Which 1911 in 45ACP to get.... what sights to get?

CanuckShooter

CanuckShooter

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I am looking to pick up a Norinco 1911 in 45ACP (will also be getting a NP-29 when they come in), but am unable to decide which one I want to go with.

I am considering the following models:

- Norinco 1911A1 Government (this years model, tuned by Gunnar)
- Norinco 1911A1 Police Model (soon to be arriving at CanadaAmmo)

Would there be any reason for me to opt for the Police model considering the following:

1. I really don't like the look of the fore-end serrations on a 1911.
2. I really don't like the idea of an ambi safety when it will NEVER be used.
3. Even if I did go for the Police model, I don't like two toned guns, so I would go for the blued model.

Can you guys think of any reason I SHOULD pick the Police model over the Armco tuned Government model? Maybe I am overlooking something?


Also, what sights would you guys recommend? I am on a budget, and really don't want anything fancy (no night sights, or anything expensive). Something simple, that will fit the Norc dovetail (is the Norc dovetail machined to Colt specs?) without any machining, as I would imagine that would jack the price way up. I prefer a white dot front, and blacked out rear sight.

Thanks!
 
I think if money is tight you should buy the Canada ammo police model. One it has an extended beavertail. The armco one has a standard which is fine but if you take up ipsc it will be painful on the web of your hand. Second the police model has a dovetail cut for the front sight. You can pretty much pick what you want for sights and pound it in yourself. On the armco model sights are a gunsmith job.

good luck
 
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Norincos are OK but nothing special IMO

I'm happy with my Taurus 1911; it's a bit nicer but still fairly affordable...comes in SS and Blued.
 
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1911's in .45ACP

Here's my .02....

If you must have a Norc 1911 then go for the tuned one via Armco.

I have a couple of Norc 1911's [including a NP-29] and they are pretty good for the money.

But if you want a 1911 that already has some nice mods but it still reasonably priced for what you are getting then I'd opt for the STI Spartan via Armco.

'Course I base my info on having owned literally dozens of 1911's in the past ~ 25 years.
 
Ah... the STI Spartan.... I was considering that one too, but I rarely hear much about them on this board.

Can you guys tell me why you would recommend them over the Norc? Are they a HUGE step above the Norc? Are they worth nearly twice the price? Is the fact that they are cast vs forged any big deal?

I will say, I don't like the front OR the rear sights on the Spartan all that much.
 
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People recommend the spartan because it has all the bells and whistles at a low price point. If you were to buy a norinco and build it with the same bells and whistles of the spartan you will end up spending more money.
 
I debated about whether to purchase a Spartan or a Norc and add extras to it. I opted for the Norc, in part because it allowed me to purchase the pistol intially, then slowly add parts as I could afford it. It also enabled me to build a custom pistol that meets me needs. The Spartan is like a loaded Kia SUV. Has everything you need, but does it have what you realy want. Do you even know what you want?

Brian
 
I like Norinco frames and slides as they are strong forged base to build upon.

You can spend lots of money customizing Norinco to your likes or you can spend $1000 - $1500 for decent 1911 Kimber, Colt, STI etc etc.

The choice is yours.
 
I used my Norc as a stepping stone as to whether I wanted to buy a higher end 1911. I enjoy shooting my Norc and would shoot it more if ammo wasnt so darn expensive. My Norc is the .45 variety. Im hoping Santa brings me a reloader this year. I already know my birthday gift will be my freshly refinished 1911 38 Super.
 
Can anyone tell me what the purpose of the ambi safety is? I mean, every other control is on the left side of the gun.... what's the point in having just the safety as ambi? Can it be replaced with a non ambi safety if I wanted?

After pricing it out, the Spartan is a bit too far out of my price range. So I will just be deciding between the Police and Government model Norincos :D

The ONLY reason I would get the Police model, would be for the following reasons:

1. If the fit and finish was better
2. If the front sight being dovetailed is a HUGE advantage

Any opinions?
 
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The last batch of Norc commanders came with a beavertail, etc. Gunnar can do pretty much anything with a Norc you might want. I have Novak Competition sights on mine (they're a taller version of the standard Novak) the front sight is staked on (by Gunnar). His Norcs have terrific triggers (3.5 lbs and nice and crisp).
 
CanuckShooter said:
Can anyone tell me what the purpose of the ambi safety is? I mean, every other control is on the left side of the gun.... what's the point in having just the safety as ambi?
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Proper grip on a 1911 is "high thumb." Your strong hand thumb rides the safety, giving you better recoil control through a higher hand-bore axis and there's no chance of accidentily activating the safety. If you're a lefty or think you may have to shoot weak hand someday - you can manipulate the mag release with your index finger, but for better shooting, you want the ambi safety.
 
jasonburnsdundee said:
People recommend the spartan because it has all the bells and whistles at a low price point. If you were to buy a norinco and build it with the same bells and whistles of the spartan you will end up spending more money.
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Naturally, I'm biased and I totally agree with Jason's comment only adding - ...in the end - you'll either have a very usable gun with a lifetime warranty backed by one of the Worlds best 1911 manufacturers or a hyundai accent that's driven through the accessories section of Canadian Tire - (psst...it's still an Accent) ;)
 
CanuckShooter said:
Ah... the STI Spartan.... I was considering that one too, but I rarely hear much about them on this board.

Can you guys tell me why you would recommend them over the Norc? Are they a HUGE step above the Norc? Are they worth nearly twice the price? Is the fact that they are cast vs forged any big deal?

I will say, I don't like the front OR the rear sights on the Spartan all that much.
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Perhaps because we are shooting them, not posting!:D

However I have had both and the STI is a big step up indeed over the Norinco indeed!
 
Naturally, I'm biased and I totally agree with Jason's comment only adding - ...in the end - you'll either have a very usable gun with a lifetime warranty backed by one of the Worlds best 1911 manufacturers or a hyundai accent that's driven through the accessories section of Canadian Tire - (psst...it's still an Accent)
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I am not sure I fully agree here!

A Norinco in the hands of a good smithy will yield exceptional results, and perphaps with dollars to spare. To compare manufacturers is almost irrelevant these days, given the quality of aftermarket parts and the knowledge that smithies have of the 1911.

TG
 
I'm liking the Taurus PT1911 I picked up a couple of months back. About a 1000 rounds through it so far, and not one issue with FT feed or fire.
Comes standard with ambi thumb safety, checkered flat, steel main spring housing, checkered front strap, forward cocking serrations, Heinie 'Straight Eight' sights, dovetailed front sight, beavertail memory groove grip safety, full length guide rod, two excellent quality 8 round mags....all for $750
A better deal than the Spartan imho...
 
Freedom Ventures said:
Naturally, I'm biased and I totally agree with Jason's comment only adding - ...in the end - you'll either have a very usable gun with a lifetime warranty backed by one of the Worlds best 1911 manufacturers or a hyundai accent that's driven through the accessories section of Canadian Tire - (psst...it's still an Accent) ;)
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I totally agree with Shawns comment. I had a tricked Norinco commander with 500 in mods for sale here the best offer I recieved was about 400 bucks.

So if you are looking at resell ever tricking a norinco was about the worst investment ever.
 
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