Better — Norinco Catalog
Many Norinco rifles (especially AKs and M14s) are built with forged, rather than cast, receivers, which many enthusiasts prefer for long-term durability.
Norinco's military catalog is categorized into several "full-spectrum" product systems designed for modern warfare: Armored Vehicles: Includes the ZTZ-99 Main Battle Tank , various 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles like the , and infantry fighting vehicles like the Artillery and Suppression: Features the PLZ-05 155mm self-propelled howitzer, multiple rocket launcher systems (MLRS), and heavy mortars. Air Defense: Systems such as the norinco catalog
| Feature | Norinco | Lockheed Martin | Rosoboronexport | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Low-cost, high-volume | Premium, high-tech | Mid-range, rugged | | Small Arms Variety | Massive (100+ types) | Minimal | Moderate | | Ballistic Missiles | Yes (Short/Medium range) | Yes (Trident, ATACMS) | Yes (Iskander) | | Civilian Industrial | Yes (Tractors, tools) | No (Pure defense) | Limited | | Export Restrictions | Heavy ITAR controls in West | Heavy ITAR controls | Loose to "friendly" states | Many Norinco rifles (especially AKs and M14s) are
But what exactly is the Norinco Catalog? Is it a glossy brochure you can request in the mail? A banned list of military hardware? Or a grainy PDF hunted across forgotten corners of the internet? Is it a glossy brochure you can request in the mail
While the military catalog lists howitzers and anti-aircraft guns, the civilian catalog is what drives the mythos. Here are the top five most sought-after items from the classic Norinco Catalog: