Should I keep it? M305

Hi all,

An M305 rookie here. I had no idea where to post this so please advise if there is a better thread.

I jumped on the M305 bandwagon this year. My concern is how 'loose' the bolt is. With the action closed on an empty chamber, I can physically wiggle/rattle the bolt forwards and backwards. This can also be done with a loaded chamber although to a lesser degree. Inspection of fired cases reveals fairly significant case stretching although no other apparent issues.

Is this something to be worried about? I am aware many M305's have generous headspace. Although visibly extended cases after firing and the fact I can wiggle a closed bolt seem disconcerting.

Any help is appreciated.
 
I am not a gunsmith, but pretend to be one on the internet. sounds like you need to measure your headspace. send a fired brass to Barney to get you in the ballpark, or use headspace gauges if you have access. bolt must be stripped for gauges. what do the receiver lugs look like? If someone chewed away at these, the receiver may be pooched, even a USGI bolt may not help. all depends on what the headspace actually is. tons of info on the net, some not so good. Ben has excellent info.
 
Norwegian22 said:
Hi all,

An M305 rookie here. I had no idea where to post this so please advise if there is a better thread.

I jumped on the M305 bandwagon this year. My concern is how 'loose' the bolt is. With the action closed on an empty chamber, I can physically wiggle/rattle the bolt forwards and backwards. This can also be done with a loaded chamber although to a lesser degree. Inspection of fired cases reveals fairly significant case stretching although no other apparent issues.

Is this something to be worried about? I am aware many M305's have generous headspace. Although visibly extended cases after firing and the fact I can wiggle a closed bolt seem disconcerting.

Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't worry too much about it, the bolts are sloppy, it will swallow a 308 field gauge, may or may not swallow a 7.62NATO field gauge, but that's where the majority of them seem to fall on average.
It's more important to be cautious of what you are shooting through it then anything else. Avoid the cheap steel cased Russian .308 as they don't like to stretch as much as brass does. Get some milspec 7.62x51 if you can afford it, thicker brass cases can handle the excess headspace. The Nork copper washed steel stuff seems OK in these as well.
Always wear good quality shooting glasses. Something like Revision Sawfly are pretty good for around $50 on Amazon.
 
Thanks all, and I am in fact shooting 7.62NATO... Hirtenberger specifically. No issues after 40 rounds, just the very obvious case lengthening after firing. Forgot to mention this was a brand new rifle, not that it seems to matters with the M305s.
 
In anyone's collection, a non-restricted Military heavy-hitting "Battle Rifle" with an awesome history (still being used by U.S. Special Forces) all for $599, crap...you'd be nuts not to have one lol

I bought by NIB Norinco M-14S over 15 years ago, fired thousands of factory ammo through it, not one single problem/issue. Well maintained, well greased prior to a workout, very accurate using iron sights, and that heavy hitting .308 Win / 7.62 NATO round.


Mine sits in a synthetic CADPAT camo stock supplied by SkullBoy many moons ago lol cheers mate ;)


Keep your Norinco M305 :)
 
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