Norinco 1911: 4.25", or 5" barrel?

stevebc

stevebc

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As the title asks, which is best for accuracy?

I'm considering Canada Ammo's 4.24" Two-tone 1911 in 45ACP, but for $110 more I can get a 5" version of the two-tone, with a lightened trigger and a few other bits.

Would I regret getting the 4.25"? Or is the 5" no more accurate?

I will be handloading, shooting at up to 50m, but usually 25 or under.


I do appreciate any info about other makes, but Norinco is where I'm going, as money is very much a factor.
 
Accurate and Norinco 1911 (without a lot of work) don't belong in the same sentence.
Don't get me wrong I can hit 5" plates consistently at 15 yards with mine but put up a paper target and it looks like you're checking the pattern of a shotgun.
 
I have had 2 Nork .45's in the 5" variety and they both would embarrassingly shoot alongside my Colts and could do a ragged hole at 15 meters. I have never had a Commander sized 1911, but if I did, I would get a Nork first just to give it a go.
 
I have a Norc Commander, it's a very accurate pistol compared to some 5 inch guns I've owned over the years - I don't think there's much difference in accuracy between a 4.25 and a 5 inch. The 5 inch typically allows better speed on single targets, and better follow through while the 4.25 is typically quicker between multiple targets and noticeably more agile in drills. This basically comes down to Ford vs Chev. A decent shooter can do as well with one as the other. If you can't hit 5 inch plates every time at 15 yards with a pistol, it isn't the pistol.
 
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Never had issues with either...kept the commander for longer...still have a hankering for one...funny..
 
stevebc said:
As the title asks, which is best for accuracy?
Click to expand...

The longer sight radius of the 5" is the only real difference between the two. I've had both lengths and found I shot the 5" better and liked the balance of it better over the Commander length. The Commander looks better to my eye, though...


Mark
 
mmattockx said:
The longer sight radius of the 5" is the only real difference between the two. I've had both lengths and found I shot the 5" better and liked the balance of it better over the Commander length. The Commander looks better to my eye, though...


Mark
Click to expand...

To me, the 5" looks better, more in proportion than the somewhat curtailed 4.25.

On the other hand, CanadaAmmo has the 4.25", and I don't know when or if they'll get more 5" models.

I'm still saving up the $, a slow process as I've been spending a lot on renovations lately. Decisions...
 
enefgee said:
I have a Norc Commander, it's a very accurate pistol compared to some 5 inch guns I've owned over the years - I don't think there's much difference in accuracy between a 4.25 and a 5 inch. The 5 inch typically allows better speed on single targets, and better follow through while the 4.25 is typically quicker between multiple targets and noticeably more agile in drills. This basically comes down to Ford vs Chev. A decent shooter can do as well with one as the other. If you can't hit 5 inch plates every time at 15 yards with a pistol, it isn't the pistol.
Click to expand...

Interesting, good info. I'd most likely be using it for slow stuff, no hurry, single targets.
 
I have just ordered a lightly used one; whole gun is satin chrome with adjustable rear sight in 5". I could not find a new one with the adjustable sight anywhere, and I was not particular about satin Chrome vs blued either.

I have a Norinco NZ 85B and love it's accuracy; yes it took a lot of spotting in to smooth out the action and the trigger, and better grips, but it shoots like a dream! When I decided to buy a .45 the success I had with the NZ and a couple of their rifles made it the first choice for me. The price is a secondary bonus.

Both have/have some clearance issues; the NZ had light interference between the slide and the frame and sharp edges, but while a bit rough inside, both barrel bushings have very close tolerances (makes for accuracy). The 1911 has evidence of this (rub marks) also. I spotted the NZ using a tracing agent (red lead in my case, but Prussian blue would work as well) then slowly worked on the inside of the lower frame to remove the interference. Sharp edges were polished with a very fine diamond file, and for break-in I lubed all of the sliding parts with lithium Die Makers Grease. When the 1911 arrives, it will be getting the same treatment.

Worth the effort, and a bit of tuning is very satisfying work!

I wanted a 5" for two reasons; longer sight radius, and less muzzle jump. The adjustable sight for two reasons as well; it adjusts (LOL) and it's design sets the rear blade back even further, giving an even longer sight radius.

I think the 5 is the best choice.
 
I would recommend the 5" model. Longer sight radius and the extra weight help control the gun for better accuracy. The 4.25" looks good to me. Proportionally correct so to speak but they are snappier. Probably just as accurate but more difficult to acheive that accuracy.
I owned a Norc 5" 2 tone a few years back and it was very accurate. I was loading 200 grain LSWC with W231.
 
Great responses, I'm hearing things I hadn't considered.

I'm really leaning toward the 5", but that puts off the purchase a bit longer.

Hi-Cal offers the 5" Sport model, with a lightened trigger among other goodies. Has anyone experience with these?
 
There is something to be said about the newer commanders....they have adjustable rear sights and fiber optic on the front...thats worth a few bucks imo. And, as for accuracy i think that would be more useful than a half inch longer barrel. That said, with a simple google search i found 5 inch new in stock 1911 norcs here in canada in .45 for under 4 bills. pm me if you want the info.
 
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