My 1911 travels: Norinco & SAM ....

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Hello all,

I sold an M&P-22 and have been shopping for a 1911 style handgun to replace it.

I've come, and now am going on the GSG. It's still an option, but haven't pulled the trigger on a sale.

I'm hung up on idea of getting either Wolverine's SAM .45 for $440, or Can Ammo's Norinco 45 for $349 (599 with ammo deal). The cost of either is tempting enough. A GSG conversion kit (IF it is compatible) would fill my plinking requirements while the pistol itself would add a caliber that I don't have in my collection.

Questions:
I've read SAM quality has been questioned, specifically the frame construction.
Norinco's are getting better feedback now that a year ago when I started in this sport.

Feed back, thoughts, suggestions would be appreciated.

Cheers:cheers:
 
I got the CanadaAmmo deal and couldn't be happier.
Fit and finish of the Norinco 1911 is very good, trigger pull is quite satisfactory, and accuracy is excellent(even with Norinco ammo).
I also have a Spartan and a SIG 220 in 45, and prefer the Norinco.
 
I have the Norinco 1911 Commander as well, got it in a private deal for $280 shipped to me. Then I grabbed a case of 1000 rounds from CanadaAmmo.

Can't go wrong with the deal CanadaAmmo has on the 1911 & ammo...

Cheers
Jay
 
GF has a SAM commander in 9mm. Absolutely loves it, triggers nice, fit and finish is great. Couldn't be happier, I also like how the SAM's have a very minimalist approach to labelling and crap on the gun.
 
I think he's looking for SAM owners who are reading this thread, to speak up in praise of this product.
Not too many, eh?
Norinco rules!
I have a SAM Commander in .45 ACP. I'm very happy with the gun. Decent bang for the buck. I've never owned a Norinco yet. One of these days I'm going to buy one to see what they're like.
 
I have a SAM Commander in .45 ACP. I'm very happy with the gun. Decent bang for the buck. I've never owned a Norinco yet. One of these days I'm going to buy one to see what they're like.

SAM has the only mid-priced 1911 in a 40S&W, that I can find. Reason enough for me to give one of them a try.
I was hoping Remington, Ruger or Norinco would come out with one.
 
My buddy has a Springfield gi 1911, a series 70 colt goldcup, and a norc that h slicked up. When you ask him which one he'd take if it was only one, it's always the norc. Not finicky, doesn't break down, eats anything...
 
Norinco's seem to have a strong following. The price is so competitive as well.

The SAM is a great second choice, but there is no clear evidence Ive seen/read that suggests one way or another that there is any frame issues (A weak cast frame prone to cracking vs a forged steel frame, if I remember correctly)

What Series frame do the Norincos have? Would they be totally compatible with a GSG conversion kit in 22lr if i wanted to go this route?
 
I have a Sam in 9mm. Feels solid and shoots great, even in my hands. Yes, cast is not as strong as forged, but I haven't seen anyone post pics of a Sam frame that's failed. Recreational shooting? Pick the one you like the look of best.
 
Biggest down side to the Norks are the sights, they suck on all the 1911 versions, and there is no aftermarket drop in sights available, new sights need to be fit. Second down side is the fitting of the slide/frame and small parts is sloppy. Third is the sharp edges and finish, which is probably the least problematic of the issues but they are there never the less. Typically the outside is not bad and fairly well polished and blued, but the insides are rough with tool marks.
SAM's biggest knock is the finish is just a basic blast and blue, or just blasted with the SS.....that's about it. Sights are good even on the GI version, fitting is tight everywhere due to CNC machining, no sharp edges and very few tool marks.
All depends on how much value you put on the actual tolerances and fit/finishing that should be the deciding factor.
 
i just got my norc about a week ago. canadaammo deal. shocked with the fit and finish. after reading review after review i was expecting the worst, very surprised. for the price, im tempted to order another! very happy.
 
Have not taken my new Norc 1911 45 to the range yet but fit and finish is excellent. Field stripped to clean in no time without tools. Would prefer a full length guide rod but will be ok with the one that comes with it for now. I have 5 norcs now and am more impressed with each one. M4, m93(colt woodsman copy), NP58(sig 226 copy),NP34(Sig 229 copy)and 1911a1.

Mark
 
i have a SAM 1911A1 9MM it is an outstanding pistol for the money i have 8000+ down range with no issues
as for which to buy
try each one get the one you like best
as for forged over cast
read about it there is no difference between the 2 really it just depends on the needs at the time of manufacture and what type of manufacture has been chosen to decide which is used
http://www.sfsa.org/sfsa/pubs/cvf/ecs.php
 
I have a SAM and it's fit and finish is great, was looking at Norc but for an extra $100 or so I got the SAM, main reason was stainless vs blued
 
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