So, I completely stripped the Norinco CQA (AR-15 M4 clone) and the bolt assembly and firing pin were filthy - so much so that the bolt struggled to move in the bolt carrier - that would explain the reliability issues. Accuracy, however was not a problem, even with the cheap ammo and the standard open sights built into the carrying handle - but some kind of better sight would definitely help.
So, which parts would be going back together and which would be destined for the spares box?
Starting with the lower, the first part I changed was a part that didn't strictly need changing, but I had a replacement (destined for a future project involving a Remington 870) - the buffer tube. The Norinco has a commercial spec tube, but the replacement that the Colonel sourced was nicer quality, better finished and lighter - so on it went along with a different buffer tube endplate - another great item sourced by the Colonel. This one is beautifully finished and allows either a single point or a two point sling to be mounted on either side. I know that this Sling Adapter will be on www.colonelmustard.ca shortly and we have good stocks...
The pictures show both sides of the new endplate along with the take-off part for comparison. The next set of pictures show the differences between the buffer tubes - with the replacement on the bottom in both pictures and the lighter of the two scale pictures (with roughly an ounce difference).
To be continued...
Mark
