My Norinco (IAC) is the 1897 Riot model that lacks both the heat shield and bayonet lug but is otherwise the same shotgun.
This shotgun is indeed on the heavy side since it uses no aluminum alloys or polymer in its construction (no surprise as its essentially a clone of the original).
Mine has functioned perfectly from the get-go, though the action is a bit stiff. Though this doesn't affect the function, it does require a bit more attention when pumping (which contributes to a louder "cha-chunk!", a good or bad thing depending on your preference).
I'm not certain what kind of choke this shotgun uses, but perhaps modified or improved cylinder from what I've read. It will product fist size groups at hallway distances with #4 buck, so it's what I use. Overall, I'm quite happy with this shotgun. However, if I were wanting something strictly for defense and had no interest in any historical value, I'd eye something a bit more modern, perhaps a Mossberg 930 SPX (which is next on my list).
Bottom line, Norinco makes decent shotguns, just as they did with the SKS, AK and 1911 clones.