Norinco M305
Norinco (China North Industries Corporation) · Battle Rifle · In Production · 1990
Also known as: Norinco M14S, M305 M14
Overview
The Norinco M305 is a Chinese-made, semi-automatic clone of the American M14 / M1A rifle, chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO (.308 Winchester) and built by Norinco (China North Industries Corporation). It retains the M14's gas-operated, rotating-bolt action, 22-inch (559 mm) barrel, and detachable 20-round box magazine, and is praised for its high-quality aperture sights and robust steel-and-wood construction. Sold as the M305 (and as the M14S sporter), it became hugely popular in Canada and other markets where Chinese rifle imports are permitted, offering an affordable full-power battle-rifle platform. The M305A variant is rechambered for 7.62x39mm using AK-pattern magazines, and the M305B carries a shortened 18.5-inch barrel.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4200 g (148.2 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1126 mm (44.33") |
| Barrel Length | 559 mm (22.01") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 20 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 3457 J (2550 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 800 m (875 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 305 mm (12.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 4 |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 7.62x51mm NATO · primary · 7.62x51mm NATO — also known as .308 Winchester, 7.62mm NATO, 7.62x51mm
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine, Stripper Clip
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Hammer Notch
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Aperture Rear Sight, Adjustable Sights, Chrome Lined Barrel, Stripper Clip Guide
Variants
- Norinco M305A — Caliber Conversion
- Norinco M305B — Short Barrel
- Norinco M14S — Sporter
Base model
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and hunting market · as M305
Production
Production years: 1990-present
Commercial export production; figures not publicly disclosed.
Origin
Country of origin: China
Notes
Norinco M305-pattern rifles are barred from importation into the United States under the 1994 ban on Chinese-made firearms, but are widely available in Canada. The rifles are substantially heavier than comparable platforms such as the SKS but are valued for their inexpensive operation and pleasant shooting characteristics. Quality is generally regarded as good for the price, though fit and finish vary between examples.
Background
Norinco's M305A took the all-American M14 and rechambered it for the Soviet-bloc 7.62x39mm AK cartridge - a 'communist heresy' that let owners feed an M14 clone with cheap surplus ammo through AK magazines.