Norinco type 97 OR kel tech su-16f help?

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Hey guys, new to the forums and new to shooting. This has probably been asked on another thread, but I'm not sure (I checked the first couple pages briefly-sorry if this is a repeat).

Brand new to shooting, living in northern Alberta, was wanting some advice on a couple choice rifles.

First, the title, I'm not going to spend 3000 bucks on a JP industries AR platform....a co worker has one, pricey but worth it---someday. So I'm debating between a norinco type 97 (.223) or a kel tech su16F, and just wanted some advice. Probably won't be used for coyote (maybe some day) but mostly for range fun, etc. Did some research on both (reviews, YouTube etc) but nothing comparing the two side by side. Any advice would be awesome.

Also sorry to say this as well....but I've been deciding between a ruger gunsite scout .308 bolt.... Or a norinco m14/m305 (?) with the archangel stock. Hunting .. Yah probably, range - definitely. Just any general advice for a first time gun owner would be awesome guys. Thanks
 
My vote goes tp the T97. They are actually a prettu decent once you install a T97.ca FTU. They will leaps and bounds better yet again once the T97.ca LHG is released. I have never really heard anything but bad about the SU-16, and the one that was accidentally shipped to me the one time was a joke. Literally felt like the flimsy-est piece I have ever handled. At least the T97 feels good and well made material wise (certainly not ergonomic wise prior to the FTU & LHG).
 
I have the type 97 and it's a really great gun to shoot. Very comfortable, easy to shoot and handle. I don't have the FTU, at least not yet, but I must say I like it. The price is pretty good too.
 
I was faced with the same question, my answer came down the need for reliable practice use. The SU-16 is a nice rifle, I fired it and it feels nice and light with seemingly nice accuracy (says the owner) but the gun store guru (has huge experience and is usually right in my experience) said the receiver is built so light and borderline weak it tends to crack sometimes. If you are looking at heavy practice use the T97 is nice (I picked up one used), it's rugged, heavy but well balanced and a nice piece of gear. Downside is its norinco and mine needed some tweaks such as filing down the feed ramp to cut down on crushing rounds and the scope mount was machined on a slight sideways angle so some scopes can't zero without shimming. Still, I'm pleased with it...but be warned...it's a hungry beast and costs some serious $$$ to keep fed.
 
I had the same dilemma and went with the SU-16f. I would suggest you hold both and fire them if possible. The T97 didn't feel right to me even though I really wanted it to. I may get one when CA's come in without the gas post issue hopefully. So far I am very happy with the SU-16f and have done no mods. I have 2 AR's for range use but I now prefer the SU-16 most of the time as it's just easier to bring to the range. I would guess it's more accurate than the surplus ammo I feed it and am going on 700 rounds with nothing other than a bore snake with no failures. I do not use the stock mags though.
 
I would say pick up a T97 and if you want the FTU. Its a nice gun to shoot. I have one myself with the FTU. However I have never shot a SU16 so I'm a little biased.
 
Id go with a m14 and save up for a kel tec rdb!

P.s. if you want a t 97 I will sell you mine, I got about 100 rounds true it.
 
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I hear yah on saving for something better or a Tavor...but I'm just getting into shooting/plinking/range practise--so If I quit or stop using my rifles in the next two years then I won't have to regret investing 3200 bucks into a JP enterprises Scr-11 (co workers gun. Beauty). And I also want to keep it non-restricted. Want something that will take those 10 AR "pistol"mags that frontier firearms is selling. And keep it in the 1000 dollar and under bracket.
Thanks for your input guys
Rally Guy! Give me a shout on pm about ur t97 and yah the m14 norinco I'm leaning towards.
 
I hear yah on saving for something better or a Tavor...but I'm just getting into shooting/plinking/range practise--so If I quit or stop using my rifles in the next two years then I won't have to regret investing 3200 bucks into a JP enterprises Scr-11 (co workers gun. Beauty). And I also want to keep it non-restricted. Want something that will take those 10 AR "pistol"mags that frontier firearms is selling. And keep it in the 1000 dollar and under bracket.
Thanks for your input guys
Rally Guy! Give me a shout on pm about ur t97 and yah the m14 norinco I'm leaning towards.
 
I would definitely go with the T97. You can usually find them for around $1100 or so WITH the FTU installed. Its a VERY solid gun with only a few minor ergonomic oddities that aren't at all a problem if your just plinking at the range. the ONLY time they become a factor IN ANY WAY is in competition when the fastest possible reloads are important. For every other possible use, its a perfectly fine platform that, I think, fits amazing and feels excellent on your shoulder.

I have handled a Keltec Su-16 and i can definitely say id never own one. If it was made of aluminum... id own one for sure. But the plastic just feels ultra cheap IMO. Im not knocking the guns performance, it may very well be a good performer... but for the money it should feel far more sturdy than it does. Keep in mind also that the SU-16 doesnt come with alot of the tactical type upgrades you'll probably want so they will all cost more on top of the gun purchase.

As for those who say "neither, save for something better"... screw that. If your just looking to get into it, don't worry at all about not spending a huge amount on a gun. Just buy something that interests you and enjoy it. You can always sell it later and buy something better if you feel its necessary. Ive owned a Tavor and a T97... at the same time. Other than some ergonomics, they both shoot the same. Theres no need to spend $2600+ on a Tavor if your just plinking at the range and the T97 is surprisingly accurate out to 75 or so yards meaning you could definitely hunt with it if you choose to.
 
If these are your two options.. I'd go with the T97 providing you decide to upgrade with the FTU. If you plan on keeping irons then the upgrade is unnecessary. Be ready for the surprise you get when you pick up the T97.. it has a lot more heft to it than you would expect. Trigger is typical for a bullpup at this price point.
 
pavmentsurfer said:
I would definitely go with the T97. You can usually find them for around $1100 or so WITH the FTU installed. Its a VERY solid gun with only a few minor ergonomic oddities that aren't at all a problem if your just plinking at the range. the ONLY time they become a factor IN ANY WAY is in competition when the fastest possible reloads are important. For every other possible use, its a perfectly fine platform that, I think, fits amazing and feels excellent on your shoulder.

I have handled a Keltec Su-16 and i can definitely say id never own one. If it was made of aluminum... id own one for sure. But the plastic just feels ultra cheap IMO. Im not knocking the guns performance, it may very well be a good performer... but for the money it should feel far more sturdy than it does. Keep in mind also that the SU-16 doesnt come with alot of the tactical type upgrades you'll probably want so they will all cost more on top of the gun purchase.

As for those who say "neither, save for something better"... screw that. If your just looking to get into it, don't worry at all about not spending a huge amount on a gun. Just buy something that interests you and enjoy it. You can always sell it later and buy something better if you feel its necessary. Ive owned a Tavor and a T97... at the same time. Other than some ergonomics, they both shoot the same. Theres no need to spend $2600+ on a Tavor if your just plinking at the range and the T97 is surprisingly accurate out to 75 or so yards meaning you could definitely hunt with it if you choose to.
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Really?? With the FTU installed? 1100 or there abouts? The FTU website --t97.ca -- is selling just the FTU for 329, and I'll use Frontier Firearms and P&D Enterprises as an example...but I think they have them for 1049 and 999 respectfully. If you could get me a lead on somewhere that sells them both combined for 1100 ish that would be greatly appreciated.
A lot of helpful advice from you guys. I mean besides the "save for something better" comment haha but with respect I understand where buddy was coming from, I work with a gentlemen who owns a JP enterprises SCR-11 competition rifle... But let's be honest guys...this is just for fun//I'm just getting started here//as by my name I'm just an apprentice refrigeration mechanic haha andddd I want to keep this gun non restricted. You guys rock I really appreciated the helpful input
 
The EE... I never buy new. I bought my last one with FTU installed... brand new... never fired... for $1100 shipped. I fired about 200 rounds and sold it for $1150 shipped. There is no reason to pay full price when there are so many guns out there that have barely been used and are for sale well below retail.
 
HvacFridge Apprentice said:
Really?? With the FTU installed? 1100 or there abouts? The FTU website --t97.ca -- is selling just the FTU for 329, and I'll use Frontier Firearms and P&D Enterprises as an example...but I think they have them for 1049 and 999 respectfully. If you could get me a lead on somewhere that sells them both combined for 1100 ish that would be greatly appreciated.
A lot of helpful advice from you guys. I mean besides the "save for something better" comment haha but with respect I understand where buddy was coming from, I work with a gentlemen who owns a JP enterprises SCR-11 competition rifle... But let's be honest guys...this is just for fun//I'm just getting started here//as by my name I'm just an apprentice refrigeration mechanic haha andddd I want to keep this gun non restricted. You guys rock I really appreciated the helpful input
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Eventually you'll figure out the best advice given to you was save for something better. Just so you know the t97 has a service life of 6000 rounds. Most firearms would just be getting broken in then. The only non restricted black rifles I can think of that are under 2 grand and aren't crap are the thureon Defense and Benelli mr1. Just my opinion though!
 
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