Norinco NP-40

[Ironsight]

To all NP-40 gurus out there,

I like to experiment with .40 cal to see if it will be of any interest. I am already into .22, 9mm and .45 cal. I like to start with an inexpensive metal frame unit such as Norinco NP-40.

I tried the search tool. I found some very good info but not all of my questions are answered.

1. Does NP-40 has an inherent problem with its DA trigger? It seems that several owner have experienced problems with losing the double action. Is that a factory quality issue? How difficult is to correct? I do not mind to get rid of its DA all together since I will be using it as a target piece only.

2. Does the CZ .40 cal mag fit into NP-40? Is there any interchangeability issues with the CZ parts?

3. Norincos do not come with the best of grips out of factory. Can I get after market grips for it? Does its frame dimensions allow installation of the Hogue rubber wrap around grips intended for CZ-75?

4. How is the overall accuracy? I appreciate some quantifiable results such as distance and grouping sizes.

5. How is your overall satisfaction with your purchase? Would you recommend me to purchase one?

I thank you all for your anticipated cooperations.

 

[Geoff B]

Np 40

I had one for a while and sold it because it did not fit my hand.
I had problems with the trigger that turned out to just a loose screw, so no problems there.
Apparently Hogue makes an after-market grip , but I suspect it is wider than the factory ones. This gun is a copy of the CZ, but is wider than the CZ 75 and 85 models and does not handle the same.
I would be surprised if the CZ mags fit this gun.
The NP 40 that I had was much more accurate than the 45 ACP Norinco 1911 A1. That doesn't make it a great gun, but it's not bad for the price.
Would I buy another? No. The quality is only OK, not good.

Consider how much money you will spend on ammo - the cost of the gun becomes insignificant after a few years of active shooting.
Keep up the research and spend your money on a good-quality gun that will have spare parts available when your kid needs some spare parts in ten or twenty years!

 

[(((Echo)))]

1. Problem with the DA trigger? Not that I've noticed. In my times at the range with mine, I've had no problems at all.

2. Yes. Slid right in, locked in place with no fuss. Not to sure about other parts.

3. Yes. Hogue. Installed without a hitch. Is actually thinner than the factory grips. Very comfortable.

4. Can't comment on this one, never tried for groups. Seemed accurate enough, though.

5. For the price I paid, I'm satisfied. Bought mine used, though I've never had a problem with it yet.

Would I recommend one? If you just want to bang away at the range, sure, go for it. For the price, they're hard to beat. If you're looking to get into competitions, I'd be inclined to look at something else.

(E)

 

[Griffoneur]

To all NP-40 gurus out there,

I like to experiment with .40 cal to see if it will be of any interest. I am already into .22, 9mm and .45 cal. I like to start with an inexpensive metal frame unit such as Norinco NP-40.

I tried the search tool. I found some very good info but not all of my questions are answered.

1. Does NP-40 has an inherent problem with its DA trigger? It seems that several owner have experienced problems with losing the double action. Is that a factory quality issue? How difficult is to correct? I do not mind to get rid of its DA all together since I will be using it as a target piece only.

Yup, had a problem. Took apart the gun, cleaned, polished and shortened a spring that was just a hair too long. Has worked flawlessly ever since.

2. Does the CZ .40 cal mag fit into NP-40? Is there any interchangeability issues with the CZ parts?

Mags fit like a glove. Most parts are interchangeable but not "ALL" parts.

3. Norincos do not come with the best of grips out of factory. Can I get after market grips for it? Does its frame dimensions allow installation of the Hogue rubber wrap around grips intended for CZ-75?

The Hogue rubber finger grips are the best accessory you can put on the NP-40.

4. How is the overall accuracy? I appreciate some quantifiable results such as distance and grouping sizes.

The NP-40 is every bit as accurate as the CZ. The CZ does have a better "out of the box" trigger though. I highly recommend "polishing" the trigger group. If you can't do it yourself, send it to a gunsmith.

5. How is your overall satisfaction with your purchase? Would you recommend me to purchase one?

Although the CZ is better finished and is of obvious superior quality, the price difference does not warrant me paying twice the price for the CZ.
For someone who is all thumbs and would have to pay for someone to "tune" their gun, maybe the CZ is a wiser choice. However, if you are agile with your hands or are just a plinker, th Norc is the wiser choice.

After purchasing the NP-40, I purchased the NZ-85 (9mm) and it required even LESS tuning than the NP-40. It too shoots very well and is built like a tank.

Norinco several years ago, was producing pretty crappy firearms, they have in recent years greatly improved their quality control to satisfy the demand of the foreign makrkets. They will never match the quality and finish of the "originals" but they come pretty damn close.

And yes, there exists the "Norc haters" who will bad mouth Norinco till the cows come home with horror stories about this and that. I have heard the same stories applied to the likes of Ruger and Smith&Wesson and Colt. Lemons can happen to any manufacturer.

In the case of self defence, getting shot with an NP-40 or with an original CZ, the results will hurt just as much. As a self defence advocate, would I rely on a Norinco to protect my life? A Norinco is much more reliable for protection than your BlackBerry or iPhone... yes, I would entrust my life to a "tuned" Norinco.

 

[Ganderite]

I have one, but only shot it once before a part broke. The accuracy, without any trigger work or load development was excellent.

Sent gun to gunsmith and he said break was not uncommon and also happens in the parent gun. Fix is easy. Getting a triger job while he is at it and I am looking forward to some load development.

I see no reason why you should not get one and immediately get grips and a trigger job.

 

[freddyfour]

I had one for a while and sold it because it did not fit my hand.
I had problems with the trigger that turned out to just a loose screw, so no problems there.
Apparently Hogue makes an after-market grip , but I suspect it is wider than the factory ones. This gun is a copy of the CZ, but is wider than the CZ 75 and 85 models and does not handle the same.
I would be surprised if the CZ mags fit this gun.
The NP 40 that I had was much more accurate than the 45 ACP Norinco 1911 A1. That doesn't make it a great gun, but it's not bad for the price.
Would I buy another? No. The quality is only OK, not good.

Consider how much money you will spend on ammo - the cost of the gun becomes insignificant after a few years of active shooting.
Keep up the research and spend your money on a good-quality gun that will have spare parts available when your kid needs some spare parts in ten or twenty years!

I bought his NP 40 off him and loved it. I sold it eventually but not because I didn't like it or had problems with it, I just wanted to try something different. I put the Hogue grip on it and fit perfect and like Geoff said I also found it shot better then my Norc 1911. I wish I didn't sell it!

 

[undertaker]

i use CZ mags in mine, no problems, and have over 4,000 rds now of reloads and factory ammo- i use it for IDPA here locally,never an issue
Have changed to a hogue grip, everything else is stock- fairly accurate with my reloads