norinco shotguns
- Thread starter kbg77
- Start date
This seems to be a hot topic. I've heard both very good and very bad and everything in between. I'd say its worth a couple hundred bucks to find out though. Seems like quality control at the norc factory may not be up to american standards, so its possible to get a lemon.
On the other hand, if they were more pricey, then it'd be a risky choice, but since they're dirt cheap and can take 870 parts, you don't have too much to lose.
On the other hand, if they were more pricey, then it'd be a risky choice, but since they're dirt cheap and can take 870 parts, you don't have too much to lose.
I was in the same position as you, Dave - I had heard strong opinions in both directions, but had no first hand knowledge. I'm a BIG fan of Winchester's 1897, and I was curious about Norinco's copy (because they're still being produced and because they're soooo cheap).
One of the local shops had one in stock, so I took advantage of the opportunity to go see for myself. What I found was not impressive. Norinco's copy is so flimsy, I can barely describe my disappointment. Don't even mention fit and finish. They looked like they were thrown together by chimpanzees, when compared to the real thing. The wood that was used I wouldn't use in my fireplace and the stain looked more like paint.
Having said that, though, shotguns can be as individual as people. I wouldn't be completely surprised if some of them are worth what you pay for them. If someone was into cowboy action shooting, planning to pump thousands of rounds through one, and didn't have any expectation that it'll be around 20 years from now, maybe it would be the right tool for the job.
I've been shooting shotguns for about 40 years now and I hope to be able to continue for at least 30 more. For my money, I'd rather buy a proven make/model that I know will have the same value or better when I get to the point where I'm selling it. Still, Norincos haven't been around all that long. They might surprise me and last a lot longer than I'd expect. After all, they are a shotgun. It's not like they're made of paper or anything. They're just not of comparable quality to the original.
SS
One of the local shops had one in stock, so I took advantage of the opportunity to go see for myself. What I found was not impressive. Norinco's copy is so flimsy, I can barely describe my disappointment. Don't even mention fit and finish. They looked like they were thrown together by chimpanzees, when compared to the real thing. The wood that was used I wouldn't use in my fireplace and the stain looked more like paint.
Having said that, though, shotguns can be as individual as people. I wouldn't be completely surprised if some of them are worth what you pay for them. If someone was into cowboy action shooting, planning to pump thousands of rounds through one, and didn't have any expectation that it'll be around 20 years from now, maybe it would be the right tool for the job.
I've been shooting shotguns for about 40 years now and I hope to be able to continue for at least 30 more. For my money, I'd rather buy a proven make/model that I know will have the same value or better when I get to the point where I'm selling it. Still, Norincos haven't been around all that long. They might surprise me and last a lot longer than I'd expect. After all, they are a shotgun. It's not like they're made of paper or anything. They're just not of comparable quality to the original.
SS
I am happy with mine!!
I've never had a feeding issue as of yet, it shoots relatively well. Picture below was at 30m, Federal Power-Shok Rifled Slugs, 2 3/4" 1oz. Target is 8" dia. Shooting offhand, no brace, well aimed not just rapid fired.
You won't beleive this: I ordere an M-37 from marstar (like I said above) about 2 weeks ago. Well...I got my firearm registration certificate from the CFC in the mail today, but I haven't received the shotgun yet 
I'm still scratching my head over this one I think I'll give the guys at Marstar a call in the morning to see what's up. I guess that the CFC employees were in a hurry to get off work for christmas
I'm still scratching my head over this one I think I'll give the guys at Marstar a call in the morning to see what's up. I guess that the CFC employees were in a hurry to get off work for christmas 
Thanks John, I think I figured out what happened. The gun was shipped via Canada post and since I live in an appartment they can't leave it in the lobby. Usually Canada post will leave a "package notice" in the mail so I can go pick up the item at a corner store near my place. I never got the notice, but I decided to call the store just in case...and they had received it ! So the problem was not with Marstar, but with Canada post not leaving the proper notice
By the way I really like the shotgun, it looks sweet and it has a nice finish. I can't waite to bring it to the range
By the way I really like the shotgun, it looks sweet and it has a nice finish. I can't waite to bring it to the range
trubluscrew
CGN frequent flyer
- Location
- SW Ontario
If you don't like your super. Take a tape recorder when you ask him. If he says yes, have him charged for tampering with the mail.
There are a couple of threads referring to issues with the Norinco Ithaca Model 37 clone (the folding stock/tactical model), but the responses seem to refer people asking about them to a 'generic' history of discussions relating to Norinco quality issues. Has anyone that's purchased one recently experienced issues, and if so, what if anything did you do (or have done) to resolve them, and what if anything has the vendor you purchased it from has done to remedy the situation.
I have personal experience with a number of these purchased recently and they are paper-weights pending some gunsmithing. It's listed as a 'do not buy' recommendation in a related thread:
" YL12-1JZ 'M-37 Tactical' 12ga. Pump Action (does not Cycle shells)" ... doh!
I had read enough in general about Norinco to set my expectations for the low-quality fit & finish (e.g. we had to glue the rubber butt pad back on - it had fallen off in the box pre-delivery, the foresight was off-center to the axis of the barrel, there was rust (!?!) apparent in the action, and scoring/pitting visible in the barrel... but for the price this is all stuff you might be willing to live with... if the gun actually worked. We can't get them to cycle a full magazines of (any) ammunition without jamming. I know there are people who feel they've got good value for their money with Norinco firearms... but I'd like to hear from someone who feels that way about this particular model... especially a recent purchase (as in, possibly the latest shipment was a bad production run). I also understand this shipment may have sat for longer than expected to clear customs ... possibly the reason for rust? Anyhow... it's certainly dampened my enthusiasm for bargain bin firearms.
Related discussion for this model:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58108
Recommended Norinco buys/ do-not buys:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42873
General discussion re Norinco Quality:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31535
/GC
I have personal experience with a number of these purchased recently and they are paper-weights pending some gunsmithing. It's listed as a 'do not buy' recommendation in a related thread:
" YL12-1JZ 'M-37 Tactical' 12ga. Pump Action (does not Cycle shells)" ... doh!
I had read enough in general about Norinco to set my expectations for the low-quality fit & finish (e.g. we had to glue the rubber butt pad back on - it had fallen off in the box pre-delivery, the foresight was off-center to the axis of the barrel, there was rust (!?!) apparent in the action, and scoring/pitting visible in the barrel... but for the price this is all stuff you might be willing to live with... if the gun actually worked. We can't get them to cycle a full magazines of (any) ammunition without jamming. I know there are people who feel they've got good value for their money with Norinco firearms... but I'd like to hear from someone who feels that way about this particular model... especially a recent purchase (as in, possibly the latest shipment was a bad production run). I also understand this shipment may have sat for longer than expected to clear customs ... possibly the reason for rust? Anyhow... it's certainly dampened my enthusiasm for bargain bin firearms.
Related discussion for this model:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=58108
Recommended Norinco buys/ do-not buys:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42873
General discussion re Norinco Quality:
http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31535
/GC
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yeah Ive got the 870 clone wiht 14inch barrel...several hundred slugs through it. Only issue was extractor related. It didnt break, but had issues ejecting only fired rounds...I think the metal got shaved down abit. Anyways put in 870 part and its been fine ever since. On the stock some noticeable wear on the grip area. Nothing dramatic. Trigger guard area is a tiny bit loose..but I use max power slugs and rapid fire them..so it takes a real beating..All in all I am very very happy with it...its popular at my range and lots of people like to try it...For the money 350$ its hard to beat..I think I will buy a real 870 or Nova next.. but this Norc is worth the money. For sights comes with brass bead.
