Norinco 1911 questions from newbie
- Thread starter elktonjohn
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1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
It's not necessarily well-worn. With bad enough vertical lug engagement, I've seen that much deformation occur in as little as 500 rounds.
2XS! Good to see ya surface again. I trust that the Rehab Nork is still rompin' and stompin' and shuckin'em as per the desideratum?
2XS! Good to see ya surface again. I trust that the Rehab Nork is still rompin' and stompin' and shuckin'em as per the desideratum?
elktonjohn
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Thanks for everything guys...since I hate it when a gun, or any other machine is getting eaten up with use I think I'll save up and get it fixed properly. I'll do some reading and get it tuned up and post results...in a while...Oye...and again thanks, John
Toforo
Member
I personally think it's worth fixing....
They aren't "around" anymore - banned in the US in 1993 by Clinton.
Every year, they get harder and harder and harder to find.....
.....and once you get it fixed, it IS a tac-driver.
A "WORKING/FUNCTIONING" Norinco is only going to increase in value here in the U.S. due to it's lack of availability - there are a limited number in circulation and that number is NOT going to increase.
Good move in my oppinion....
...and, if you get an NEW barrel - KEEP THE old one, especially since it's a Norinco barrel in the gun now (THE "M P" on the side of the barrel indicates that it is - if, on the opposite side of the barrel, it has the last 4 digits of the gun's serial number, then you have a matching ORIGINAL barrel from the factory) - so hang onto it after replacing it, even if it's unusable.
schmeky
Member
Here's what you can potentially expect from that "worn" Norinco. This is my own personal Norc after I installed a Kart National Match Barrel (not the E-Z fit) and an Ed Brown bushing. The slide to frame fit is typical mil-spec, i.e. it rattles a little. So don't get rid of a forged steel gun with so much potential.
Overall for the cost of what a new kart barrel and bushing and having it fitted, is not worth it, unless you could get a good deal from someone knowledgeable like 1911 tuner.
Most smith's don't do barrel fitting and finding one locally, that you can trust or that will do the work reasonalbly priced is difficult to do.
Your going to have to put at least another $300-$350 into the gun and even after you finish it. The gun will still only be worth $400-$450.
Just sell the gun locally on the backpage.com they have a good sporting good section that allows guns to be sold for free.
You should be able to get $350-$400 for the gun and take the money you get and buy a SA range officer for $750 or even a RIA tacticle for around $500, would be better than sinking any more money into the norinco.
Treat the small amount of money you lost, as a lesson , and don't buy any low end guns used anymore, if you buy used stick with the top names and you usually don't have any issues, like colt , remington, ruger, mossberg, SA, kimber etc.
Most smith's don't do barrel fitting and finding one locally, that you can trust or that will do the work reasonalbly priced is difficult to do.
Your going to have to put at least another $300-$350 into the gun and even after you finish it. The gun will still only be worth $400-$450.
Just sell the gun locally on the backpage.com they have a good sporting good section that allows guns to be sold for free.
You should be able to get $350-$400 for the gun and take the money you get and buy a SA range officer for $750 or even a RIA tacticle for around $500, would be better than sinking any more money into the norinco.
Treat the small amount of money you lost, as a lesson , and don't buy any low end guns used anymore, if you buy used stick with the top names and you usually don't have any issues, like colt , remington, ruger, mossberg, SA, kimber etc.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Here's a 14-shot group that kartracer's Norinco shot from a rest after I peened the rails at the front just a little to reduce vertical play, and fitted a Kart barrel into.
14 shots. No throwing the first shot away to eliminate the accursed 1st round flyer. Just load up two magazines...drop the slide...and start shooting. The ammunition was off the shelf PMC hardball.
As is par for my barrel fitting, I didn't approach it purely with accuracy in mind, and I wasn't all that careful. I usually fit them just a bit looser than most match-grade fits because...well...because that's the way I do things.
And now, the decision rests with you, sir.
14 shots. No throwing the first shot away to eliminate the accursed 1st round flyer. Just load up two magazines...drop the slide...and start shooting. The ammunition was off the shelf PMC hardball.
As is par for my barrel fitting, I didn't approach it purely with accuracy in mind, and I wasn't all that careful. I usually fit them just a bit looser than most match-grade fits because...well...because that's the way I do things.
And now, the decision rests with you, sir.
I vote for keeping and fixing your Norinco. You’re not limited to finding a local gunsmith; use the internet and UPS to have a tougher-than-average tack driver made.
Greetings Tuner! Yup, the Rehab Nork is still runnin’ strong! The second “new” hammer has seated in nicely and I look forward to getting some quality time with that pistol this summer.
Greetings Tuner! Yup, the Rehab Nork is still runnin’ strong! The second “new” hammer has seated in nicely and I look forward to getting some quality time with that pistol this summer.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Excellent news! See ya next trip.
Skylerbone
Member
14 chances and he never hit that quarter! Sell now! Sell now!
schmeky
Member
xr1200,
With all due respect, a Springfield or a RIA is not going to "out accuracy" any 1911 with a properly fitted barrel. RIA's are cast, nothing wrong with this, but forged is preferable.
Nothing in the $750 range, ala Springfield Range Officer, will get you in the match grade accuracy category.
So get a $400-$450 norc; a match barrel install should run around $300.00, and now you have a forged steel, true series 70 tack driver for around $700-$750.00.
You could do a lot worse.
With all due respect, a Springfield or a RIA is not going to "out accuracy" any 1911 with a properly fitted barrel. RIA's are cast, nothing wrong with this, but forged is preferable.
Nothing in the $750 range, ala Springfield Range Officer, will get you in the match grade accuracy category.
So get a $400-$450 norc; a match barrel install should run around $300.00, and now you have a forged steel, true series 70 tack driver for around $700-$750.00.
You could do a lot worse.
NMGonzo
Member
You are going to get better pretty soon.
Try to aim for one spot.
Try to aim for one spot.
Skylerbone
Member
A few holes in a log at dusk in a 6" spread doesn't make someone a bad shot. If protection and proficiency is what you're looking for there's nothing wrong with buying a second pistol for now and rebuilding what you have later. I say this because lead time for good smiths can frustrate those not used to them and bad people don't wait for your preparation.
If you prefer to pass on what you have perhaps a trade back to the shop you bought it at might be in order. As Tuner stated it's up to you. Keep in mind that what you have may well be made into an amazing shooter and heirloom pistol not easily replaced at twice the cost.
If you prefer to pass on what you have perhaps a trade back to the shop you bought it at might be in order. As Tuner stated it's up to you. Keep in mind that what you have may well be made into an amazing shooter and heirloom pistol not easily replaced at twice the cost.
elktonjohn
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We've got at least one gunsmith with a good rep here in the Shenandoah Valley of Va...and oddly enough one of his old signs was stolen and ended up at my antique store so we've met and have an unusual friendship already. For whatever reason I just like this pistol and intend to have it looked at with an eye towards fixing it properly. 1911Tuner is pretty close by, perhaps he has the time and needs a project??
schmeky
Member
That's the best advice I've read in a long time
outerlimit
Member
Holy moly, I'd like you to look at my 1911 Norinco someday 1911Tuner, I didn't know you were a gunsmith, I thought you just a competition shooter. What was the distance of those shots, my 1993 Norinco is bit more innacurrate than my MKIV mid-80's vintage series 80 Colt with the stock collet bushing, but it's a good gun regardless. The chrome lined barrel gives it a little extra velocity too. Just not as accurate of a gun though. But totally reliable with the 250 or so rounds that have been fired out of it. Even reliable with an 18.5lb Wolff recoil spring. I only shoot 230gr. standard pressure ammo and +P 230gr. though, I'm not in that class of strange people who shoot 185gr. and then come in gun forums and complain about why their gun is a piece of crap because it jams or doesn't cycle.
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1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
I'm not a gunsmith. I'm a mechanic. Sort of a "Level 2" armorer, I guess. Beyond simple parts changing, but not into full custom work. My area is also fairly limited to 1911 pistols...Smith & Wesson revolvers...and bolt-action rifles. Also pretty well-versed in the AR15/M16 family.
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