Norinco 1911 A1

[qualcorp]

So what’s up with the Norinco 1911 A1? Inexpensive is good cheep..ah no so much. Anyone have any experience or knowledge to share on this 1911 platform gun. Is this a buyer beware.

[ijosef]

So what’s up with the Norinco 1911 A1? Inexpensive is good cheep..ah no so much. Anyone have any experience or knowledge to share on this 1911 platform gun. Is this a buyer beware.

Well, the reputation of the Norincos is that they're bare bones 1911s that are built well and run reliably. Some don't like 'em because it's a classic American design built by a Chinese company, and others don't care for the plain jane looks. Still, they're good guns. They used to be quite inexpensive but have gone up since their importation was banned (look at what happened to the Chinese AK clones).

[speedy396]

Norcs have a good following due to high quality steel used in the frame/slide. When they first came out well under $300, they were a bargain and became a sought after base gun for custom builds. Mine is stock and shoots fine for the money. Never had any issues shooting ball ammo. My biggest complaint would be that the stock sights really suck. I've toyed with the idea of sending it out for a build, but always end up buying something else before I can save enough I did talk to Clark Customs about using a Norc for a base and they said it is fine, but they did warn me that it may cost more since more fitting is required compared to a Springer base. Basically, the frame and slide are the only parts they would use. Depending on the price, these can be a good value. The only thing I would be on the look out is for poor attempts at gun smithing.

[davidenorth]

I have owned two, one currently, and both were excellent made low cost 1911's. I swapped out the arched mainspring for a flat one and added wood checkered grips. Until I can afford a Colt or a Ed Brown I shall be happy shooting my Chinese copy.

[onebohemian]

I've been watching gunbroker for the past two weeks to buy one. Based on my extensive research, there is no question that these are one of the best platforms to build upon for a 1911. Kicking myself every day for not buying the one for sale on this board about six weeks ago. Was too thick headed to listen to the wiser 1911 members of this board back then. Seen the light now, but will likely have to pay the price of a more expensive Norinco through gunbroker because of my past ignorance.

[speedy396]

You might want to check the local gun shows. I've seen a couple in the $400-$450 range and after some haggling you may not be far off after shipping and FFL fees. It is hit or miss.

[davidenorth]

You'll really hate this. My current one I picked up from Gun Stop for $260.00 recently off consignment.

[onebohemian]

Nice deal.

I swung by Als Gun Shop today to check if he had any there. Never been in there before. Didn't get in today either as the door was locked and shop was closed at 2:00 on my first trip and then again still at 3:00 when I stopped by a second time. Wanted to at least see the old Colts everyone says he has in there.

As an aside, I've been researching the Springfield Mil-Spec and GI models as an alternative, wondering if they may also provide solid platforms to build upon. Can't figure out so far though if they are Series 80 or Series 70 or something else???? Eventually I'll get a Norinco regardless of what else ends up in my safe.

[tman]

Springfield is the equivalent of the Series 70.

(sent from a "secure location" via scrambled phone)

[hammAR]

Springfield is the equivalent of the Series 70.

(sent from a "secure location" via scrambled phone)

There is no equivalent....it either is or it isn't................

(sent from a location that tracks scrambled phones at alleged "secure locations")

[Ramoel]

Springfield doesn't have a firing pin safety so it's "similar" to a Series 70. Better Mr. H?

[qualcorp]

...

[hammAR]

Springfield doesn't have a firing pin safety so it's "similar" to a Series 70. Better Mr. H?

Springfield doesn't have a firing pin safety system as the Colts do in thier series 80 firearms, they have the series 70 configuration without the firing pin safety. Colt installed a firing pin safety in the Government Model pistol in 1980.

Springfield is using a proprietary firing pin which in size is between the standard .45 ACP firing pin and the standard 9mm/Super .38 firing pin. The reason is (a) standardization in production (only one size to care about) and (b) with this firing pin stop (made of titanium) and a heavy firing pin spring, Springfield passes the CA tests without investing in a firing pin safety mechanism.

But doesn't the Springfield also have the ILS key lock mainspring housing.....................

[onebohemian]

. . . But doesn't the Springfield also have the ILS key lock mainspring housing.....................

I've seen pics on gunbroker of springfields with an extra hole and gizmo in the mainspring housing. I couldn't figure out what it was, but I bet now that it is exactly that -- a keyed safety lock of some sort. Wonder whether that mainspring housing could simply be swapped out with an aftermarket one?????

[Vlad]

My Springfield does't have a lock... Old production?