Norinco 1911 reliability report and some questions

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rotaygreg

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Hey all, bought my first pistol the last time CA had one of their awesome deals. I got myself a DA 1911 5" barrel with ambi safety, extended slide release and skeletonized trigger and hammer. Good from far, but far from good. lol. I read all kinds of reviews and decided that this was the pistol I was looking for. Everyone said they are super reliable but not pretty. Thats what I wanted.

So I've had her out a few times. The first time out, there were a few problems. Several times, the slide failed to lock back after the last round. I also noticed every couple mags, one or 2 of the brass was pretty well massacred. No FTEs, no FTFs. I was still very happy with my purchase because I was excited about having my first pistol and these issues seemed minor. The firearm was still reliable at this point. I also thought it might get better after a bit of break in.

The next few times out were much like the first with one or two FTEs.

Until now, I've only shot federal commercial reloads.

This past monday I went to the range and was really frustrated with this thing. The slide only managed to lock open on the last round twice after almost 200 rounds! I had at least 5 FTEs as well and tons of mangled brass. I was using 3 different makes of ammo this time. Blazer commercial reloads, Federal commercial reloads, and a few Remington UMC or something like that. This was the most reliable of the three I used, but I didn't shoot very much of it, so that could just be low numbers talking.

I thought at first the slide issue was mine. My thumb hangs pretty close to the extended release and I thought I was hitting it during recoil. However, I noticed this last time that the magazines are stuck in the when it happens. I hit the mag release and it wont drop free. I have to tear it out of the magwell. Or I can rack the slide and then the mag drops free. Is this evidence that there is something wrong with it? Maybe just the mags? They are pretty junky looking after all.

Anyways, mostly, I just want to rant and put this out there for those wanting to buy one of these. I would still do it again. the price is right for sure. But knwo what you are getting. Please share your similar experiences.

If you guys have any tips for improving the function of this firearm or if there is anything I'm doing wrong, please let me know. I was thinking of getting a smaller slide release just so I know for sure its not me hitting it (even though I'm 90% sure I'm not at this point).

Also, I'd like to say something postive about this pistol. The trigger is shockingly good for what it is. It is also easier to shoot and more accurate than I expected it (or I) would be.

UPDATE 10/08/2015: The problem is resolved. I bought a wilson combat slide release from brownells and it has run flawlessly since. Back in love with this budget friendly 45 (oxy moron for sure. lol)
 
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Mags are the heart of any semi auto

The oem mags are a weak point for the Norcs. Notging wrong with the guns....the mags are crap tho.

Get yourself some good aftermarket mags and you'll be good to go
 
I'm not expert on 1911's but some folks have little use for the factory norinco mags. One option is to try a known good mag before getting excited about it.
I expect CA will stand behind their product if the gun has other issues. Another option is contact CA and request a replacement.
 
Did you do a basic field strip of the pistol after receiving it? Remove any of the packing grease from the pistol to allow it to function better.
 
New guns need a good cleaning
after they get cleaned they need some lube --- too little is no good -- and too much is no good

How many rounds are you shooting between cleanings ???

Some loads can be dirty and will require more frequent cleanings (or more detailed cleaning)

Mag function test (simple)
empty chamber -- slide closed
insert empty mag ---> pull back slide --- if it locks back slide --- > mags are not your problem
maybe a small prob but not a big problem

On the internet there is lots if in formation
search for 1911 extractor test - tuning

I think your extractor is bad --- simple fix buy a name brand extractor and fit/ tune it
clue was mangled brass -- if is not ejecting brass it is either the extractor or the ejector
brass is prob landing at you feet ?
 
I too went with the Canada Ammo deal for the dominion arms 1911, which one did you get and some pics would be great
I went with the chrome one and in my other posts I indicated to others on you tube canadian guy ( not sure if he wants or allowed to advertise his name) has a vid on youtube on the dominion/norinco 1911 tuning...take alook. also I'd recommend just shoot it and pick up new mags think canada ammo had good deal on new 8 round mags , the stock ones for me hit or miss.
I found my safety and slide release looked like they came out of scrap bin...lol...still work but look crappy will be picking up new ones when I make a trip up to EPPs,
let us know how it goes
 
I'm also guessing cleaning and lube for the slidelock issue. Is the mangled brass crimped at the case mouth? If so, it's probably hitting the ejection port on the way out, and then getting forced forward by the slide returning to battery. Could be the extractor or ejector.
 
My Norc 1911A1 has been extremely reliable, but I use aftermarket magazines (Chip McCormick PowerMags, mostly).
 
Smcx said:
I'm also guessing cleaning and lube for the slidelock issue. Is the mangled brass crimped at the case mouth? If so, it's probably hitting the ejection port on the way out, and then getting forced forward by the slide returning to battery. Could be the extractor or ejector.
Click to expand...

this is a good description of the mangled brass im seeing.

as for the guys suggesting cleaning, this is a good point, but definitely not my issue. I'm ex CF. I clean and lube my stuff religiously after each use.

to me, this is not an issue for me to bother CA. they are great and I maybe should not have mentioned them. Their customer service is great but I don't feel like this is their fault or their problem. I like this pistol despite the complaint. I want to get it working better myself. I will definitely try mags first before replacing the extractor or ejector.

tazzharm, its the two tone one. I may get some pics later and post them up. I'm definitely in the market for a different thumb safety and a different slide release. The edges are so bloody sharp. I thought about smoothing them down but I think I'd rather just get slimmer ones and a non ambi safety would be nice.

I will order some of those DLASK mags from CA if they still have them and then report back if that fixes everything/anything.

My thread is not meant to hate on NORCs. I just want new people to the sport to know what they are getting into and also maybe you guys can (and have) suggest some remedies. All you can really find on here about these pistols are fan boys and haters. hard to find people that dont sugar coat it because they love their NORC and are biased or people that hate them for whatever reason.

thanks all for the input so far. keep it coming
 
Safety, chances are would need to be fitted for the sear in order to work right. 1911's there isn't a such thing as drop in parts.
 
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Use the K.I.S.S. method. Start with the mags, before jumping into ejectors etc. Even quality mags do strange stuff when they are ready for a rebuild. 1911's are not like more modern pistols, they like a their lubricate.
 
Norc mags wont even drop free in the frame I got & Nothing wrong with my Frame. My Friends SAM 45ACP dents the mouth of the case everytime.
 
Quality mags, good cleaning, and be sure you aren't riding the slide. Any amount of riding the slide will slow down the action and can cause malfunctions.
 
I know with my Norc I got an 8 round mag and a 7 round mag. With my 7 round mag every so often the slide will not lock back and the mag will be stuck. I have to lock the slide back and then the mag will come out. This never happens with the 8 rounder.
I get the mangled brass every so often but it never FTE. It is always the last round and the brass is sitting in there on top of the magazine with the slide locked back. The only reason that bugs me is that I reload;)
 
duuder said:
Quality mags, good cleaning, and be sure you aren't riding the slide. Any amount of riding the slide will slow down the action and can cause malfunctions.
Click to expand...

I have addressed the cleaning/lube thing. I've got that down for sure. What exactly do you mean about riding the slide?

When I put a mag in, I either hit the slide release or I pull the slide back and let it fly. I never chase it or ease it shut. Do you mean something (ie a thumb) could be rubbing on the slide while the pistol cycles? I'm just trying to clarify. This definitely can't be the case for me. I have small hands. This is why I mentioned that my left thumb sits right near the slide release. Since this issue started to get worse, I have made it a point to adjust my grip slightly so that my left hand thumb is well clear of the slide release. No part of me is near the slide while it is cycling.

greywolf67nt said:
I know with my Norc I got an 8 round mag and a 7 round mag. With my 7 round mag every so often the slide will not lock back and the mag will be stuck. I have to lock the slide back and then the mag will come out. This never happens with the 8 rounder.
I get the mangled brass every so often but it never FTE. It is always the last round and the brass is sitting in there on top of the magazine with the slide locked back. The only reason that bugs me is that I reload;)
Click to expand...

thanks for the reply. this is very reassuring. I can't wait until I get my mags now.

again, thanks all for the replies. Keep em coming.
 
so got my mags today. they look and feel great! especially compared to the stock norinco ones.

I put them in and played around with the pistol a while and found it failing to lock back just cycling by hand (havent gotten to the range yet).

After closer inspection, I'm thinking it could be caused by the slide release itself. Its got a really soft edge cut where the magazine is supposed to push up on it after the last round. I'm wondering if this is normal, the soft edge I mean. I'm thinking it just doesnt hang out enough to get pushed up by the magazine and can get stuck beside it instead of being pushed upwards.

If I'm right, can I just get a new slide release? I know that many of the internal parts on a 1911 are custom fit, is this one of those components? Where are people getting parts for 1911s? I haven't had too much luck finding parts in the quick searches I've done
 
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