Which 9mm?
- Thread starter Andyman
- Start date
What about "none of the above"?
I'm not a Norinco hater but I do recognize that they often have some portions that are done less well than the major brands. I've had a couple of Norinco guns and worked on a couple of others. I've seen examples of poor slide fits and small parts that work but don't fit well so they are hard to re-assemble after a strip down that I'd rather start out with a model from one of the more major players. And all the Norincos I've owned or handled all needed a serious amount of de-horning right out of the box to dub down and smoothen out every corner. As they come straight out of the box all the edges are razor sharp and the guns will draw blood just in normal handling if not handled with care. So an hour or so spent with a fine or extra fine slip stone going over every edge then rubbing on some cold blue is pretty much a "must do".
On the other hand if this is not your first gun and you're willing to work towards correcting some of these little detail failures that can come with the gun by all means fill your boots. Once tuned up so these little issues are fixed they tend to be solid guns and good performers.
I'm not a Norinco hater but I do recognize that they often have some portions that are done less well than the major brands. I've had a couple of Norinco guns and worked on a couple of others. I've seen examples of poor slide fits and small parts that work but don't fit well so they are hard to re-assemble after a strip down that I'd rather start out with a model from one of the more major players. And all the Norincos I've owned or handled all needed a serious amount of de-horning right out of the box to dub down and smoothen out every corner. As they come straight out of the box all the edges are razor sharp and the guns will draw blood just in normal handling if not handled with care. So an hour or so spent with a fine or extra fine slip stone going over every edge then rubbing on some cold blue is pretty much a "must do".
On the other hand if this is not your first gun and you're willing to work towards correcting some of these little detail failures that can come with the gun by all means fill your boots. Once tuned up so these little issues are fixed they tend to be solid guns and good performers.
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- British Canuckistan
while they're not Sig clones...you could consider something like the SAM Sigma 9 in 9mm. just a bit more than a Norinco and hands over hells better quality.
- Location
- British Canuckistan
exactly the point I wanted to make. buying the next step up does cost a wee bit more, but the quality of the pistol purchase is infinitely better. essentially, if you buy the Norinco, you'll will likely find yourself wanting to tweak it with aftermarket parts to fix what's wrong with it, which will end up costing you the same as buying better in the first place.
that Sigma 9 is going to be my first centerfire pistol. I'm buying it when I get back from my trip in July (need to save my fundages for the vaca). perhaps you should go to Wolverine's website, click on pistols, sort by price and then sort by caliber and take a look at the other options available to you. perhaps you'd be surprised to see the Alfa Project revolver in 9mm. you need moon clips to load it, but a super cheap way to shoot a revolver if you want something bigger then .22.
I recommend you:
1. Search this forum for anyone who OWNS or OWNED an NP22 or NP34 and see if they have anything negative to say about them.
2. If you choose to proceed getting a Norinco, buy whichever model you find for sale used first, preferably with a few magazines, shipped to your door for around $300-$350. If you don't like it, you can sell it for the same price and be out no money.
I love my NP34 and shoot defensive pistol with it. I've shot and handled Glocks, Berettas, Sigs, S&Ws, CZs, H&Ks and Rugers, and in my opinion, the Norc NP34 is a great value gun that can be used as effectively as any of those other brands.
1. Search this forum for anyone who OWNS or OWNED an NP22 or NP34 and see if they have anything negative to say about them.
2. If you choose to proceed getting a Norinco, buy whichever model you find for sale used first, preferably with a few magazines, shipped to your door for around $300-$350. If you don't like it, you can sell it for the same price and be out no money.
I love my NP34 and shoot defensive pistol with it. I've shot and handled Glocks, Berettas, Sigs, S&Ws, CZs, H&Ks and Rugers, and in my opinion, the Norc NP34 is a great value gun that can be used as effectively as any of those other brands.
I owned both. Also own a SIG 226. They worked perfectly. The full size was a little more accurate, but that could easily be gun to gun variation - not an indication that the 34 would always be less accurate.
The frame is alloy (just like a SIG) so it feels top heavy. I prefer the CZ75 or 85 and the Norinco clone of them. Solid steel guns.
The frame is alloy (just like a SIG) so it feels top heavy. I prefer the CZ75 or 85 and the Norinco clone of them. Solid steel guns.
Another vote for "None of the above."
I had a Norinco CQ-A, and while I never had any issues with it, it lacked in two key areas. One was the fit and finish. No getting around it. It was sloppy and ugly. Which leads to the other key area it lacked: Pride of Ownership. I never got the joy from handling it that I do when I pick up my Smith & Wesson revolver or my Glock Pistol (laugh all you want, I love my Glock).
When you handle a good handgun that is just right for you, you'll know where the extra money went.
I had a Norinco CQ-A, and while I never had any issues with it, it lacked in two key areas. One was the fit and finish. No getting around it. It was sloppy and ugly. Which leads to the other key area it lacked: Pride of Ownership. I never got the joy from handling it that I do when I pick up my Smith & Wesson revolver or my Glock Pistol (laugh all you want, I love my Glock).
When you handle a good handgun that is just right for you, you'll know where the extra money went.
Between those two, it doesn't make much difference. They're the same thing except for the barrel length being a whole 4mm different and that makes no difference at all. If the thing fits your hand buy either. Listen to Sobored.
Mind you, a firearm you have to finish like BC Rider says, shouldn't be on the market. In any country other than Canada there'd be lawsuits everywhere.
Mind you, a firearm you have to finish like BC Rider says, shouldn't be on the market. In any country other than Canada there'd be lawsuits everywhere.
Historically the norc 1911's ave needed a little finishing to make sweet to handle...but the np-22/34 seem great out of he box...if you have the spare $ go get he real thing, if not....you will not be disappointed with these models, shot the np-22 and sig226, latest version you would be hard put to tell apart...they are nearly that good...whatever you choose 'enjoy'.
Well I have had 2 - M305s, a M37 shotgun, a 12.5" Grizzly, and now an NP-34. Still have Grizzly and the NP-34. So all I can say if the newest batch of NP-34s from Reliable Tackle (Will) are nice!
Was bang on shooting at 15m did not need to drift the sights, functions/feeds perfectly. Love the 3 dot sights, being shorter it just feels right with the balance.
I added Hogue grips (35.00) and ordered a short reset trigger kit (60.00) and a extra mag (40.00).
The way I look at it for 379.00 I got a plastic case, 2 mags, a poly holster, and a 2 mag holder!!
Saving on this package allowed me to buy the goodies and if I change my mind big deal not like I am into it for much.
The trigger is a tad creepy, the double action is heavy but without a safety this is a must as the semi mode trigger is ok. Love the finish is pretty good grips made a world of difference all in all this is my fav pistol now.
Now I tried my friend's Glock again but just cannot get into the poly frame thing. When I shoot my SIG 228 clone it feels way more robust and beefy than a plastic frame don't fault me for being from a time when metal frames served armies well. I can honestly see why the SEALs chose this design it just feels right.
Hopefully only those who have actually handled and shot one of these will comment as there are WAY too many internet experts out there.
Ping Will at Reliable he has a Norc SIG clone with many thousands of rounds thru it and with the beefed up METAL slide/frame rails this thing is a tank.
Randy
Was bang on shooting at 15m did not need to drift the sights, functions/feeds perfectly. Love the 3 dot sights, being shorter it just feels right with the balance.
I added Hogue grips (35.00) and ordered a short reset trigger kit (60.00) and a extra mag (40.00).
The way I look at it for 379.00 I got a plastic case, 2 mags, a poly holster, and a 2 mag holder!!
Saving on this package allowed me to buy the goodies and if I change my mind big deal not like I am into it for much.
The trigger is a tad creepy, the double action is heavy but without a safety this is a must as the semi mode trigger is ok. Love the finish is pretty good grips made a world of difference all in all this is my fav pistol now.
Now I tried my friend's Glock again but just cannot get into the poly frame thing. When I shoot my SIG 228 clone it feels way more robust and beefy than a plastic frame don't fault me for being from a time when metal frames served armies well. I can honestly see why the SEALs chose this design it just feels right.
Hopefully only those who have actually handled and shot one of these will comment as there are WAY too many internet experts out there.
Ping Will at Reliable he has a Norc SIG clone with many thousands of rounds thru it and with the beefed up METAL slide/frame rails this thing is a tank.
Randy
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I don't have an NP-22, but I do have a Sig P226 and a NP-34. The finish on the Sig is a little nicer, and the trigger is quite a bit better. The NP-34 has a heavy, gritty DA pull, but the SA trigger is not bad at all [but not as light as the Sig]. The NP-34 is still quite shootable, and I'm hoping it smooths out with use.
Where the NP-34 really shines is its fit-to-hand and balance. With Hogue grips on it, the NP-34 feels as though it was designed with my hand in mind [I wear an XXL glove]. The larger gun is also a pretty nice fit with Hogue grips, but I like the NP-34 better.
I don't shoot 9mm much, and I got the NP-34 purely because I wanted an inexpensive 9mm pistol. I like it so much I'm tempted to start shooting more 9mm...and tempted to get a Sig P228 in .40S&W, which is my main cartridge choice.
Where the NP-34 really shines is its fit-to-hand and balance. With Hogue grips on it, the NP-34 feels as though it was designed with my hand in mind [I wear an XXL glove]. The larger gun is also a pretty nice fit with Hogue grips, but I like the NP-34 better.
I don't shoot 9mm much, and I got the NP-34 purely because I wanted an inexpensive 9mm pistol. I like it so much I'm tempted to start shooting more 9mm...and tempted to get a Sig P228 in .40S&W, which is my main cartridge choice.
Wish I had both to do a side by side comparison like you did.
Great to see accurate feedback Tengoo as it is the only way a person can really make an accurate comment on the NP-34 is to actually handle and shoot this pistol as I will not make a guess doesn't do anyone any good.
Thanks for providing an accurate review.
Randy
^^^This advice makes good sense to me. Since you're considering a 9mm (old school steel) I would suggest saving up for a used BHP.
Like others have mentioned….pay a little more now but you will get a lot more in the end. JMHO
