack of parts quality, a lack of materials quality, a lack of assembly quality, and a lack of quality control, all over the bloody interweb, (mostly it seemed, from owners of expensive American M1A rifles) I had low expectations for this rifle.
I considered that I would be relatively happy with 2.5 - 3 inch groups.

For my first range session I did indeed acheive group sizes in this range, using barnaul Russian steel cased ammo, and so was satisfied both with the rifle, and with the accuracy of reports from the interweb of what I should expect.
I have largely amended this opinion after a visit to the range today, and shooting the rifle with a 5 x scope and a handful of different handloads at 100 metres, using 150 grain Corelockts, Ballistic Tips and Interlocks using Varget and IMR4895.
The photograph attached will suffice. The largest group shot with Varget came in at exactly 1.5 inches, the Ballistic Tip loads were all just under 1.5 inches. The smallest group was shot with 150 grain interlocks and 43.0 grains of IMR4895, and measured a
hair over half an inch.


M14target_zps0a559441.jpg


All were just three shot groups, as an indication of where further investigation should develop, but plainly I can state that the rifle shoots; further, that it shoots well.
It must be stated that the rifle is in some kind of fibreglass stock, and I am told it has a replacement operating rod (?) and spring.
As far as function goes, I canot complain. As far as fit and finish goes, well, I have not seen an American M14 so cannot make any comparison, but it seems fine to me, and I have had a lot of rifles.
Bear in mind that although these are all three shot groups, I actually shot six groups of three rounds, with different bullets and powder charges in each group - and all of them came in at 1.5 inch or less.
Cant really find anything wrong with this Chinese M14.
 
Last edited:
Nice shooting. I am hoping to get out with my m305 out and compare the Norc 7.62x51 ball 147gr copper wash ammo to handloads. I load for all of my other .308 rifles using 168gr Hornady HPBT.
 
Nice shooting. I am hoping to get out with my m305 out and compare the Norc 7.62x51 ball 147gr copper wash ammo to handloads. I load for all of my other .308 rifles using 168gr Hornady HPBT.

Hornady HPBT performs really well for me. I think it is a fine choice and tolerates the large jump to the lands well, unlike say Amax.
 
Nice report, thanks.
Would have been interesting to see some 5 round groups.
Only saying this because your from NZ and can legally load to seven, this may have some bearing on the flyer that ALWAYS appears in a five shot group.
Sadly , we are not in a position to load seven, legally.
Cheers
Derek
 
Hornady HPBT performs really well for me. I think it is a fine choice and tolerates the large jump to the lands well, unlike say Amax.

Agreed, the hornady 168gr BTHP is a great bullet to use along with the 178 AMAX. My Norinco likes heavier bullets compared to the lighter 150gr range.
 
Thanks for the info on the heavier bullets. I don't want to hijack the o/p's thread, though I'm always glad to learn about what others' experiences are when it comes to what shoots well. I'm new to the Norc M305 so I am hoping to glean as much as I can.
 
It was at 100 metres

I am going to pay some closer attention to the IMR4895 load, and yes, I will shoot a five round group.

(My mags are all seven rounders now, so in honour of Lost..Again, I may try an eight round group...)

I know 168 grainers are used as a match load over there, but here for service rifle shooting we have to load with 147-155 grains.

I just can't get over all the negativism, if not outright contempt, written on the net and aimed at these rifles, and then to go out and shoot a bunch of decent little groups with three different bullets, two different powders, and two brass types. I had to laugh to myself when I saw that half inch group. I mean, it may be just one of those things random things, and is yet to be properly confirmed, but even so.
 
Last edited:
Ya I hear ya,

I can understand where all the negative sentiments come from.

It would be interesting to see the MTR of the steel that was used to make the Chinese model and compare side by side steel hardness's of different components, some should be hard some not so much.

Chinese manufacturing has come a long way but I have to admit I still have the little voice in the back of my mind that says Chinese guns are substandard.

I can only purchase one myself should the urge arise and do all the metallurgical testing to see what's what

Regards
 
Ya I hear ya,

I can understand where all the negative sentiments come from.

It would be interesting to see the MTR of the steel that was used to make the Chinese model and compare side by side steel hardness's of different components, some should be hard some not so much.

Chinese manufacturing has come a long way but I have to admit I still have the little voice in the back of my mind that says Chinese guns are substandard.

I can only purchase one myself should the urge arise and do all the metallurgical testing to see what's what

Regards

Ask your self how many parts on a aircraft are built in China? If you still feel safe flying then buy a M14 :D
 
If you really want to put more rounds in a group because of that flyer, you could always chamber a round before loading the magazine.


Hi Bacon.

You raise a fair point but I don't want to put more rounds in a group.
Im interested in the seven round load because of the tension in the mag....................Its all about the flyer,and trying to figure out why its there. Slipping one in the chamber would have no bearing on tension in the mag.
Sorry for side tracking.
And Pr589............................cant wait to see how you get on with those babies.
Of course the easy way out would be to just settle for 4 round groups and eliminate the flyer altogether LOL
 
Back
Top Bottom