For those that know me, I have a rather large assortment of M1As/M14s/M305. I detest the "this is better than that" arguements however I would like to offer some observations. Firstly on the Norincos. I have had some that shot great and require little to no work, I have also had some that were a complete mess and required a serious amount of work. Do I like the M305s or M14s...sure but I don't think there the end all. If your criteria for performance is the ability to go bang, they are great value. Call me old fashion but I like fit and finish vice file and hammer. I have had some of the roughest Norincos with sharp edges and serious rough spots. But this not what your getting them for. If your concept is to add USGI parts to make it better, in some cases you can sink some serious money into Norinco.....but again, it depends what you want and do with it. The cast vs forged arguement is mute as very very few shooters on CGN would ever notice the difference or shoot the volume necessary to notice. I think some just like to argue with partial information or use there single experience as indicative of all.
Some will complain of "all" the problems with Springfields. They have an incredible amount of M1As in circulation in the US and Canada. I have never had a problem with mine in over 10 years, neither has the two M1A gurus I learned from who have shot with them for significantly longer. Your mileage might vary but I don't read to many posts here about those terrible Springfields....
Are the Norincos OK? Sure, I don't mind them but I do prefer the fit and finish of the Springfields and enjoy knowing I have a warranty. I have a number of Springfields and have never had to take advantage of the warranty and have shot a great deal out of the rifles.
Reference the SOCOM comments on accuracy. Interestingly enough, I have two of them, one in a Vltor stock, the second in a SAGE and they both shoot excellently. On one occasion the SAGE equiped rifle shot MOA with Port surplus. If anything I have been extremely happy with the rifles. If only they were not restricted!
So I guess if you wanted to argue there is plenty to do but at the end of the day, if your happy that is what matters. Me personally, I prefer the Springfields. Doesn't mean I hate the Norcs, but just prefer the clean lines and the lack of drill marks and hammer dents that make the Norc so attractive...
So I think everyone needs to lighten up. It is more important that your happy with your purchase and actually get out there and shoot the rifle. I know a number of vocal shooters who bearly shoot them, prefering to talk about them....
If money is tight, then a Norinco represents good value. If money is not tight, you might prefer the options available with Springfield. Your call.
Some will complain of "all" the problems with Springfields. They have an incredible amount of M1As in circulation in the US and Canada. I have never had a problem with mine in over 10 years, neither has the two M1A gurus I learned from who have shot with them for significantly longer. Your mileage might vary but I don't read to many posts here about those terrible Springfields....
Are the Norincos OK? Sure, I don't mind them but I do prefer the fit and finish of the Springfields and enjoy knowing I have a warranty. I have a number of Springfields and have never had to take advantage of the warranty and have shot a great deal out of the rifles.
Reference the SOCOM comments on accuracy. Interestingly enough, I have two of them, one in a Vltor stock, the second in a SAGE and they both shoot excellently. On one occasion the SAGE equiped rifle shot MOA with Port surplus. If anything I have been extremely happy with the rifles. If only they were not restricted!
So I guess if you wanted to argue there is plenty to do but at the end of the day, if your happy that is what matters. Me personally, I prefer the Springfields. Doesn't mean I hate the Norcs, but just prefer the clean lines and the lack of drill marks and hammer dents that make the Norc so attractive...
So I think everyone needs to lighten up. It is more important that your happy with your purchase and actually get out there and shoot the rifle. I know a number of vocal shooters who bearly shoot them, prefering to talk about them....
If money is tight, then a Norinco represents good value. If money is not tight, you might prefer the options available with Springfield. Your call.