Norinco #2 Back from the smith

[daysleeprx]

I bought this pistol a few months back from another THR member. It came with the Nowlin sights already installed and the chrome finish, as well as a McCormick trigger, slide stop, and thumb safety.

I took it to the range and had some fail to feeds...which (as crazy as it sounds) was fine by me, because I wanted to replace a few things on it anyway.

So off it went to see Ed Vandenberg of Vandenberg Custom in Houston. (Ed also did the work on my other Norinco). I had him replace the trigger group with EGW parts (hammer, sear, d/c, sear spring), and replaced the Colt commander style grip safety (ducktail?) with an Ed Brown GS. I also had the trigger replaced with a Wilson combat trigger. (It's the same trigger I have on the other Norinco, so I thought it'd be good to have a trigger I like on both guns).

Ed installed everything and set the trigger at 4.5#. To address the FTF issues, he did a ramp/throat, deburred the slide, polished the breechface, and elevated the mag catch. He said that after he did these things, the gun will now feed empty cases. I plan to get it out to the range tomorrow (weather permitting...been rainy here lately).

Ed does great work...if anyone in the Houston area needs work done, I'd highly recommend him. On to the pics! Here's the new Nork next to its sibling.

 

[Whiteymin]

Very nice looking. I think it is better to sometimes buy smart and then customize it to how you want it. Instead of buying a big name brand (Colt, Kimber, etc.) You can be careful and buy a good piece and customize and be much happier.

 

[never_summer]

does he do other services? im thinking of getting a scheuman aet barrel but want the work to be local and not insanely expensive

 

[daysleeprx]

He provides a wide variety of services. Here's the website:

www.vandenbergcustom.com

If you have any questions shoot him an email, he's usually very good at getting back to you.

 

[daysleeprx]

Very nice looking. I think it is better to sometimes buy smart and then customize it to how you want it. Instead of buying a big name brand (Colt, Kimber, etc.) You can be careful and buy a good piece and customize and be much happier.

I totally agree...by picking out what I want, I get to have exactly the parts that I want in the gun, rather than "settling" for whatever Kimber, SA, Taurus, etc. puts in theirs (even if they might be of comparable quality).

 

[Zen21Tao]

I also have a Norinco and can attest to its quality. It is simply amazing. It is still stock and actually outshoots my Springfield "Loaded." Plus, it appears to be the only gun in its price range that the guys at Wilson Combat will work on.

Congradulations on a great find. IMHO, a custimized Norinco that shoots as well as a $2000+ gun is a beautiful thing.

 

[daysleeprx]

Range report:

Took the Nork out yesterday and put 200 rounds of mixed 230g Monarch (brass cased), 230g Golden Sabers, and 230g WWB JHP.

Ed's work lived up to his word, as the gun didn't choke once. I think this gun may be upgraded to nightstand status! Accuracy was good, although not quite as good as my other Nork.

As a quick aside, yesterday was the first time someone ever complimented me on my shooting and actually asked ME for advice! I was quite humbled (especially since I don't consider myself to be a great shot by any stretch of the imagination)!

 

[yongxingfreesty]

wow, they both look very nice! love the black controls on it.