Hello I was thinking of going over to the dark side and go get my restricted PAL. I was perusing MARSTAR's site and I liked the look of Norinco's "Government" M1911A1 with the 5" barrel and 7 round magazine. Does anyone own one of these puppies in .45 ACP? How is the fit and finish? Can it take the re-worked 8 round colt magazines? Can it take non-chinese non-mystery grips? Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Norinco M1911 ####, or THE ####?
- Thread starter ChrisSinc
- Start date
They will accept standard magazines of any make without rework. Parts including grips are interchangable with any other 1911 pattern pistol. Fit is as good as any rack grade 1911. Finish is Norinco; look closely and you might see surface imperfections.
If a fine used US made 191A1 could be found for the same price as a new Norinco, I'd get the original. But that isn't likely.
Norinco firearms are what they are, the good, the bad and the ugly. There have been fewer reports of problems with the 1911A1 (.45) and NP29 (9mm) pistols than with any other Norinco guns.
I am very pleased with my NP29. No regrets about buying it.
If a fine used US made 191A1 could be found for the same price as a new Norinco, I'd get the original. But that isn't likely.
Norinco firearms are what they are, the good, the bad and the ugly. There have been fewer reports of problems with the 1911A1 (.45) and NP29 (9mm) pistols than with any other Norinco guns.
I am very pleased with my NP29. No regrets about buying it.
So far, all other 1911 parts go in without a problem. Good standard size "platform gun".
However quality varies. Seeing much improvement lately, but still not guaranteed. You can get a good 5 lb trigger pull on one gun, and get a 80 lb trigger on another from the same shipment. Buying Norincos are always an adventure.
As for finish and cosmetic looks, Norinco is the absolute worst among all guns. I am preparing to re-finish all of my Norcs now. Can't stand the tool marks on both inside and outside, and also the glossy bluing.
However quality varies. Seeing much improvement lately, but still not guaranteed. You can get a good 5 lb trigger pull on one gun, and get a 80 lb trigger on another from the same shipment. Buying Norincos are always an adventure.
As for finish and cosmetic looks, Norinco is the absolute worst among all guns. I am preparing to re-finish all of my Norcs now. Can't stand the tool marks on both inside and outside, and also the glossy bluing.
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ChrisSinc said:
First thing you should understand,is that by getting your restricted and
a 1911 you have taken the first step towards illumination.
If you truly then wish to walk in the light,get an STI Trojan...
9mm..40S&W...45acp ...they're all an illuminating caliber.
Next thing you know..you're picking up your rifles a little less frequently.
x 3 on Gunnar.
I got my STI Trojan in 40 from him.
Great guy to deal with.
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lef T are you some kind of zen master pistoleer 
The Norinco 1911s are well made, functional firearms. Not the prettiest, but they go bang every time and if you want to "pimp" them out a little later, you can. I have a number of articles from the late 1980s and early 1990s that discussed custom projects built by master gunsmiths like Bill Wilson (of Wilson Combat) on Norinco frames. Wilson actually mentioned the Norinco frames on their site as a suitable build platform.
Marstar has a good guarantee, however, as other posters have mentioned, check with Gunnar at Armco. He offers a one year warranty and has basically gone over the pistol from top to bottom, to ensure functionality and reliability.
The "new" Norinco Commanders are looking pretty good these days, might have to pick one up as a Xmas present to me.
If you want superior fit, finish (comparatively speaking for a production pistol) you'll need to check out STI, Kimber, etc...However, you'll be able to buy 3 Norinco's for the price of one of those top-end production guns.
The other option is to go pick up a used Colt 1911 in the EE. There have been a number there come up for sale recently at great prices. If I hadn't committed my "mad money" to other projects, I'd have snapped up several of those in a heartbeat.
Marstar has a good guarantee, however, as other posters have mentioned, check with Gunnar at Armco. He offers a one year warranty and has basically gone over the pistol from top to bottom, to ensure functionality and reliability.
The "new" Norinco Commanders are looking pretty good these days, might have to pick one up as a Xmas present to me.
If you want superior fit, finish (comparatively speaking for a production pistol) you'll need to check out STI, Kimber, etc...However, you'll be able to buy 3 Norinco's for the price of one of those top-end production guns.
The other option is to go pick up a used Colt 1911 in the EE. There have been a number there come up for sale recently at great prices. If I hadn't committed my "mad money" to other projects, I'd have snapped up several of those in a heartbeat.
I bought an NP29 this year and am very pleased with this inexpensive pistol.
I have fired +600 rounds through it - both ball and JHP's without a single misfeed or jam.
It's a lot of pistol for the money. I already had a G17 but wanted to try a 1911.
I have fired +600 rounds through it - both ball and JHP's without a single misfeed or jam.
It's a lot of pistol for the money. I already had a G17 but wanted to try a 1911.
+ 1 on Gunnar and the "new" Commander .
About the best deal out there right now .
The Trojan is way nice but I still can't get past the name . lol
As previously stated , it's quite expensive compared to a Norc. but the quality is there .
About the best deal out there right now .
The Trojan is way nice but I still can't get past the name . lol
As previously stated , it's quite expensive compared to a Norc. but the quality is there .
Seriously though, for the price of a Norinco who and how could there be complaints?
My 1911 came with 'plastic toys' grips and a coat of factory grease that could have survived several generations. Once the grips were replaced and the bugger stripped down and cleaned... I'm still lovin it! And it cost less than an iPod!!
I've fed it over 3000 rounds of hardball and the only time I've experienced a jam is after 300+ rounds of cheap reaload has passed through it between cleanings. An occasional stovepipe is nothing. Gawd forbid I own a $1400 HK, have to feed it jacketed ammo and it too jams
My 1911 came with 'plastic toys' grips and a coat of factory grease that could have survived several generations. Once the grips were replaced and the bugger stripped down and cleaned... I'm still lovin it! And it cost less than an iPod!!
I've fed it over 3000 rounds of hardball and the only time I've experienced a jam is after 300+ rounds of cheap reaload has passed through it between cleanings. An occasional stovepipe is nothing. Gawd forbid I own a $1400 HK, have to feed it jacketed ammo and it too jams
Halger280HVMag
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I have a NP-29 done by Gunnar of Armco. I have named it the Norkenstein for it's ability to change its personality from 9mm to .38 Super and in addition a second top-end allows it to accomodate .45ACP and .38 Special Wadcutter.
I am waiting on Marstar to send me another NP-29 AND a NP-30.
I am also communicating with Gunnar about a Norc. Commander.
I think my three Colt 1911/1911A1 pistols are great, and I feel the same way about my Norinco 1911A1 pistols.
Like Hungry says....Buy two.
I am waiting on Marstar to send me another NP-29 AND a NP-30.
I am also communicating with Gunnar about a Norc. Commander.
I think my three Colt 1911/1911A1 pistols are great, and I feel the same way about my Norinco 1911A1 pistols.
Like Hungry says....Buy two.
I picked up a commander version a couple years ago. Finish isn;t the worlds best but, for the price who can complain. You'll have lots of cash left for grips mags etc. I love mine, wilson combat mags, trigger job full length guide rod etc etc. It's a real nice shooter.
Good luck,
-paul
Good luck,
-paul
Halger280HVMag
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- B.C. XMU Local .454
Many, including some top pistolsmiths would disagree with your statement.
jcbruno said:
