Anadtech Shooters: Anyone shoot Norinco pistols before?

[bernse]

I am thinking of picking up a few pistols in the future and there are some good deals to be had on Norinco pistols in Canada (where I live). I am espescially thinking of a 1911. Any fellow Canadians here have one? Any Americans have one before the import ban or have any experience with them?

 

[K1052]

I would personally think twice about buying a Norinco pistol. Some of their firarms seem to be ok, but others have been problematic. For example: They produce a M-14 copy for export that has a known problem with soft bolts, this can turn dangerous after enough rounds. Most people wo purchase one junk the Chinese manufactured parts and install USGI.

I am not sure what (if any) U.S. manufactured pistols get imported up there. Otherwise I would say to look for a Springfield Armory base 1911.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Norincos are decent low-end Chinese 1911s - I think they are about the bottom end of 1911s that are worthy of modifying. I would have a bit of a hard time dealing with the English-challenged "Model of The 1911 .45 Pistol" engraved on the slide, but I guess once you learn to ignore that they would be OK. I would probably spend a bit more for one of the mil-spec Springfields, though, or look a used Argentina-built Colt Sistema 1911, both of which should be superior to a Norinco.

 

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: Don_Vito
Norincos are decent low-end Chinese 1911s - I think they are about the bottom end of 1911s that are worthy of modifying. I would have a bit of a hard time dealing with the English-challenged "Model of The 1911 .45 Pistol" engraved on the slide, but I guess once you learn to ignore that they would be OK. I would probably spend a bit more for one of the mil-spec Springfields, though, or look a used Argentina-built Colt Sistema 1911, both of which should be superior to a Norinco.

He's in canada though, where the Nornincos are DIRT CHEAP.

I have a Norinco 1911, it's a solid pistol and I like it, but I never find the time to shoot it. Add to this the fact that my Dad owns several very nice Springfield 1911's, and I really have no use for it. I've been trying (not very hard because I'm in no hurry) to sell it or trade it for one of those Saiga 410 shotguns based on the AK frame.

The fit and finish on the gun is pretty good. It always shot very well for me, I didn't have any feeding problems to speak of. I shoot reloads and factory ammo in it with equal luck.

I'd go for it, especially if it's your first pistol. I love the 1911 series. If you can get springfield armory stuff in the future, that'd make a nice second 1911.

 

[Pliablemoose]

1911 forums "other"

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: MrBondHe's in canada though, where the Nornincos are DIRT CHEAP.

How cheap are they? Just curious. Thanks!

 

[K1052]

Last I saw, Marstar had them for about $300.

 

[bernse]

Yes - $325-$350 CDN

 

[bernse]

Originally posted by: K1052
I would personally think twice about buying a Norinco pistol. Some of their firarms seem to be ok, but others have been problematic. For example: They produce a M-14 copy for export that has a known problem with soft bolts, this can turn dangerous after enough rounds. Most people wo purchase one junk the Chinese manufactured parts and install USGI.

I've been doing some research on them since I originally asked this question. The very, very early ones (say 10 years ago) had some issues but it seems that the newer ones are fine pistols - espescially for the price.