Norinco AK in .223

[Drakejake]

Any opinions on these rifles? Are they reliable? Can cheap, good mags be had? I guess one could get a Saiga .223, but to get a pistol grip, hi-cap mags, etc., one would have to "Americanize" the rifle, as I understand it.


Thanks,

Drakejake

 

[GunNut]

The Norinco AK47 or MAK90 in 5.56 is a great weapon and very reliable.

But cheap mags are not to be had, most mags for 5.56 that will work in the Norincos will run you $30 or so.

Steve

 

[possum]

+1 for what gunnut said.
i have expereince with the mak 90 in 7.62x39 that is what i have and it is a great weapon very reliable and definetly a good buy. i shoot mine out to 200yds with ease!

 

[Seven High]

I had a Norinco AK in .223 a few years ago. It was generally a good weapon. Sometimes it would fire more than one shot when the trigger was pulled. The firing pin would stick.The barrel got very hot during firing. The forearm got so hot that it turned black.

 

[possum]

 

[rbernie]

I asked this question here about two months ago - a quick search should turn up good feedback. Of what I can recall reading, the Norks are unique in their mags (won't accept Bulgy/German 223 AK mags), are known for slam fires, and are abusive to brass. Other than that, they seemed to work well.

I wound up getting the Saiga with the factory pistol grip stock; required no 922(r) work and got me into a very nice AK pattern rifle for less than $300 out the door.....

 

[GunNut]

The converted MAK90 that I had, fed from Bulgarian Waffle Mags fine.

Yes it did demolish most of the brass.

Steve

 

[mikey_mick]

I just bought a saiga .223 and it dents the brass.

 

[grimjaw]

I just bought a saiga .223 and it dents the brass.

I've got a SAR3 and a SAM5 that do the same thing.

jm

 

[lee n. field]

just bought a saiga .223 and it dents the brass.

Good to know. Dented case or case mouth? Dented beyond being reloadable? Got a pic?

(I'm looking into an EBR purchase, and ability to handload is a major consideration.)

 

[Dr.Rob]

Good points:

You can use AK-74 magazines if you only load 20 rounds, 25-30 if you replace the follower with one from Robison Armaments. Otherwise Norinco .223 mags run $30-40 a pop.

Good accruracy low cost etc.

Bad points:

They really do beat up brass, mostly do to how they are designed, most .223 brass isn't up to being thrown against the stock action cover. An AKM action cover beats up the brass a bit less, but the only way to get reloadable brass is to find yourself a Valmet ejection port buffer, these aren't cheap or easy to find.

The Norinco 84S/Mak 90 has a spring loaded firing pin and the spring is weak and sometimes sticks, which can lead to slam firing or doubling. The only way to fix this is to replace the spring. Load this rifle pointed downrange in a safe direction.

 

[TOU]

but the only way to get reloadable brass is to find yourself a Valmet ejection port buffer, these aren't cheap or easy to find.

Any helpful hints as to where?