AK-47 Norinco Questions

[The Jackal]

OK, so I am thinking about picking up this model 91 from a guy but I need some answers first.

How about parts availability? Is it rough or are most standard AK parts interchangable with it?

How reliable is the Norinco compared to other Ak's like the Romian SAR-1?

Any other issues I should know about with the Norinco? As a Chinese variant I wonder if they are good quality. I know that some Chinese firearms are wonderful and others are crap (like the SKS that was made to take AK mags).

Thanks.

 

[Lee F]

There's a lot of ground here to cover.

MAK-90's will generally have better fit and finish than any of the SAR-1 series rifles. Of course that's not saying much. My several examples are much more accurate also. Reliability is as good as a rifle gets, period no exceptions.

Parts can require a little research. European AK parts will not work in Chinese rifles all of the time. Some can be modified to work and some can't. Make sure you know if the rifle you are buying is a stamped straight cut receiver or stamped slant cut receiver. The slant cut is very difficult to find replacement stocks for.

 

[jagdpanzer347]

I agree with Lee F's points. I also like the fact that it is a factory assembled rifle and not a kit gun. I am absolutely NOT suggesting there aren't quality kit guns out there, but for the money it's hard to beat a Norinco. I hesitate to even mess with mine's fire control group so I can put a "real" AK stock on it.
-jagd.

 

[BevrFevr]

own both

Norinco is better and even an SAR-1 is still an ak.

As sar-1's are everywhere and no more norincos can be imported that may be something you want to think about.

-bevr

 

[The Jackal]

This one has a thumbhole stock. Would this mean it is a strait cut?

 

[clange]

This one has a thumbhole stock. Would this mean it is a strait cut?

No. That thumbhole stock could be hiding either a slant cut or a straight cut. You can probably tell by looking in the receiver from the top, but removing the stock is the clearest way to see.

This page has pictures of the two cuts.
http://ironwooddesigns.com/2aprod/1zAKproduct.html

Like I said, its possible to see where a slant would end up relative to the back tang and find out if its a slant cut without taking the stock off but its hard to see.

As for the rifle itself..they're nice AKs. They work as well as any other (meaning they are quite reliable). Accuracy..well, who knows. Its a crap shoot, but even the worst can still hit a plate at 100 yards unless there is something seriously wrong with the rifle. Most will do 5 inches or less at 100 yards, and most AKs are much more accurate then people give them credit for. They suffer from bad sights, and people blame bad groups on 'crappy' or 'cheap' work, etc. I was getting 6-8 inch groups out of one of my AKs before I put a red dot on it. After the red dot, and really making sure I took my time, I shot a .8in group at about 60-65 yards. Turns out the rifle is more accurate then I am.

I personally dont like MAKs for a number of reasons (none of which are function). They are not in a configuration that I like, and to convert them adds a considerable amount to their 'price'. I found that a SAR-1 has everything I want, and at a lower price. It depends on what you want. I wanted very specific things that were not feasible with a MAK. YMMV.

 

[possum]

i have over a 1000rds through my mak-90 and would like to get a 91 one day. mine is beautiful especially with a nice coat of g-96 after i wipe it down. It is reliable as any i have seen no problems and shoots anything i feed it and shoots pretty well. mine came with a thumbhole stock , but i changed it out for a more traditional look. I love mine and i know you will be happy with it.