Type 97 review

angrysoldier

angrysoldier

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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under your bed
Well I did it, I followed the hype and bought a type 97. It was 999.99 here in new brunswick. I bought one and mounted a rail on it. My optic will be a vortex sparc. I took it out today to the range, it was -25 and clear with 3 feet of snow on the ground. Needless to say I dident stay at the range too long. I just wanted to see how the rifle functions. The ammo I used was norinco brass cased non corrosive 55 grain ordered from the ammo source. I waded out into the snow about 50 meters and put a target up and started to shoot. Second round into the first mag i get a popped primer. Smoke poured out of the rifle, I got some power in the face but after tearing down the rifle and inspecting it everything looked fine. Out of about 400 rounds I had a few double feeds and twice the bolt would not go into battery. The double feeds I blame on short stroking of the action due to the lube I was using and im sure the mag dident help much either. I used the factory mag and also I used an older 5/20 rounder that Ive had for years kicking around the house. After these minor problems the rifle seemed to work fine. The optic should be here soon and Il post pics to show how accurate it is. The target was shot with open sights with most impacts to the left of point of aim. here are some pics.



what you get in the box.





the larger holes are from a kriss carbine in 45 cal.
 
Interesting - that tells me that heavy primers won't be a problem, but Fed primers might. Incidentally what lube were you using? We don't get weather bad enough to cause issues out here, but I do like to know which lubricants cause cold weather induced issues. I'm still seriously looking at these, especially since I handled one with the M14.ca rail conversion (makes a huge difference to how the rifle handles). Still haven't figured out the ergonomics though.
 
I run mine with LAR15 mags & have had no issues with the Norinco surplus ammo. Lots of fun & sure gets plenty of attention. Especially when I offer folks to try it!

Are you going to use it to hunt in NB?

Cheers
Jay
 
For lube i was using clp, not sure if that caused any issues. Jay it going to be my less than 150 meter coyote gun and will replace my czech small arms sa 58 in .223. I have some soft point and hollow point ammo I will test when the weather warms up (its minus 30 here today with 3 feet of snow on the ground). I figure with an optic this will make a nice little yote gun out to 150- 200 meters. Anything further than that I'll use my 22-250. I figure once this rifle gets broken it it will smooth out the action and the short stroking will stop. I guess I'll wait and see. Very fun little gun for the money.
 
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5440, what sort of mags are you using in yours? I tried a 50 beauwolf and it was too tight...lar mag was ok. Just wondering what everyone else is using.
 
I find most work. Gen 2 magpul with window: fit and feed
Gen 2 magpul without window: too tight, a little filing on the sides of the mag "spine"= fit and feed
Black lar mags: fit and feed
Grey lar mags: fit and feed, but tight, and some have reported issues
D&H metal mags: fit and feed
CProducts mags: fit, but feed a little off. If you rack and release, they feed, but may cause some bullets to push in.
Beta drum: feed and fit.
 
this is 15 rounds from a 50 cal mag. it is tight still, i sanded the front and the spine down a bit and its still not a drop free. it does function fine provided you seat it correctly, since its tight it can sit to far up in the mag well so i have to give it a pull down once its in.
 
Worst part is that I wasent even at the gun shop to buy a gun. I just went for a case of ammo. Thanks to the guys at the gundealer in mcadam I brought this one home.
 
Funny thing, is it points great, and feels comfortable, despite funny looks. Even the terrible mag release no longer bothers me, once I got the hang of it. The safety still sucks, but I don't use it at. Round chambered= unsafe.
 
klepper62 said:
Nice review!
I'm still thinking about picking one up.
There selling for $949 in BC now.
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I don't think you'll be disappointed at all . I have about 300 rounds through mine & really like it . Ergos take some getting use to . I have a tavor as well , and can't really decide which one I like better . I got in on the pre order for the FTU & am still waiting on delivery . When CanAmmo gets theirs in , I plan to buy another .
 
canadiantbone said:
I don't think you'll be disappointed at all . I have about 300 rounds through mine & really like it . Ergos take some getting use to . I have a tavor as well , and can't really decide which one I like better . I got in on the pre order for the FTU & am still waiting on delivery . When CanAmmo gets theirs in , I plan to buy another .
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That's just it. I don't dislike it any more than the Tavor, and I like the price a lot better. Don't get me wrong, if you offer to trade me my t97 for a Tavor, I'm in, I just might sell it to by a t97, a Vz-58, a mauser, and a SVT-40. Who am I kidding, I don't sell guns...
 
I'm still in the air about the FTU. I got my T97 as a Christmas gift from my wife and boys. I'm not really comfortable chopping it up. And the price for the FTU is a little high for me right now. I'd like to hear some non M14.ca reviews ( no slight on M14.ca at all) about it and the ease of installation. I can see myself getting one in the future, but right now I'll settle with my see thru rail and my red dot. Which reminds me...anyone have a low mount for an Aimpoint T-1? :)
 
angrysoldier said:
Worst part is that I wasent even at the gun shop to buy a gun. I just went for a case of ammo. Thanks to the guys at the gundealer in mcadam I brought this one home.
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I think we have all done that before. lol I stop in once a week in the LGS just to see what's new. I know some of there inventory more than they do. I need to get a knew hoppy. Congrats on your new gun. I have one great gun. gets alot of attention when i bring it out.
 
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