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Norinco 22 rimfire

Norinco 22 rimfire

Pete Moore revisits the Chinese Norinco 22 LR Mauser 98 copy and still finds a great little rifle With 22 rifles seemingly getting more and more technical and for that matter expensive I make no excuses for taking another look at a gun that is fun, practical, historically unusual and exceptionally well priced. I first tested the Norinco JW-25A about three years ago and what initially appealed was the fact it looks like a mini Mauser K98 service rifle from World War II.

I admit to having a penchant for the Mauser 98 in all its full size/calibre options as I think it’s probably the most accurate of the service rifles of the period. The action is certainly notable as it was and to a greater degree still is the wellspring for most modern sporting bolt-actions. The JW-25A sort of comes at this from two directions. Made in China the action is a dead copy of the CZ452 2E, possibly the most popular and prolific 22 bolt-gun in the UK, if not the world! In this case they have used it as a base for a cosmetic K98 build and though not an exact copy it has most of the features to give it that look and appeal along with good shootability.

ONE OF MANY

I have seen a number of these types of rifle over the years in various formats from sporter to target as the design is sound and the Chinese make them cheap and apparently in quantity too. Quite often to a specific request from an importer, a good example being Highland Outdoor’s Puma. Historically Germany did make a 22 LR Mauser-like trainer after the First War to get around the restrictions placed on them by the Treaty of Versailles; one of which limited the amount of centrefire ammo that could be produced. A bit like getting a variation on your FAC! Called the Kleinkaliber Wehrsportgewehr (small calibre military and sporting rifle) it was a single-shot design and passed into history.

Why Norinco decided to re-invent this rifle is a mystery as it’s certainly distinctive and unique. As to my knowledge it’s the only current commercial, military-style bolt-action rimfire made. In truth it’s a sporter dressed up to look like the original and in that is its strength and weakness. Some will be turned off by the clunky military look and feel, whereas others, myself included will like it for what it is. It’s never going to replace my Ruger M77/22 as my primary rabbit basher, though it’s capable, although threading the barrel for a moddy might be a tad awkward due to the front sight!

SMALLER

Physically the JW-25A is smaller and lighter than the 98 though big enough and comfortable to shoot for just about anyone. The ¾-length stock looks like beech and there’s a short handguard on top of the barrel. Up front are two bands, the forward one incorporating the bayonet bar and a short section of cleaning rod, the rear has a fixed loop for the sling. The butt has the classic sling slot and metal securing bar insert and is finished with a steel plate.

The action is pure CZ 452 with a straight, ball-ended handle and the topmounted, rotary safety catch that pushes forward for SAFE (action locked) and back for FIRE. The bolt cocks on opening and has a protruding shroud-type cocked indicator. The receiver is tubular with a cut-out for the ejection port and both bridges have integral 11mm dovetails for scope mounting, and though not correct is a smart move! The rifle came from the box with the mech full of grease, which needs to be cleaned out as it produces light strikes. A squirt of solvent/ de-greaser did the trick. The major and welcome change is that Norinco use a detachable, 5-shot magazine with a forward release catch, this the bottom metal with its large trigger guard and slim trigger blade are identical to the CZ.

BASIC MILITARY

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Sights are pure military with a large V-notch tangent-type at the rear, with a shallow ramp cut for 22 LR. It’s graduated in 25m (I assume) increments from 25 to 200. Up front is a base with a tapered blade set in a dovetail that offers minimal windage correction by drifting. A removable, steel tunnel/protector is also included to complete the look.

Earlier CZ 452s did have a reputation for being a bit rough and ready in terms of the action and Norinco have succeeded in replicating this! Bolt lift and movement is workable but a bit graunchy and you do need to ensure it’s fully home before turning down the handle. These areas started to smooth up after a few hundred rounds.

When I first tested the JW-25A I only used iron sights and to its credit it could shoot 1-2” at 50-yards and around 4” at 100, which is acceptable. This time I fitted a 1-6x24 Ultimax scope from Highland Outdoors in a set of Daystate rings. The rear sight is the issue here as it precludes the use of a larger objective without removing the tangent lever. Even then the overall length needs to be short. But for the sort of work you might expect from this rifle a parallel tubed 1-6 or similar spec is ideal.

SHOOTER

The trigger is not bad with a slight movement before the break, which goes at about 5 lbs and is surprisingly crisp. The gun shot best with standard velocity and sub-sonics and would hold an inch at 50 yards and around two at 100. So good enough and up for most needs including rabbits. Feed was OK and like everything else mechanical improved with use.

Overall this is an unusual but neat little rimfire bolter, and for a fun gun and club trainer it is to be recommended as it offers the discipline of iron sights, which is never a bad thing!


FOR
Well priced and reliable

AGAINST
Military looks and a bit clunky

VERDICT
A cheap and cheerful rifle that has many uses

 

  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

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  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

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  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

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  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

    click on image to enlarge

  • Norinco 22 rimfire - image {image:count}

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