Turning a whore into a Lady: My Norinco 1911 rebuild
- Thread starter Spanky
- Start date
RANGE UPDATE
I finally shot the pistol in its current configuration, about halfway into the project. I was extremely impressed with results so far. Having owned a couple Norinco 1911s I know they can be unreliable. I shot just over a box of rounds through it. Not a single issue, it functions like a dream. Accuracy is OK, but it can be tightened up with more work. I was getting roughly 4" groups at 10 yds. It's a nice heavy handgun and it has no more recoil than my Sig 226 9mm.
Cheers
John
I finally shot the pistol in its current configuration, about halfway into the project. I was extremely impressed with results so far. Having owned a couple Norinco 1911s I know they can be unreliable. I shot just over a box of rounds through it. Not a single issue, it functions like a dream. Accuracy is OK, but it can be tightened up with more work. I was getting roughly 4" groups at 10 yds. It's a nice heavy handgun and it has no more recoil than my Sig 226 9mm.
Cheers
John
Current pictures:
Back end with the checkered MSH:
I can't install the beavertail grip safety or the commander hammer until I get the new hammer strut. Still waiting on a few other parts as well: Wilson Combat full length guide rod, Ed Brown perfection disconnector, Wilson Combat bulletproof sear springs, etc.
I also have a new Kart match barrel that I will have fitted by a gunsmith once I'm done with the other parts of my build. Also thinking about having the slide tightened and lapped to the frame.
Once all that is done, I am thinking of installing night sights, and also getting a nitron black finish.
Cheers
John
Back end with the checkered MSH:
I can't install the beavertail grip safety or the commander hammer until I get the new hammer strut. Still waiting on a few other parts as well: Wilson Combat full length guide rod, Ed Brown perfection disconnector, Wilson Combat bulletproof sear springs, etc.
I also have a new Kart match barrel that I will have fitted by a gunsmith once I'm done with the other parts of my build. Also thinking about having the slide tightened and lapped to the frame.
Once all that is done, I am thinking of installing night sights, and also getting a nitron black finish.
Cheers
John
John you mentioned that you can't install the beavertail grip safety or the commander style hammer until you have the new hammer strut. Why is that?
I've got a Norinco on the way and I've already got the hammer and grip safety. I haven't picked up a hammer strut. Did I miss something? Why can't the old strut be used with the new equipment?
I've got a Norinco on the way and I've already got the hammer and grip safety. I haven't picked up a hammer strut. Did I miss something? Why can't the old strut be used with the new equipment?
In theory, it would be possible to remove the existing hammer strut and use it with your new hammer, but Norinco peens in the hammer strut pin, making it extremely hard to remove. I actually broke my punch trying to get this pin out. I recommend saving yourself the trouble, and getting a replacement hammer strut and pin (s).
Here are the parts I ordered from Brownells:
http://www.brownells.com/handgun-pa...r-struts/1911-auto-hammer-strut-prod1351.aspx
http://www.brownells.com/handgun-pa...factory-plus-hammer-strut-pins-prod41844.aspx
As for the beavertail grip, it won't work with the factory hammer because of it's shape.
Also, unless you got a "drop in" beavertail grip safety, you will need to modify the 1911 frame (grind off some metal) to make the beavertail fit.
Here's a jig (guide) to use if you go that route:
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...uto-beavertail-installation-jig-prod1319.aspx
Cheers
John
wayupnorth
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Northern Alberta
umm.... i thought that they came that way to prevent them from fireing out?
even my kimber is like that.
Well I'll be damned!
I just looked this up, and you are correct - many of them come kinked
"GI spec calls for a kink so the plunger isn't as easily lost in the field.
The kink is also somewhat variable and can alter the feel of the thumb safety and/or slide lock.
If you want a kink. Kink away. "
Cheers
John
Thanks John. Given that I don't have my Norinco yet I had no idea about the peening of the hammer strut pin. I'll just order a new set now. Thanks for the info.
I did get a "drop in" beavertail grip safety from Wilson Combat, so I'm hoping it'll fit as it is.
Yeah I got a "drop in" Wilson Combat beavertail as well, it looks like it fits without any problem, but I need to assemble it with the commander hammer to know for sure.
Cheers
John
I absolutely love Hogue grips, particularly the finger groove ones. I even swapped out the grips on my C8 and Browning Hi-Power with Hogue grips while in Afghanistan. It's not as pretty as the fancy wood or pearl grips, but I find them a lot more functional.
Once they're on the market I'm looking forward to trying the Magpul 1911 grips:
Cheers
John
Have you any idea when those grips will be on the market Spanky?? I'd love to try them, seeing as how I can't hit the mag release with my right thumb without changing my firing grip on my Norc 1911A1. That just might provide the clearance I need without having to go to an extended mag release (which I just might do anyway) or an ambi mag release.
So fall 2014 then.
FWIW, I just got my Wilson Combat beaver tail grip safety and can confirm that it DOES drop right in with no mods to the actual frame... BUT it will NOT work with the factory norinco hammer. I tried shaving about 2mm off the tip of the hammer and its just not going to work without removing MOST of the hammer. So... you gotta go with the upgraded hammer (and strut pin apparently) to use the beavertail. However, it DOES drop straight into the frame. SO thats good.
Better than good, that's great! So can a fellow just order everything he needs from the States and have it shipped NP? I like the gun, but the trigger just sucks, there is no way around it other than Ed Brown, Wilson...krist anyone has to be an improvement to stock.
10 yds and all I could do to keep 5" groups left and low (trigger), the 5" groups I also attribute to the trigger, I'll assume the 2000lbs pull had affected my accuracy to some degree
Did I mention the sights suck goats nutz as well?
10 yds and all I could do to keep 5" groups left and low (trigger), the 5" groups I also attribute to the trigger, I'll assume the 2000lbs pull had affected my accuracy to some degree
Did I mention the sights suck goats nutz as well?
eldenhiemer
Member
- Location
- Nova Scotia Canada
These are some cool looking gear...keep it up!
Inspired by your quest to build a nice 1911 I have succumbed to the wiles of Canada Ammo and bought yet another .45.
A good waste of time. But after all..... I am the Norincodude.
A good waste of time. But after all..... I am the Norincodude.
