Range Report : Norinco M305 w/Nikon Buckmaster Scope and CZ 455 with Leupold VX-1 Scope
First of all, I choose this forum because this post primarily concerns my Norinco M305 – this CZ is basically just along for the ride.
I finally got all the bits I needed to put these two rifles together with their scopes, so here is my report from their first trip to the range.
I was able to bore sight the CZ by removing the bolt, so I know that the scope was at least pointed in the right direction. Lacking a bore sighting tool or a small mirror, I figured I’d just have to take some shots with the M305 and see where they landed.
I set up targets at 50 and 100 yards and started with the CZ. I was using Federal Gold Medal .22 rounds, and the rifle seemed to live up to its reputation as a very accurate gun. At this point, I think the limitations are with the shooter, not the rifle. In the near future, I want to purchase the .17HMR barrel kit, and see how this works.
After warming up with the CZ, I switched to the Norinco M305. I had fired a couple hundred rounds through this gun with the very mediocre Norinco iron sights, so I was looking forward to trying out the scope. The first thing I noticed was that the gun would definitely need a cheek rest – with the Basset mount and rings tall enough to keep the scope clear of the action, etc. it was a bit of a challenge to get good alignment with the scope and my eyes. I have seen some WW2 surplus Garand leather cheek rests for sale on eBay, and they look like they should fit – any thoughts on a good cheek rest for this rifle? Incidentally, the Basset mount fit easily on the Chinese rifle – I had been concerned that the scope mount threads on the rifle and the mount would not match, but this was not a problem. And Basset’s system for using the weight of the rifle and the mini-wrench supplied with the mount is very simple and seems to work well.
Using the basic Norinco ammo – 145 gr. FMJ -- that came with the package deal from Canada Ammo, I was able to get OK results at 100 yards. Again, I think the limitations are with the shooter not the gun. Nest time I will zero the gun at 200 yards, which should allow me to at least be within a few inches of center from 100 to 300 yards.
Initial ideas for making the M3054 more accurate include: Sadlak NM spring guide and spring, shims for the gas system (and possibly unitizing), and either getting a “trigger job” done on the Chinese trigger group, or replacing it with USGI group. I am open to suggestions!
Cheers!
Here are some pics:
First of all, I choose this forum because this post primarily concerns my Norinco M305 – this CZ is basically just along for the ride.
I finally got all the bits I needed to put these two rifles together with their scopes, so here is my report from their first trip to the range.
I was able to bore sight the CZ by removing the bolt, so I know that the scope was at least pointed in the right direction. Lacking a bore sighting tool or a small mirror, I figured I’d just have to take some shots with the M305 and see where they landed.
I set up targets at 50 and 100 yards and started with the CZ. I was using Federal Gold Medal .22 rounds, and the rifle seemed to live up to its reputation as a very accurate gun. At this point, I think the limitations are with the shooter, not the rifle. In the near future, I want to purchase the .17HMR barrel kit, and see how this works.
After warming up with the CZ, I switched to the Norinco M305. I had fired a couple hundred rounds through this gun with the very mediocre Norinco iron sights, so I was looking forward to trying out the scope. The first thing I noticed was that the gun would definitely need a cheek rest – with the Basset mount and rings tall enough to keep the scope clear of the action, etc. it was a bit of a challenge to get good alignment with the scope and my eyes. I have seen some WW2 surplus Garand leather cheek rests for sale on eBay, and they look like they should fit – any thoughts on a good cheek rest for this rifle? Incidentally, the Basset mount fit easily on the Chinese rifle – I had been concerned that the scope mount threads on the rifle and the mount would not match, but this was not a problem. And Basset’s system for using the weight of the rifle and the mini-wrench supplied with the mount is very simple and seems to work well.
Using the basic Norinco ammo – 145 gr. FMJ -- that came with the package deal from Canada Ammo, I was able to get OK results at 100 yards. Again, I think the limitations are with the shooter not the gun. Nest time I will zero the gun at 200 yards, which should allow me to at least be within a few inches of center from 100 to 300 yards.
Initial ideas for making the M3054 more accurate include: Sadlak NM spring guide and spring, shims for the gas system (and possibly unitizing), and either getting a “trigger job” done on the Chinese trigger group, or replacing it with USGI group. I am open to suggestions!
Cheers!
Here are some pics:
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