First plinking 9mm: Smith and Wesson SDVE or Norinco NP29?

[hunter5425]

I did indeed pick up a NP29. I've polished the slide rails and everything seems good. I would like to replace the recoil spring plug/cap so I can take it down easier by hand. Anyone know if any standard 1911 cap will fit?

You still need the same style cap as it has a long guide rod, if you change to a GI guide rod then you can use a GI or closed recoil spring plug.

 

[HooliganD]

You still need the same style cap as it has a long guide rod, if you change to a GI guide rod then you can use a GI or closed recoil spring plug.

Thanks for the reply, Hunter.

I'm an idiot, didn't even think of the guide rod issue. I'll just get a bushing tool for my kit and maybe a key chain one. I can depress the cap by hand, it's just not much surface area to depress.

 

[McHoss]

Welcome to the world of 1911s. Congrats.
I got a 1911 in the fall and have enjoyed tinkering with it. They can take some patience. You’ll get good at field stripping it.

Things I have found:
Get the Jerry Kuhnhausen manuals. They are the 1911 bible essentially.
These guns like oil, lube it and leave it. It will come out when you shoot, wipe it down as you go.
Don’t use rail grease in winter. Too thick and causes issues.
Don’t be surprised at how dirty they get, it’s normal. Just shoot it.
Shoot about 300 rounds before making any changes. It takes about that to break them in, maybe even more. Don’t be surprised if you get FTF and FTE during this time.
Get a good small file set, scotch pads, sand paper and emory cloth.
Read up on what exactly the extractor does and how it’s adjusted. It’s your new best friend. Here is a great thread on the topic...
https://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=829865
Join 1911forum.com, you’ll learn tons!
Lastly, start saving for ammo....you’re gonna love shooting a 1911, it’s a blast.
Enjoy and post pics when you get it.

 

[Mbierback]

Like the title says, I’m looking for a cheap 9mm to plink with and maybe personalize a bit (grips, trigger, sights, etc). The NP29 being a 1911 offers a lot of aftermarket parts. I realize that a $300-$400 Chinese gun can be potentially rough. But it could be a good starting platform.

Cabela’s has the SDVE in 9mm on sale for $360, two ten round mags (vs the NP29‘s 8 rounds). I’ve read that the S&W’s trigger is a heavy at around 8lbs and would likely need an apex trigger.

I could see getting into IPSC one day, if that’s the case, I’d likely start looking for a CZ shadow. But that’s not in the cards now. Didn’t like the Glock 17 I shot while in Edmonton.

Interested to hear your thoughts, especially from those that have shot or owned either.

Thanks!

Last year I bought a SD9VE shot the first 50 rounds. I installed the APEX trigger and spring kit reduced trigger travel by 10% and dropped trigger pull to 2lbs. What a night and day difference. Unfortunately I have only to the range twice since which is why it’s up for sale on EE. Spend some time at the range and renting guns to know what works for you. Good luck!