1. Why a Polytech M14/S?
Regardless of world politics, we should look at the heart of the rifle itself, the receiver. I decided to purchase a Polytech because of these three reasons:
A. Receiver geometry
B. Satisfactory metallurgy
C. Price
A. The receiver geometry of the Polytech has been described as excellent. What does this means in newbies' terms? It means that with some hand lapping and fitting work on the receiver (by a competent M1A/M14S gunsmith), a USGI bolt will function perfectly in the receiver, and proper headspace will be maintained. There is also no problem with fitting a USGI op rod with the receiver. With a properly mated GI bolt/barrel with the Chinese receiver, the problems associated with the soft PRC bolt will be solved.
B. Metallurgy. I have never heard of a first hand or published report of a receiver failing metallurgically after an upgrade has been performed and non-defective factory ammunition was used. Chinese receivers surprisingly enough, are forged, not casted. This is a more expensive and labour consuming technique. I find this to be a plus, seeing the fact that the original M14 receivers were forged also. The Springfield and Armscorp receivers are milled from castings.
In regards to the usage of non-factory ammunition, it has been made known to me by Gary Jeter of the VA State Rifle team that,
"We recently cracked several Springfield M14 receivers. Heavy loads with 190 grain bullets were suspect, as the receiver cracked where the bolt strikes the receiver at its most rearward movement."
So, if you decide to use hand-loads there is a possibility of a metallurgic failure with the Polytech/Norinco receiver. But then again, anything is possible. It's just that using factory ammunition allows for liability (can we say "LAWYERS," kids?).
Another side note here: Quoting from another Rec.gunner, John Kepler:
"I have a highly unofficial assay of the metal in a Norinco, done by the DCM. The metal is a 5100 series chromium steel. This is an EXCELLENT receiver metal, though traditionally, not used that much in the US due to it's harder machineability."
C. Price. The Polytech M14 goes for about $475-600 (1998 pricies!!—ed.) in the SGN and the Gun List. With an upgrade and a few more extras. One can have a reliable, rebuilt rifle with a guarantee from one of the well known gunsmiths in the field for less than a standard M1A. The total should run around $950-1100 (1998 pricies!!—ed.), depending upon extras. The bonus is that the rebuilt Polytech will have USGI parts and not commerical reproductions which do sometimes appear in M1As and M14/S. Not all commerical reproductions are bad, some are excellent such as the Brookfield Spring Guide that I am using.
Another side note: Should there be a metallurgic problem with the receiver, litigation against the People's Liberation Army will be difficult, in comparison to an US firm.
2. My experience:
One of the major reasons that I chose to bring in my Polytech to Fulton Armory is because they are only 45 minutes away from my home. I dropped off my Polytech and she came out looking like a champ. My receiver was mated with a TRW bolt and a Winchester barrel. The trigger, hammer, and sear was replaced with USGI parts, along with a stainless steel gas cylinder shim set and connector lock. Fortunately, my Op rod was excellent and fitted quite well, so I did not have to have that replaced. However, the Op rod guide and spring were replaced with Brookfield and USGI parts (respectively). By the way, Op rods are quite expensive ($100), so replace it only if you have to, not because it happens to not be USGI. The rifle's headspace was 1.6315, which is quite good.
The original rear sight was literally falling apart each time I turned the elevation knob, this was due to its' retaining nut that would come loose every time I attempted to raise the elevation. It was replaced with a rear sight NM hooded aperature with a new elevation knob, spring cover, windage knob, and rear sight base. The front sight was replaced with a NM front sight, and a new flash suppressor nut was also installed.
Extra:
As for the original stock, the indentation due to the trigger group was pretty deep, so I decided to splurge and drop another twenty bucks for a Birch stock in pretty good shape. It also has a very noticable cartouche of the Eagle on the left in the dead center of the receiver and a "P" proof in the grip. It is noted that Walnut was available for another ten bucks.
3. Thoughts & Impressions:
I haven't had a chance to fire it yet. However, on first impression it feels tightened up quite a bit. Front and rear sights are a dream when compared to the original sights. Originally, the gas cylinder assembly was "very" loose when I first got it, and now it is "very" tight and solid. The trigger is sweet and I can feel the two stages. The original stock did feel a little better, but the birch stock is much harder. I will be adding more to this post after I get some ammunition and go down to the range.
From what I see and feel, I like my upgrade. Clint did quite a good job on my rifle. Literally, my Polytech went in as one rifle, and came out as another. I am neither affiliated with Clint/Fulton Armory nor NORINCO/Polytech in any way, shape, or form. I am just a customer who did some research.
