The T97 Thread!

I don't know if it was posted already, but you can source the QBZ 95/ Type 97 slings from the same guy:

https://www.ebay.ca/usr/china-pla-supplies?_trksid=p2047675.l2559

They work on the LA K-12 Puma, aswell... Now I need to find an excuse to use the 3rd one I bought - probably a 'retro' carry handle model for a simple beater.

...Future trades will tell.

I don't know if it was mentioned.

The sling in the pictures with the brass catcher is one of them.

So I did a 600 round reliability test today.

End result: one malfunction from the brass catcher. Sent a round back after being ejected.

Took the catcher off and had zero issues for 550 more rounds.
I shouldn't say zero issues... the T97.ca LHG was so hot it was burning my hand through gloves.

300 Remington UMC
60 federal independence
10 IMI 69gr match
10 45gr frangible
100 fiochi 5.56
100 gun show special
80 Norinco 5.56

Once I organize all the video Ill post it.

Also went over the wear on a T97 with ~5000 rounds through it.
 
So - qualified to join this thread this week when I received a 'Father's Day' Type 97 NSR FTU from Cabela's. I had half expected to get a Type 97 Gen 2, but clearly wasn't paying enough attention when I ordered. Buyers beware - Cabela's offers the Gen 1, Gen 2 and a Gen 1 with Type97.ca FTU.

I'm not disappointed with the rifle at all - though I was a little surprised to note a lack of iron sights when I unboxed it. Realising that I actually had an FTU already fitted helped get me over the 'shock'. After reading many of the submissions on this thread, I was interested to see how the rifle performed on the range today. Tales of feed ramp issues, magazine issues and poor trigger response were not uncommon.

The great news - after strapping on a cheap red dot (got a Nikon Spur Reflex coming this week) I shot 30 rounds of AA without a single issue. I was pleasantly surprised by the trigger. Yes - it travels a long way, but the journey is on a smooth road - and the break, when it comes, is very crisp and unexpected. I think that a Type97.ca LHG may be in my future, but meanwhile - no trigger complaints at all. And the recoil is light and very manageable. I shot about 3 MOA at both 50 yards and 100 yards. Stripping and cleaning the rifle was straightforward. The only real occurrence of fouling was on the gas piston, which took a little bit of persuading to emerge from the cylinder. (I will apply a tip learned here in future - keep the block in place and use it to 'encourage' movement).

Finally, I had bought some LAR-15 10-round IMI plastic mags for the rifle. Absolutely impossible to use straight out of the package. They were very difficult to insert - and almost impossible to remove. However, noting that the rear spine on the magazines was substantially wider than the one supplied by Norinco, I applied some quick sanding work to the area concerned. Less than 10 minutes later, I had two magazines that fit better than the manufacturer-supplied steel version, and drop at the press of a button ! Result...
 
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That was being sold by "China PLA Supplies," or something close to that.

...I was the guy who asked if he could get a hold of them for sale. :)

I have not tested either the OD cloth model or the Marine model yet, but gave Xia as much feedback as I could concerning how the QBZ 95 and Type 97/ gen 2 diverge for possible future offerings.

All said and done, Xia was a fantastic seller to work with, and I was hoping to have some more feedback for him.

...Seeing as others have discovered him before I could report, I will be sure to forward this page to him.

Cheers!

~ Thomas

Thanks for doing that.
 
On the fence about either getting a used T97 FTU or Kel-Tek RDB.

Can anyone let me know how to tell the difference between a Gen 1 with a T97.ca FTU installed or a Gen 2 FTU?

Is the Gen 2 “improved” other than the ambi mag release, and if so how?

Many thanks in advance.
 
On the fence about either getting a used T97 FTU or Kel-Tek RDB.

Can anyone let me know how to tell the difference between a Gen 1 with a T97.ca FTU installed or a Gen 2 FTU?

Is the Gen 2 “improved” other than the ambi mag release, and if so how?

Many thanks in advance.

The Gen 2 and the FTU are different rifles. The FTU is a Gen1 with a T97.ca rail. The Gen2 has a rail from the factory and other improvements.

The Gen 2 has, from what I remember
Ambi Mag release, with enlarged button on right side
Enlarged fire selector
M4-style feed ramps
It looked like it had been machined better overall

The fastest way to tell the difference is the Gen2 rail extends forward over the barrel, while the FTU slants backwards.
 
Another thing to bear in mind is that the Cabela FTU does not come with iron sights. The Norinco Gen 2 does, even if they are not pretty or particularly robust. A set of Magpul MBUS sights will set you back about $120...
 
Ok got a Gen 2 on the way.

I put breaks on all my 223 / 556 rigs and undertand the flashider on the T97 is press fit and then pinned.

Anyone know the length of the barrel from the front of the gas block to the muzzle on one of these?

Trying to figure out it I can pass the barrel assembly through the headstock on the lathe to turn and then thread the muzzle for standard threads.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Markit
 
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Ok got a Gen 2 on the way.

I put breaks on all my 223 / 556 rigs and undertand the flashider on the T97 is press fit and the pinned.

Anyone know the length of the barrel from the front of the gas block to the muzzle on one of these?

Trying to figure out it I can pass the barrel assembly through the headstock on the lathe to turn and then thread the muzzle for standard threads.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Markit

Might be able to measure when I'm home. When I got mine threaded they popped the barrel out of the receiver.
 

Jesus. @ the 3:01 mark, you can see clear through the rifle where the upper and lower receiver meet. I've seen others with the LHG have that problem too. That's a pretty big flaw in machining IMO. It may just be cosmetic, but damn..
 
Jesus. @ the 3:01 mark, you can see clear through the rifle where the upper and lower receiver meet. I've seen others with the LHG have that problem too. That's a pretty big flaw in machining IMO. It may just be cosmetic, but damn..

It's designed like that.. it's not an AR where they close up. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to take the lower off by pivoting it out.

Damn Shawn, your Type 97 looks awesome. :)

Thanks lol.
 
It's designed like that.. it's not an AR where they close up. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to take the lower off by pivoting it out.

Unfortunately, I know. Looks like something not thought of when the FTU was developed, but they thought "fuk it" when they designed the LHG. Because a 4 inch, clear entry and exit outside the action of a bullpup is a good idea... Never mind the Tavors "vents".. Different internals.

But that gaping hole in the middle of your rifle aside, it does look pretty slick ;)
 
Unfortunately, I know. Looks like something not thought of when the FTU was developed, but they thought "fuk it" when they designed the LHG. Because a 4 inch, clear entry and exit outside the action of a bullpup is a good idea... Never mind the Tavors "vents".. Different internals.

But that gaping hole in the middle of your rifle aside, it does look pretty slick ;)

Not sure. The factory rifle isn't closed in super well either way. I'd be curious on how it does with stuff getting in... I've never had to go to gas setting 2 and it shoots brass like a damn.

I kinda want more vents because the main problem I have it it burning me lol.

Thanks!
 
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