What do you think of the Norinco .45 ACP?

Question

Ok I know it's made in China but I just got a really good deal on this pistol.

Answer 1

I personally have ever handled these guns, but they seem to be selling all these years, hopefully they work.

Answer 2

Well, it's like this. I AM a big 1911 fan. I recall the Norinco 1911's when they were coming into the country, and I recall Gun Tests magazine gave it a good review. That used to really mean something back then. Gun Tests didn't accept any advertizing, and would tell you the truth about a gun. If a Major Brand 1000$ gun sucked, they'd tell you it did. If a bargain brand gun was a great performer, they'd tell you that, too. 325.00 is a pretty good price for any 1911 clone - here's what I'd do. I'd arrange to put about 100 rounds through it, and if it performed well, and you are comfortable with it, I'd buy it. The 1911 may be almost a hundred years old as a design, but it's still one of the best defensive pistols ever made, and a .45 beats a .38 in stopping power hands-down.

Answer 3

Depends on what the intended purpose is

Metal on the Norks slides and frames - very strong.
Some internal parts, like many low dollar and some mid range dollar weapons, use MIM parts... some don't like MIM parts in any weapon.. some could be replaced at a reasonable price

The fit and finnish of the Nork is a little rough, but the weapon is a fine shooting weapon... this also depends on the previous owner, maintenance, etc.


If you have any issues, take it to a competent pistol smith, have them review the internals...lighten the trigger a little

Makes a great little shooter. Have seen a few customized. The hard surface of the Norks makes this a little more difficult, but not impossible

Answer 4

I bought one because of the price, never had any complaints with it. The metalurgy is just fine on them contrary to what another poster has said, the metalurgy on the M1-A made by Norinco was crappy but not the 1911. I also own Series 70 Colts, Para's, Walthers, et al.... Get it and enjoy it.

Answer 5

I have seen guys compete with tricked out older Norinco .45's.

They are made a lot better then most low dollar 1911's.

If our government hadn't put the embargo on Chinese firearms a few years back you would be getting a lot more positive reports about them.

Miketyson26

Answer 6

You get what you pay for. I haven't any experience with Norinco, but the Llama 1911 I had one time was a good deal for a piece of s**t. If you want something reliable, stick with the Springfield Armory, the Kimber or the Para Ordnance. Notice I didn't say Colt because I had 1 of them too and it wasn't worth shooting either.

Answer 7

The metallurgy in china is substandard. That means the the metal used in their export firearms was "softer" than that of other countries. This leads to excessive wear, and eventually failure of parts in the firearm. I have heard of the metal being "hardened" by U.S. companies which would help, but I'm sure it costs a fair amount to do.
I've seen Chinese SKS's fail catastrophically, I've seen Norinco .45's with disconnectors so thin they look like razor blades, and I've seen them go full auto, firing a full mag with one pull of the trigger. This results in the pistol eating itself.

Answer 8

Matt....It is the man making decisions and actions behind the gun you should bet your life on, not the gun.

Since seeing the top receiver of one of those things sitting in the middle of a range lane after firing, I wouldn't pack it but who am I to judge.

Answer 9

Well, you get what you pay for. . .

If all you are going to do is play at the local range with it, then it's a good deal. If you are going to bet your life on its reliability and accuracy, better buy some extra rabbit foot charms. . .

Answer 10

decent pistol for under 200