Seeking info on Norinco Browning 22 auto copy.

[tallyho]

There is one of these in a take down version in a pawn shop for $150 and my wife thinks it cool (it would be for her).

I have no knowledge at all with this gun so I am here with questions.

Anyone have experience with this gun and would you share it?

She's tried out a 10/22 and likes the Browning copy better. Says it feels better than the 10/22.

I also expect there may be some opinions out there and I'd like to hear them too.

Cheers
Kerry:D

[hkg3k]

I have one (ATD) and from the little I've used it, it has functioned without problem and it shot where I pointed it.  I think I paid $99 for it new years ago when they came out.  IT IS NOT IN THE SAME BALLPARK AS THE BROWNING IN QUALITY.  I've read from other owners about problems with looseness in the bbl assembly.  I have not had that problem, mine is (still) tight.  

Since you mention the 10/22, I will say of the 2, I would take the 10/22 hands down.  I don't generally care for Ruger products, but in my opinion the 10/22 is the best semi auto rimfire rifle ever produced.  There are literally tons of after market products out there for this rifle.  None that I'm aware of for the ATD.  I'm lucky enough to own a legal, NFA registered Norrell full auto 10/22 which I've put probably 50k+ rounds through without a hint of wear or breakage of any kind.  Shoots @ 1000rpm, and stitches up a target like a singer sewing machine while never jamming.  Can't think of any other rimfire which would stand up to those operating parameters.

Its hard to argue with a gun that fits and feels better (especially to a woman) but I do think the 10/22 would be the superior choice.

Jon

[tallyho]

I totally agree with you about the 10/22 Jon. I've had several, and she's shot one. Also, today when we were looking at guns, she tried the Browning clone and the 10/22 side by side and like the feel of the clone better. :?

Not gonna force a 10/22 on her if she likes the clone better. Just looking for info and experiences about the clone. I'll just havta get another 10/22 for myself when funds show up again.

Thanks for your input.

[Oldtimer]

I had one several years ago and it was an OK plinker.  It would cycle with both .22 long rifles and longs.  It was the only .22 I owned that would work with cheapo Russian steel-cased .22's.  THe sights were crude and the barrel assembly was difficult to tighten and would not stay tight wvery long.  The price you were quoted was way out of line--- I paid less than $100 for mine new.

The fit of a gun is one of the most important aspects of picking out a gun.  My advice would be to skip the Norinco and find your wife a Browning.  It might cost more, but the satisfaction of shooting a well fitted gun is worth it.

[tallyho]

Thanks OT.. but the truth is we can't afford a Browning. I was going to haggle and see what I could get on a trade for an older Ruger Single Six.

And I take your point about the satisfaction of a well fitting gun. Thing is she liked the 'fit' (feel) of this more than she liked the several other .22s we checked out.. including a 10/22.

A number of posters on other lists have had very good experience with the Norinco, and a few have not. About 5 to 1 in favor.

And when I tell myself the truth, part of all this is my own impatience to get something for her to play with. After reading your thoughts, I will take a deep breath, contemplate the advantages of saving up, taking a bit more time and finding a "well fitting gun"... whatever that may turn out to be.

Kerry

[jh45gun]

Haggle on the price tell them it was only a 100 dollar gun offer him 75 to 80 bucks if he takes if fine if not keep looking. they are not that bad of guns for the money, but as said before since they were 100 dollar guns I would not pay 150 for one. Then and again I paid more for my TT olympia pistol than what Navy first sold them for as they are great pistols and well worth the money. They are also chinese. Jim