Should I upgrade my Norinco or buy a new 1911?

U

Unregistered

Regular
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
Location
South Ontario
I've had my Norinco 1911A1 .45 ACP for awhile now and haven't shot it all that much. It's in stock condition and I find I can shoot certain other pistols more accurately. In addition, its sights, comfort and finish leaves something to be desired. It is generally reliable and as a copy of the G.I. 1911, it is pretty good. My gunsmith says it is fine as it is and doesn't 'need' any modification.

But I've been thinking how much nicer it would be with an extended beavertail safety, new trigger, front slide serrations, refinishing, hi-vis sights, etc... etc...
about $800+ in mods total.

I'm thinking, does it make more sense to spend the money on upgrades to get exactly what I want, though it will still be a Norinco, or should I take the plunge and buy a Colt/Kimber/Springfield "loaded" type (which may itself require modifications?)

I like the classic styling of the Norinco. I could have a Norinco side by side with a modified 1911, or modify my Norinco.
 
I would say yes...but I am no fan of Norc. Many will say a 'tuned' Norc is the way to go. A real 1911 will cost you more but imho some things are worth the extra $$$. It is a icon after all and something to be proud to show off.

$.02
 
Build it.

I prefer to customise my guns to myself. Nobody knows what you like but you. With my norc all I changed were the barrel bushing and a full length spring guide. It probably cost me less than $150.00 altogether and it shoots as accurate as the high dollar guns.
 
I say hit a range with rental guns in the category you are looking for. Then try them out and see which way will go best for you. If that's keeping the Norc, then so be it. If that means getting a Colt XSE Commander, then good. Hell, if it means a Kimber or a Springfield Armory then all the power to ya! All custom is pricey and hard to know what you want right off the top, but if that's what floats your boat, call up the custom guys and see what they are willing to do for ya!
 
It depends on whether or not you are ever going to try to sell it. It is almost like heavily modifying a Kia car and still wanting a lexus. I would do it if you want to do a lot of the work yourself and have the experience and satisfaction from doing it.
 
How much did you pay for your Norinco? If you don't mind me asking. I just wanted to know what they were worth, I was thinking about looking into one towards the end of summer.

Thanks Steve
 
Detective_Special said:
I think the Norinco is a good buy as is, it does need a trigger job and sights for my taste, and with Armco's tune up, it makes a reliable pistol. If you need or want more modifications, like you mention, then I would pass on the Norinco and go for the Springfield loaded, Kimber or whatever upgraded model your looking at.
Click to expand...

+1

I like the idea of getting a tuned Norc via Armco for a basic "shooter". Personally, I wouldn't add a lot of mods to a Norc 1911A1-1. Better to put the money into a Springfield, Kimber, or the like... Just my .02
 
if you know you might sell it later don't invest too much money in to in; you won't get your money back...

This would be my suggestion....$750-800 :dancingbanana:

1911SS4.jpg
 
IM_Lugger said:
if you know you might sell it later don't invest too much money in to in; you won't get your money back...

This would be my suggestion....$750-800 :dancingbanana:

1911SS4.jpg
Click to expand...

:eek: :runaway: id take a Noc befor one them
 
pitdogboy said:
I would say yes...but I am no fan of Norc. Many will say a 'tuned' Norc is the way to go. A real 1911 will cost you more but imho some things are worth the extra $$$. It is a icon after all and something to be proud to show off.

$.02
Click to expand...

I am as humble as anyone and my opine is Norinco 1911s are a great platform. Either of my 'rincos, box stock, would shoot with Gold Cups. Regards, Richard:D

#1 'rinco:
ef726e5e.jpg


#2 'rinco:
fde37dd9.jpg
 
JB you should check out 1911 forum...the "other 1911s" forum has been dominated by PT1911! It's a HUGE hit in the US; every review I've seen so far has been positive, and rigth now only blue .45 is availabe. Can't wait for one in stainless. :)
 
trow the norc in the garbage and buy a para ordanance,smith and wesson or a kimber at the very least a sprinfield or a tarus please for your own sake you will never go back to norinco the good thing about a norinco is yo you can buy one shoot it for the weekend than throw it in the lake
 
Whether to build, or just go buy a better gun, it all depends on how you shoot, and whether you like tinkering.

It is possible that you buy a much more expensive gun, and still find that you can't shoot well with it. So you should rule out the possibility of shooting skill first.

Yes, Norincos are rough, and need a lot of "upgrades". I myself love massaging the guns, and I enjoy changing parts and doing refinishing. Although it is almost the same money as buying a better gun, and it is now still a Norinco, but I enjoy the process. And the Norc is cheap enough so I don't sweat when I make a mistake. Detail stripping and putting on new parts or polishing old parts are a lot of fun for me.

If you just need a good gun to shoot, and want the value in case you sell it later, you'd better buy one of the name brands.
 
What Norincos are you guys shooting? I bought one of the new Commanders from Armco last month and the fit and finish are not too far behind most mid-range 1911's. I'd go so far as to say that the fit and finish on the newer Norks is better than the low end Springers, which cost almost twice as much.

The Norinco is a VERY solid platform to build up a custom on. I say build instead of buy new!
 
krausb said:
I bought one of the new Commanders from Armco last month and the fit and finish are not too far behind most mid-range 1911's. I'd go so far as to say that the fit and finish on the newer Norks is better than the low end Springers, which cost almost twice as much.
Click to expand...

This is true. I was extremely impressed with the finish of the new Commander, holds it's own agaist the midline Kimbers and similar. My gun is Armco prepped, which is THE way to go. Keep your Norc, upgrade it, and have fun doing so, then shoot the piss outta it. Don't worry about resale, nobody in their right mind would sell a .45 1911 :)
 
IM_Lugger said:
JB you should check out 1911 forum...the "other 1911s" forum has been dominated by PT1911! It's a HUGE hit in the US; every review I've seen so far has been positive, and rigth now only blue .45 is availabe. Can't wait for one in stainless. :)
Click to expand...

And on the up-side on this Taurus, if one should have a small part breakage, repairs should be simple enough given that it is afterall a 1911 pistol. Parts are a plenty. Same can't be said for other Taurus offerings. ;)

But... if it's going to retail for ~ $800 I'd sooner add $200 and get a Para SSP single stack myself. :eek:
 
If I spend 800-1000 for a low end Springfield or Para, I rather spend 200 more for a STI Trojan. Norincos are excellent buy for the money. I am very happy with my two Norincos.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom