Let's face it, the 1911 is the Honda civic of guns. Almost everyone has one and everyone tunes them up (just like a civic). Now with Can Ammo crazy deal, even I bought one. And in typically fashion, before the gun even got processed I was ordering aftermarket parts to upgrade it. So I figured I'd ask my follow nutz out there what are your favourite upgrades for this gun? And what works best.
Best upgrades for Norinco 1911 Government
- Thread starter vikon
- Start date
Keep in mind, nothing needs to be changed for you to enjoy the pistol, and you might well prefer the original format when all is said and done (for example, I took all of the extended controls off of my sport model, and put on small "Govt" sized controls). BUT you can probably swap all the springs for Wolff standard weight springs, and that would be a very smart bet. You'll probably have a use for extra mags, that's an easy one. And a good holster and mag pouches.
Have you shot a 1911 before? Probably the biggest change in how the pistol feels would be a beavertail grip safety and a flat mainspring housing. Grips matter, too, and Norinco is not famous for producing desirable grips. All the other controls are important, but you won't know if you want a change until you feel the pistol in hand.
As to how the pistol actually shoots, well... It depends on what you think is important. I think the trigger is sometimes pretty decent on the stock Norinco 1911s, so I wouldn't buy those parts until I was sure I didn't like it as it is. In terms of action shooting, I'd stick the EGW oversized flat-bottom firing pin stop in for a major change in recoil impulse. Then I'd want to swap out for a shooter would be the sights, but that's not easy or even possible with the often non-standard dovetail cuts on Norinco slides.
Have you shot a 1911 before? Probably the biggest change in how the pistol feels would be a beavertail grip safety and a flat mainspring housing. Grips matter, too, and Norinco is not famous for producing desirable grips. All the other controls are important, but you won't know if you want a change until you feel the pistol in hand.
As to how the pistol actually shoots, well... It depends on what you think is important. I think the trigger is sometimes pretty decent on the stock Norinco 1911s, so I wouldn't buy those parts until I was sure I didn't like it as it is. In terms of action shooting, I'd stick the EGW oversized flat-bottom firing pin stop in for a major change in recoil impulse. Then I'd want to swap out for a shooter would be the sights, but that's not easy or even possible with the often non-standard dovetail cuts on Norinco slides.
On all my Norcs I like to ditch the following: grips, trigger & slide stop [if it's the extended kind].
I replace with: double diamond hardwood +/or Pachmayr wraparounds without thumb swell, aluminum adjustable trigger & standard slide stop.
I can live with the rest of the stock parts.
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NAA.
I replace with: double diamond hardwood +/or Pachmayr wraparounds without thumb swell, aluminum adjustable trigger & standard slide stop.
I can live with the rest of the stock parts.
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NAA.
triplepete
Regular
- Location
- Burnaby, BC
I just got an NP29 and haven't replaced anything. Did my own trigger job with original parts and dropped in a better trigger I had around. Each Norc is different and will require due attention. Wait till you get it first and shoot it a bit to break in before you do anything - you will ever recoup the money and time you put in if you ever decide to sell it.
- Location
- Lower Mainland BC
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Have shot the 1911 recently and fell in love. I was shooting it better than my glock 22 (not that I don't love my glock) like most people I went with it for how damn reliable it is (few hundred rounds zero failures) did change connector, trigger spring (3.5 lw with ny 8lbs trigger) and extended releases. I was just so surprised how much less recoil that gun had (guess lighter isn't always better).
For upgrades to the 1911, I've ordered the same parts he did, mainly replace recoil spring (his was garbage and shrank), got an aluminum adjustable trigger from sti (very comfortable and works well with Norinco's), sti sear spring and the ever so important grips.
Now I just wait by the door hoping for my mail man
I respectfully disagree with your analogy. Glocks are the honda civic of handguns, cheap and lots of aftermarket parts. 1911's are the hot rods of handguns, considered high-end and requires lots of maintenance.
Start with a trigger job and change the grips. Don't invest in too many upgrades until you know that the 1911 is the right platform for you.
Your right, the 1911 is more like an old fashion muscle car but couldn't really think of one that everyone has. And as stated in my second post I loved shooting it. I was going to wait till I could afford a higher end nickel or stainless one but i couldn't pass up on the deal.
Guess I'm a redneck when it comes to handguns
sendmorebrains
Regular
Any chance for a pic please ? I have a norc sitting in my safe doing zero ...
I think its time for another upgrade project.
All work was done by 1911 smith Rodger Kotanko...
