Type 97A (Not Dial-Up Friendly)

R

RobAK

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I recently received the Type 97A with scope that I ordered from Lever Arms. I haven't had a chance to fire it yet, but that will be changed this weekend when a few of us go out, and I should be able to add more info then.
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So here are some of the pics:
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The integral rail for the scope:
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The 3X scope with case, manual, and accessories:
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The pistol grip compartment for the cleaning kit (cover partially removed):
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The 97A comes with 2 mags as well (the one in the middle, shown with a standard AR mag and a P-Mag for comparison. BTW the PMag will not fit the 97A):
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Mag base:
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My initial impressions are that the gun just "feels" good and it's very "pointable". With all the working parts being close to the body it's very easy to wield.
The primary negative point is the @#$@ mag release. To be compatible with the AR mags the mag release button (like on an AR) is on the right side of the gun. However it is not a smooth motion to activate it with the left hand.
To attempt to counter this I had hoped that it might be possible to install a Norgon Ambi-catch, but when I borrowed a friend's to see it was a no-go. The mag button is heavily staked in
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and the dimensions of the 2 catches are completely different in length (Norgon on top of the 97A's mag catch):
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The rear apertures are also very narrow on the iron sights, and the reticle in the scope is very fine. I'll have to elaborate more on those after the live fire.

As I said, I'll add more later after firing it. Cheers!
 
Last edited:
greentips said:
How's the quality of the scope? Is it battery powered?
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Yes, battery powered. It comes with 1 battery, and what looks like a battery spacer/adapter of some sort. Also in the kit is a brush, and some lens paper.
It would not be my choice for a combat optic (very fine reticle, too fine it seems; and the eye cup removes your peripheral vision). That said, if I had bought this gun without the PLA scope I'd be still kicking myself over it.

adrock said:
Looks good. does the scope come made for and with the gun or is it separate
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It's made for it. The scope and rail are mated, and there's a tensioning lever on the left side to lock it on.
 
Great post!!!

Here's a link to a stanag to picatinny adaptor:

ht__tps://www.mountsplus.com/thestore/prods/6.html

You would have to use a smaller optic so you could keep a decent cheek weld but it might work. Not sure if they ship to canada. Does anyone make a gooseneck that attaches to a picatinny rail - that would make it better but would obscure the irons methinks.
 
I figure it is about 400$ difference between non-scoped (1450$) and scoped 97's (1850$) or 3450$ for non-restricted sniper with scope and barrel-mounted bipod. Rip off it is. But... Where are those 97's for 800$ from Marstar? Where is Tavor? I mean, it is premium for being one and only.
 
By the way, I kinda like that chineese scope. Very fine reticle - I like that- with some kind of built-in range estimation scale and chevrons.
 
Today I got around to (I think) fully stripping the rifle. Surprisingly the gun does not come with a manual, but the scope does:confused:.
Anyways, it was pretty easy to strip and assemble overall, with the only mildly awkward part (IMO) being the installation of the lower pistol grip/body.
Here are some more pics:

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and with most of the working parts back on the receiver:

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To further cover some of the scope questions, here are a few more pics of it as well:

The reticle (scope aimed into a snow bank):
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The base of the scope next to the gun's rail:

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A good pic of the locking lever (lever is pointed to the 3 O'Clock position when mounting, then turned counter-clockwise to lock it on):

014-1.jpg


A blurry image taken before my camera batteries died from the top with the elevation drum's waterprrof cap removed. The blurry words are "Traj Down" for adjustment (which BTW is 2.5cm per click by the manual):

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Cheers!
 
Thanks for the pics Rob. I'm really interested in how the gun disassembles.
All the major parts are on the action, and it's ALMOST furniture that clamps on to it. Obviously there's the trigger in there as well...but I'm pretty impressed with this Chinese design!
 
The scope you bought is norc's "civilian edition" only for exporting. The metal works are same to real PLA scope, but the optics are totally different, much better quality. For me ,this is aimpoint in Chinese version. Here's PLA one I have it's cost me plus shipping 210.
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