Norinco 1911 double stack or not?

nwills

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Looking to pick up a Norinco 1911A1 in .45 ACP....Can't find it in Nickel finish but found a NP30n...it's the Nickel finish version but in double stack.

Are there any disadvantages in going with a double stack version of the 1911?

I thought the grip may be too thick resulting in less ergonomics and comfort in holding the pistol....maybe weight issues as well?

The higher round count isn't really something I care for.

I originally wanted a Colt or Kimber but can't justify the expense, yet still want a .45 ACP toy to switch up my regular 9mm trips to the range.
 
So essentially....a single stack will be easier to modify/upgrade and get extra mags.

If I were to leave it factory or do very few mods..any other things to consider?
 
Double stack 1911 magazines are rare and expensive.

Marstar has some double stack 1911 mags in stock for $180 each.
 
The grip can be made thinner with thin grip plates.

I have a NP-30 and a NP-30N.
They both run fine, no magazine issues.
They only use Norinco mags. NO SUBSTITUTES.
for me, this is not an issue as Marstar stocks them, and the price is reasonable when compared to other wide-body 1911 mags.
I have a small bag full. They all work fine in either gun.

Also be aware that the NP-30 and NP-30N pistols are NOT identical.
The NP-30N Has the Colt series 80 style firing pin block safety.
The NP-30 does not have it.

The firing pin block makes a bit it more difficult to achieve a great trigger pull.
This applies to all 1911 series 80 style pistols, not only the Norinco NP-30N.

May I humbly suggest that the your best option, would be to shoot both the wide-body and the standard 1911's. Only then decide what will work best for you.;)
 
The grip can be made thinner with thin grip plates.

I have a NP-30 and a NP-30N.
They both run fine, no magazine issues.
They only use Norinco mags. NO SUBSTITUTES.
for me, this is not an issue as Marstar stocks them, and the price is reasonable when compared to other wide-body 1911 mags.
I have a small bag full. They all work fine in either gun.

Also be aware that the NP-30 and NP-30N pistols are NOT identical.
The NP-30N Has the Colt series 80 style firing pin block safety.
The NP-30 does not have it.

The firing pin block makes a bit it more difficult to achieve a great trigger pull.
This applies to all 1911 series 80 style pistols, not only the Norinco NP-30N.

May I humbly suggest that the your best option, would be to shoot both the wide-body and the standard 1911's. Only then decide what will work best for you.;)

hi buddy,isnt the np 30 grip one piece? and do they make a thinner version? Thanks!
 
$180 for a mag!! that's pricey! Definitely a deterrent to getting a double stack.

Wasn't aware of the firing pin block safety....

By the sounds of it...from some of your replies it sounds like a blued 1911A1 is a better option. Cheaper mags, easy mods and a smoother trigger from the lack of the firing pin block safety? (on the 1911A1 Sport model)

One of my deciding factor was also aesthetics...I really wanted a stainless/nickel finish 1911 and it seems there are no 1911A1's available in nickel...hence the NP30N.

I unfortunately don't have the option of trying both out to see what feels best as I don't know anyone with a single/double stack 1911....so I have to make my decision based on internet research and your opinions!

I think I'll go with a black or two tone 1911A1 Sport version from Marstar.
 
Or I could allways sell you my Para Stainless...I have 5 mags with it :)

IMG_2925.jpg
 
Just checked the Marstar site (from the link a few posts ago)....The NP30 mags are $40.

So at this point, mag prices are no longer a factor in my decision.

Curious to find out more about the firing pin safety block and it's effect on the trigger vs. a 19911A1?
 
The NP-30s come with a wrap-around style grip plate set.
Any 1911 grips designed for a 1911 will work fine.
For thin grips the grip-screw bushing must be taken down a few thou.

AAaaack......Magazines are NOT $180....:eek:

THEY ARE $39.95....:cool:

hi buddy,isnt the np 30 grip one piece? and do they make a thinner version? Thanks!
 
Or I could allways sell you my Para Stainless...

IMG_2925.jpg

Wish I had the money for it!! The $350 price tag on the Norinco is what prompted me to wanting to make this purchase...I figured $350 for some .45ACP action at the range was easy;)

If you're really looking to sell it...PM or post what you want for it? I'm not sure what it's worth but if the price is right maybe I'll splurge and get a Para 1911:cool:
 
In brief.
Series 80 style guns, have some extra parts that interact during the trigger pull.
More parts=more potential friction and drag.
Only somewhat more involved and difficult.
It is also possible to eliminate this safety, doing so involves replacing a couple parts with a couple other parts. The resulting trigger will still require the same tuning work as a regular 1911.

Another small point, is that the trigger for the standard 1911 is widely available in different lengths. this might be important for proper gun fit in the hand.
No such choices are available with the wide-body.:(

IMHO for a first 1911, The NP-29 in economical 9mm might be a better choice.

But hey, it's your dime Eh!:)


Just checked the Marstar site (from the link a few posts ago)....The NP30 mags are $40.

So at this point, mag prices are no longer a factor in my decision.

Curious to find out more about the firing pin safety block and it's effect on the trigger vs. a 19911A1?
 
I always felt that with canadian laws you can only have 10 mag max so why go with a double stack pinned to 10 when you can get single stack 10 rounders?
 
In brief.
Series 80 style guns, have some extra parts that interact during the trigger pull.
More parts=more potential friction and drag.
Only somewhat more involved and difficult.
It is also possible to eliminate this safety, doing so involves replacing a couple parts with a couple other parts. The resulting trigger will still require the same tuning work as a regular 1911.

Another small point, is that the trigger for the standard 1911 is widely available in different lengths. this might be important for proper gun fit in the hand.
No such choices are available with the wide-body.:(

IMHO for a first 1911, The NP-29 in economical 9mm might be a better choice.

But hey, it's your dime Eh!:)

I already have a Glock 17 Gen4. I really wanted to have another caliber to play with at the range. Thought a .45ACP would be fun and quite different from what I usually shoot. I guess I just need to get over the stainless finish and go with a black finish.

Otherwise I could wait for the Ruger1911! But I was hoping to get this soon and it looks like the Ruger is hard to come by....and twice the money!
 
Maybe another small thing.
Stainless is not a finish or coating. It is a High Chromium content, Stainless Steel Alloy.

Nickel plate is a finish, so is blueing. as is Chrome plating.
Copper plating of firearms also enjoyed some popularity with outdoorsmen, in the long ago past.;)


I already have a Glock 17 Gen4. I really wanted to have another caliber to play with at the range. Thought a .45ACP would be fun and quite different from what I usually shoot. I guess I just need to get over the stainless finish and go with a black finish.

Otherwise I could wait for the Ruger1911! But I was hoping to get this soon and it looks like the Ruger is hard to come by....and twice the money!
 
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