Norinco 1911 Accuracy issues - Update

JR86

JR86

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Picked one of theses up a few weeks back. I haven't shot it slot yet but early results suggest I have a problem. I'm getting about 3" five shot groups at 7 yards and sometimes there is a flier that goes even further out.

I have tested 1 box of factory ammunition and a some handloaded lead SWC ammo both had issues.
I am new to the 1911 platform but have shot pistols in the past as well as an a seasoned rifle shooter. I find it hard to believe my groups would be that bad.

Anyone familiar with some common issues these firearms have weigh in for me please.

I measured the slide/bushing/barrel fit and it appears to be pretty open. Maybe that's my issue?


Barrel OD 0.5795". - 14.72mm
Bushing ID 0.6137". - 15.59mm
Bushing OD 0.6929" - 17.60mm
Slide ID 0.7031". - 17.86mm

Thanks for any help
Jeremy

- Update -

Thanks to all who offered insight. In the end i decided to just shoot it for a while and see what happened. I made some handloads to optimize accuracy, shot the gun to break it in, and worked on my shooting technique. The accuracy got far better to the point where i can hit clay pigeons with it at 20 yards now. Stock norc 1911.

Happy with the purchase
Jeremy
 
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I had one and that accuracy would be typical of my experience. I had bought it with the intent of "tuning" it into something decent. Didn't have the patience for the project.
 
I have several Norc 1911s. The 45's have had excellent accuracy out of the box.

The 9mms have had poorly fitted barrels that needed to be replaced.

My 45s got trigger jobs and better sights.

20 yards - 2 hands
NORINCO1911TARGET1.jpg


Is your 1911 a modern Sport model, or those no name cheapos? I find the clean slide ones less accurate.
 
I have one and do not have issues that you are describing.
I had some parts installed (trigger job) by Casey @ TacOrd and it shoots even better now.
 
They are a very well made pistols and when it is tuned up some, it should shoot. It is an all steel pistol
 
Right I would be happy with a group like that! Mine has a skeleton hammer, and trigger, fiber front sight, and the ribs on the slides front and back. 5" model. Going to buy some ammo other than Winchester white box.
 
Barrel to bushing is not supposed to be .001. There needs to be room for the barrel to tilt when the action is open. Chamber a dummy round, and check to see if the bushing (not barrel) has play. Push down on the barrel hood to see if the barrel locks up tight.

Is it new or used?
 
Smcx said:
.... Push down on the barrel hood to see if the barrel locks up tight.

Is it new or used?
Click to expand...

Barrel fit and lock-up are critical to 1911 accuracy. All 7 Norkies I have or had, have/had very good barrel fit, except my newest Commander's barrel which has a millimetre vertical play when the hood is pressed. This particular Commander produces similar 3-5" inch groupings like the OP.

A crisp 3-4 lb trigger will help accuracy tremendously as well.
 
I went to the store that sold it to me today and discussed the possibility of warrenty for the gun. I bought some different ammo and I'm going to bench rest shoot a few brands of ammo at 10 yards first to see how it fairs. I get the occassional good group but 4/5 groups are bad.
 
JR86 said:
Picked one of theses up a few weeks back. I haven't shot it slot yet but early results suggest I have a problem. I'm getting about 3" five shot groups at 7 yards and sometimes there is a flier that goes even further out.

I have tested 1 box of factory ammunition and a some handloaded lead SWC ammo both had issues.
I am new to the 1911 platform but have shot pistols in the past as well as an a seasoned rifle shooter. I find it hard to believe my groups would be that bad.

Anyone familiar with some common issues these firearms have weigh in for me please.

I measured the slide/bushing/barrel fit and it appears to be pretty open. Maybe that's my issue?


Barrel OD 0.5795". - 14.72mm
Bushing ID 0.6137". - 15.59mm
Bushing OD 0.6929" - 17.60mm
Slide ID 0.7031". - 17.86mm

Thanks for any help
Jeremy
Click to expand...

using those numbers your bushing has 0.0342" clearance to barrel , , that's 34 thou , thats alot of clearance .
I bought one of thsoe old norc 1911a1 with no other markings and had a 7 thou clearance on the bushing, thing shot terrible , put a egw angle bushing fitted to 0.0015 clearance , made a huge difference in groups but then shot about 2" low ,

Double check your measurements , cant believe they are out that far
 
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I do quality assurance for a living. I promise I know how to use a dial caliper. I tried some different ammo tonight. Shot a 6" 5 shot group at 10 yards from a bench. I used to have an old antique webley revolver that shot far better than that.
 
I've bought three guns from new that needed some rounds through them to clean up the barrel's bore. It is likely you've got one such gun and it simply needs a few hundred rounds through it to smoothen up.
 
It took me about 500rds for my Norinco 1911 to break in and just be awesome after that. The sights are garbage, though. Serviceable after a lot of locktite. Average group is 3" @ 10m off hand.
 
Ganderite said:
I have several Norc 1911s. The 45's have had excellent accuracy out of the box.

The 9mms have had poorly fitted barrels that needed to be replaced.

My 45s got trigger jobs and better sights.

20 yards - 2 hands
NORINCO1911TARGET1.jpg


Is your 1911 a modern Sport model, or those no name cheapos? I find the clean slide ones less accurate.
Click to expand...

I think all my pistols have accuracy issues, mine don't group like that at 20 yards. :D
 
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