I had always heard that the fit and finish on the Norinco stuff wasn't that good. If you're happy it would appear that the information I got was wrong. I'm also very envious!
like i said, it was from the very first shipment into the USA so maybe they sent all the best stuff they had first and sent junk later i don't know... it could happen 8^)
i do remember seeing a test that amazed me. the guy took the recicver cover off, poured in a handfull of sand, shook it around then turned it upsidedown and let fall out what would fall out, replaced the cover and fired a full 30 round mag without any problem!!!
it did make the devils own noise while it cycled but it never missed a beat..
I had a Norinco. It did not compare in quality to the Polytech 'Legend'. Not by a long shot.
I got rid of both my AKs after trying an AR15. The Aks are 100 yard guns.. and 5" groups at that range. An AR will drive tacks at 300 yards.
I do wish I had kept one of the AKs, though. I sold one with three 1200-round crates of Steel-core ammo 32 30-round East German mags with the rear rib, a 75 round drum, and three changes of furniture. It was an under-folder. Price: 350.00
The early stuff wasn't bad, with the Polytech better than the Norinco. I think it was made to their military standards. The latter stuff AK's and SKS's made specifically for the US civilian market, (yea I know they use different nomenclature) were made piecemeal, with parts made in cottages and villages, then assembled in other cottages and villages. I've got an early import SKS clone, and I'd say it's quality is appropriate for a Russian/Chinese military weapon. The newer ones I've seen are often junk, albeit sometimes with nicer wood.