[artplumber]

Chuck,
Having read a ton of stuff from various mags & smiths (in addition to knowing some folks with the guns), there is nothing wrong with chinese receivers. If anything they may be better because they are forged vs SA civi cast receivers. The usual suspect is the bolt, and the gun must be headspaced - not things that are difficult to do. Plus the chrome lined barrel is more than you'd get on a plain Jane SA. For function folks recommend changing the op rod and trigger group, but you were going to do that anyway (like you did), so why not start with the forged receiver for less?