Archived Posts » 59,789,155
Questions re chinese AKs. (Yes I've used search)
6/25/2010 9:09:05 AM
Hi all. I'm looking to purchase a pre-ban Chinese AK in .223 and have a bunch of questions.
1) many have a slant brake - is this just the bbl cut at an angle, or is there threading under the brake? (I'd like to use a suppressor)
2) Do the Norinco and Polytech use the same mags?
3) The Polytech seems to run about $200 more than the Norinco. Is this purely because there are fewer of them, or is it a better functioning gun?
4) Are all the Polytechs milled receiver guns?
If you are wondering why I'm looking for such a specific gun. I live in CT. All AKs are banned by name. A court ruled that if its not 7.62x39 its not an AK in CT.
All rifles with certain "evil features" are banned if they are made after the date of the ban. So in CT, the trick is to get an AK made before the ban date in 94 and in some
caliber other than 7.62. Crazy huh? (please don't spend too much time on this, I don't want this to turn into a politics thread.)
Thanks,
Don
p.s. Any and all opinions regarding Norinco v. Polytech are welcome.
p.p.s. I did use search, but the search for free members is TERRIBLE.
1) many have a slant brake - is this just the bbl cut at an angle, or is there threading under the brake? (I'd like to use a suppressor)
2) Do the Norinco and Polytech use the same mags?
3) The Polytech seems to run about $200 more than the Norinco. Is this purely because there are fewer of them, or is it a better functioning gun?
4) Are all the Polytechs milled receiver guns?
If you are wondering why I'm looking for such a specific gun. I live in CT. All AKs are banned by name. A court ruled that if its not 7.62x39 its not an AK in CT.
All rifles with certain "evil features" are banned if they are made after the date of the ban. So in CT, the trick is to get an AK made before the ban date in 94 and in some
caliber other than 7.62. Crazy huh? (please don't spend too much time on this, I don't want this to turn into a politics thread.)
Thanks,
Don
p.s. Any and all opinions regarding Norinco v. Polytech are welcome.
p.p.s. I did use search, but the search for free members is TERRIBLE.
6/25/2010 10:03:54 AM
Originally Posted By dcmdon:
Hi all. I'm looking to purchase a pre-ban Chinese AK in .223 and have a bunch of questions.
1) many have a slant brake - is this just the bbl cut at an angle, or is there threading under the brake? (I'd like to use a suppressor)
Yes, the barrel on prebans are threaded with 14x1mm LH threads. The slant brake just screws off by pushing in the the detent pin and turning clockwise. Your suppressor will need to be threaded with matching 14x1mm left hand threads.
2) Do the Norinco and Polytech use the same mags?
Yes, all preban AKs and most all AKs in general, use the same type of mag. The .223 uses specific mags to that caliber, but they are the same regardless of which Chicom brand you get. .223 AK mags are more expensive and harder to find than 7.62.
3) The Polytech seems to run about $200 more than the Norinco. Is this purely because there are fewer of them, or is it a better functioning gun?
I believe this is mainly due to collector interest, but the Polytech may be a little "nicer". Functionally there is no real difference.
4) Are all the Polytechs milled receiver guns?
The Polytech Legend was a milled version, but Polytech also manufactured stamped receiver versions.
If you are wondering why I'm looking for such a specific gun. I live in CT. All AKs are banned by name. A court ruled that if its not 7.62x39 its not an AK in CT.
All rifles with certain "evil features" are banned if they are made after the date of the ban. So in CT, the trick is to get an AK made before the ban date in 94 and in some
caliber other than 7.62. Crazy huh? (please don't spend too much time on this, I don't want this to turn into a politics thread.)
I guess you really don't have much choice then do you? Surprising that they are so close minded as to arbitrarily ban AKs by name but then still allow suppressors. I guess you can at least be thankful of that.
Thanks,
Don
p.s. Any and all opinions regarding Norinco v. Polytech are welcome.
It depends on if you are buying as an investment or just to keep and shoot. Polytechs, being more rare, will likely gain in value over the years at a little faster rate than the Norincos. Other than that and just the pride of ownership thing, I'd probably get the Norinco and spend the balance on ammo.
p.p.s. I did use search, but the search for free members is TERRIBLE.
Doesn't it though.
Hi all. I'm looking to purchase a pre-ban Chinese AK in .223 and have a bunch of questions.
1) many have a slant brake - is this just the bbl cut at an angle, or is there threading under the brake? (I'd like to use a suppressor)
Yes, the barrel on prebans are threaded with 14x1mm LH threads. The slant brake just screws off by pushing in the the detent pin and turning clockwise. Your suppressor will need to be threaded with matching 14x1mm left hand threads.
2) Do the Norinco and Polytech use the same mags?
Yes, all preban AKs and most all AKs in general, use the same type of mag. The .223 uses specific mags to that caliber, but they are the same regardless of which Chicom brand you get. .223 AK mags are more expensive and harder to find than 7.62.
3) The Polytech seems to run about $200 more than the Norinco. Is this purely because there are fewer of them, or is it a better functioning gun?
I believe this is mainly due to collector interest, but the Polytech may be a little "nicer". Functionally there is no real difference.
4) Are all the Polytechs milled receiver guns?
The Polytech Legend was a milled version, but Polytech also manufactured stamped receiver versions.
If you are wondering why I'm looking for such a specific gun. I live in CT. All AKs are banned by name. A court ruled that if its not 7.62x39 its not an AK in CT.
All rifles with certain "evil features" are banned if they are made after the date of the ban. So in CT, the trick is to get an AK made before the ban date in 94 and in some
caliber other than 7.62. Crazy huh? (please don't spend too much time on this, I don't want this to turn into a politics thread.)
I guess you really don't have much choice then do you? Surprising that they are so close minded as to arbitrarily ban AKs by name but then still allow suppressors. I guess you can at least be thankful of that.
Thanks,
Don
p.s. Any and all opinions regarding Norinco v. Polytech are welcome.
It depends on if you are buying as an investment or just to keep and shoot. Polytechs, being more rare, will likely gain in value over the years at a little faster rate than the Norincos. Other than that and just the pride of ownership thing, I'd probably get the Norinco and spend the balance on ammo.
p.p.s. I did use search, but the search for free members is TERRIBLE.
Doesn't it though.
Answers and comments added, in red, to orignal quote above.
6/25/2010 11:28:17 AM
imaposer
I have another question re stocks. wondering if you have a thought. Here is thread. No answers so far:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=78&t=129612
Thanks
I have another question re stocks. wondering if you have a thought. Here is thread. No answers so far:
http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=4&f=78&t=129612
Thanks
6/30/2010 10:09:30 PM
my polys are better than my norincos i think. polys are heavy compared to my norinco.
7/1/2010 8:31:32 AM
WARNING!!! Imaposers answer to #2 is wrong. Polytech 223 AK varients use a very specific mag that is hard to find and very expensive if you can find one. Norinco 84s 223 AK's use a mag that is not that hard to find and can usually be found for $30-$60 per mag.
7/1/2010 9:21:24 PM
Yep. Polytech and Norinco 223 AK's use different magazines. Poly's are hard to find.
I hand both Poly and Norinco 223 AK's. Both were very accurate compared to their 7.62x39 versions.
I hand both Poly and Norinco 223 AK's. Both were very accurate compared to their 7.62x39 versions.
7/2/2010 8:08:44 AM
Oops. Looks like I gave faulty information based on a waning memory.
How are they different? I still can't remember.
How are they different? I still can't remember.
7/2/2010 8:22:35 AM
I don't know what the physical differance is but do know that the Polytech mag is the only one that will work in the Poly 223 and is hard to find and sells for big $ if you can find one. There might be a 223 mag that can be moded to fit but I've never heard of it. Unless you are a collector your better off, IMO, with the Norinco 84s which is accurate and reliable with mags that are not hard to find.
I would also recommend you take a look at the Arsenal 106 223 Bulgarian AK.
I would also recommend you take a look at the Arsenal 106 223 Bulgarian AK.7/2/2010 10:10:41 AM
Here is a stamped .223 polytech with its mag.
7/2/2010 10:12:34 AM
Whereas a Norinco .223 mag looks different - more like a standard AK mag as shown on this NORINCO 84S-1
7/2/2010 11:14:39 AM
Well, other than the obvious differences in the sheet metal stampings I can't see what is different in the areas that would make a difference. In the locking lug areas they both look like AK mags to me. I guess I'd just have to have them both to do a side by side comparison in order to find the differences, but since I haven't handled a .223 polytech mag in over 20 years, and they are hard to find, that isn't likely to happen. Other than the differences in the body stampings I can't imagine what would be different enough to make them not be interchangable, especially since Norinco and Polytech are so closely related in many other regards. Must be just some dimensional differences in the feed lip, locking lug, or reinforcement plate areas.
But, I do agree, with this information in mind it would definitely swing things in favor of the Norinco for me unless buying strictly as a collectable.
I believe the Arsenal is off the table for the OP because his rifle has to be manufactured prior to the AR ban, and since he is also limited to .223 he is pretty much stuck with a pre-ban Chicom. AFAIK they were the only AKs available in .223 in the preban days, but my memory could be failing me again about that too.
But, I do agree, with this information in mind it would definitely swing things in favor of the Norinco for me unless buying strictly as a collectable.
I believe the Arsenal is off the table for the OP because his rifle has to be manufactured prior to the AR ban, and since he is also limited to .223 he is pretty much stuck with a pre-ban Chicom. AFAIK they were the only AKs available in .223 in the preban days, but my memory could be failing me again about that too.
7/2/2010 2:48:22 PM
i heard norinco is made by poly. aka same thing. thats what i heard.
7/2/2010 7:28:44 PM
Originally Posted By dcmdon:
Hi all. I'm looking to purchase a pre-ban Chinese AK in .223 and have a bunch of questions.
1) many have a slant brake - is this just the bbl cut at an angle, or is there threading under the brake? (I'd like to use a suppressor)
2) Do the Norinco and Polytech use the same mags?
3) The Polytech seems to run about $200 more than the Norinco. Is this purely because there are fewer of them, or is it a better functioning gun?
4) Are all the Polytechs milled receiver guns?
If you are wondering why I'm looking for such a specific gun. I live in CT. All AKs are banned by name. A court ruled that if its not 7.62x39 its not an AK in CT.
All rifles with certain "evil features" are banned if they are made after the date of the ban. So in CT, the trick is to get an AK made before the ban date in 94 and in some
caliber other than 7.62. Crazy huh? (please don't spend too much time on this, I don't want this to turn into a politics thread.)
Thanks,
Don
p.s. Any and all opinions regarding Norinco v. Polytech are welcome.
p.p.s. I did use search, but the search for free members is TERRIBLE.
Hi all. I'm looking to purchase a pre-ban Chinese AK in .223 and have a bunch of questions.
1) many have a slant brake - is this just the bbl cut at an angle, or is there threading under the brake? (I'd like to use a suppressor)
2) Do the Norinco and Polytech use the same mags?
3) The Polytech seems to run about $200 more than the Norinco. Is this purely because there are fewer of them, or is it a better functioning gun?
4) Are all the Polytechs milled receiver guns?
If you are wondering why I'm looking for such a specific gun. I live in CT. All AKs are banned by name. A court ruled that if its not 7.62x39 its not an AK in CT.
All rifles with certain "evil features" are banned if they are made after the date of the ban. So in CT, the trick is to get an AK made before the ban date in 94 and in some
caliber other than 7.62. Crazy huh? (please don't spend too much time on this, I don't want this to turn into a politics thread.)
Thanks,
Don
p.s. Any and all opinions regarding Norinco v. Polytech are welcome.
p.p.s. I did use search, but the search for free members is TERRIBLE.
The search sucks for paying members too. It has never worked for me at all.
They are both great weapons. I think the Polytech mags are the only thing that will work in the Polytech .223 rifles. Could be wrong though. Polytech usually has a little better fit and finish than the Norincos. If the Polytech mags are really the only ones that will work in the Polytech, I'd go with the Norinco. Maybe someone else can correct me or back the mag issue up.
ETA: Sorry, I missed some of the other posts about the mag issue. Get a Norinco.
9/3/2010 11:38:57 PM
Hi all,
I realize I'm raising this thread from teh dead but I thought I'd close the loop and let you all know what happened.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
The asking price was $1200 with 10 original pre-ban chinese metal mags.
A week later it was $1100
A week later it was $1000
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
How'd I do?
Don
p.s. I just shot the gun for the first time today. I ran 20 rounds through each mag and they all worked great. Its surprisingly accurate. The crappy AK sights are fine if you are willing to either be sloppy or go slowly. A set of tech sithgs would really be nice on this gun.
p.p.s. Sometimes the idiots in Washington or Hartford do us a favor when they try to restrict us. The (thankfully expired) normal cap mag ban gave rise to a lot of great single stack guns. I don't know how old most of you are but prior to 94 it was all about cramming another 2 rounds into the grip of a semi-auto. The mag ban brought about the resurection of the 1911 as well as some great guns like Kahr.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired. (7.62x39 are considered AWs in CT. AKs in other calibers are not, go figure)
So I kind of chuckle to myself over this.
I realize I'm raising this thread from teh dead but I thought I'd close the loop and let you all know what happened.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
The asking price was $1200 with 10 original pre-ban chinese metal mags.
A week later it was $1100
A week later it was $1000
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
How'd I do?
Don
p.s. I just shot the gun for the first time today. I ran 20 rounds through each mag and they all worked great. Its surprisingly accurate. The crappy AK sights are fine if you are willing to either be sloppy or go slowly. A set of tech sithgs would really be nice on this gun.
p.p.s. Sometimes the idiots in Washington or Hartford do us a favor when they try to restrict us. The (thankfully expired) normal cap mag ban gave rise to a lot of great single stack guns. I don't know how old most of you are but prior to 94 it was all about cramming another 2 rounds into the grip of a semi-auto. The mag ban brought about the resurection of the 1911 as well as some great guns like Kahr.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired. (7.62x39 are considered AWs in CT. AKs in other calibers are not, go figure)
So I kind of chuckle to myself over this.
9/4/2010 1:09:23 AM
You did well. The extra mags are a definite plus. I had an 84S that I bought NIB for 650 shipped in 06. That gun was very accurate. I agree the .223 round is more accurate than the 7.62x39. Enjoy that gun!
9/6/2010 1:15:31 PM
Originally Posted By dcmdon:
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired.
I believe the 3A version is somewhat rare and with seven mags, $860 sounds like a great deal. Have you shot it suppressed yet?
I too have an 84S and postban SLR-105 and think they are the best choices available to us along with the SAM-5. Also have a pair of TGI AK-74s, which are good but just not as nice as Norinco or Arsenal.
10/8/2010 9:31:32 AM
Originally Posted By dcmdon:
Hi all,
I realize I'm raising this thread from teh dead but I thought I'd close the loop and let you all know what happened.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
The asking price was $1200 with 10 original pre-ban chinese metal mags.
A week later it was $1100
A week later it was $1000
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
How'd I do?
Don
p.s. I just shot the gun for the first time today. I ran 20 rounds through each mag and they all worked great. Its surprisingly accurate. The crappy AK sights are fine if you are willing to either be sloppy or go slowly. A set of tech sithgs would really be nice on this gun.
p.p.s. Sometimes the idiots in Washington or Hartford do us a favor when they try to restrict us. The (thankfully expired) normal cap mag ban gave rise to a lot of great single stack guns. I don't know how old most of you are but prior to 94 it was all about cramming another 2 rounds into the grip of a semi-auto. The mag ban brought about the resurection of the 1911 as well as some great guns like Kahr.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired. (7.62x39 are considered AWs in CT. AKs in other calibers are not, go figure)
So I kind of chuckle to myself over this.
Hi all,
I realize I'm raising this thread from teh dead but I thought I'd close the loop and let you all know what happened.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
The asking price was $1200 with 10 original pre-ban chinese metal mags.
A week later it was $1100
A week later it was $1000
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
How'd I do?
Don
p.s. I just shot the gun for the first time today. I ran 20 rounds through each mag and they all worked great. Its surprisingly accurate. The crappy AK sights are fine if you are willing to either be sloppy or go slowly. A set of tech sithgs would really be nice on this gun.
p.p.s. Sometimes the idiots in Washington or Hartford do us a favor when they try to restrict us. The (thankfully expired) normal cap mag ban gave rise to a lot of great single stack guns. I don't know how old most of you are but prior to 94 it was all about cramming another 2 rounds into the grip of a semi-auto. The mag ban brought about the resurection of the 1911 as well as some great guns like Kahr.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired. (7.62x39 are considered AWs in CT. AKs in other calibers are not, go figure)
So I kind of chuckle to myself over this.
That was a good deal. You got it just before I had decided to buy that.
12/14/2010 9:40:48 AM
Originally Posted By dcmdon:
Hi all,
I realize I'm raising this thread from teh dead but I thought I'd close the loop and let you all know what happened.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
The asking price was $1200 with 10 original pre-ban chinese metal mags.
A week later it was $1100
A week later it was $1000
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
How'd I do?
Don
p.s. I just shot the gun for the first time today. I ran 20 rounds through each mag and they all worked great. Its surprisingly accurate. The crappy AK sights are fine if you are willing to either be sloppy or go slowly. A set of tech sithgs would really be nice on this gun.
p.p.s. Sometimes the idiots in Washington or Hartford do us a favor when they try to restrict us. The (thankfully expired) normal cap mag ban gave rise to a lot of great single stack guns. I don't know how old most of you are but prior to 94 it was all about cramming another 2 rounds into the grip of a semi-auto. The mag ban brought about the resurection of the 1911 as well as some great guns like Kahr.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired. (7.62x39 are considered AWs in CT. AKs in other calibers are not, go figure)
So I kind of chuckle to myself over this.
Hi all,
I realize I'm raising this thread from teh dead but I thought I'd close the loop and let you all know what happened.
I had kindof stopped looking for this gun and then one day while on a local board (northeastshooters.com) I saw an ad for a Norinco 84S-3A.
The asking price was $1200 with 10 original pre-ban chinese metal mags.
A week later it was $1100
A week later it was $1000
I ended up paying $860 for it with 7 of the mags. The gun also has the original cleaning kit in the butstock and original bayonet with sheath.
Its in excellent condition, with a clean bright barrel and beautiful bluing on all the parts.
How'd I do?
Don
p.s. I just shot the gun for the first time today. I ran 20 rounds through each mag and they all worked great. Its surprisingly accurate. The crappy AK sights are fine if you are willing to either be sloppy or go slowly. A set of tech sithgs would really be nice on this gun.
p.p.s. Sometimes the idiots in Washington or Hartford do us a favor when they try to restrict us. The (thankfully expired) normal cap mag ban gave rise to a lot of great single stack guns. I don't know how old most of you are but prior to 94 it was all about cramming another 2 rounds into the grip of a semi-auto. The mag ban brought about the resurection of the 1911 as well as some great guns like Kahr.
Our stupid AWB in CT has resulted in me now owning 2 AKs. One an Arsenal SLR-105 in 5.45x39 and the other this Norinco in .223. Both of them are far more satisfying to shoot than any 7.62x39 AK I've ever fired. (7.62x39 are considered AWs in CT. AKs in other calibers are not, go figure)
So I kind of chuckle to myself over this.
Actually, you didn't do well at all. YOU DIDN'T POST PICS!
