Norinco 1911A1 Research

J

Jim V

New member
A couple of things:

Does anyone have any idea when the Norinco "Model of the 1911A1"s were first imported into the US? They were not shown in any of the '92 annuals I have.

I have been attempting to determine the serial number range of the pistols (1911A1 and 1911A1 C) imported as well as the various importer markings.

Lowest number I've found to date is 309,XXX with importer marks of MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO, C.S.I. CA on the left side of the frame.

Highest number found so far is 614,XXX with the "MADE IN CHINA..." marking on the left side of the frame and S.S.I. ONT. CA on the right side of the frame.

If any one could help with my research, please PM me.

I want the serial number in the above format as well as the frame markings, (slide marks too if they are different than the "MODEL OF THE 1911A [Norinco Stamp] .45 AUTOMATIC").

Thanks
 
5149XX on one side of frame

Made in China by Norinco on the other

IAC BILLERICA, MA. On the dust cover on the bottom of the frame

The serial number is not too far from that of Jim's gun. Interesting that this one was apparently imported by a Massachusetts firm.

Mine has a gloss finish on the frame and a matte finish on the slide. Finish is overall pretty poorly done but functional...

Clemson
 
409xxx

CSI Ont. Ca.

I beleive I got mine around 85 or 86, for around 200 bucks. A lot of gun for the money. The finish on mine was exellent. I' ve tricked it out and won several matches with it.

I think Klinton banned them from export sometime during his regime.
 
Thank you, keep 'em coming.

Yep, Billie banned them during one of the investigations of his activities. Banned the smallest part of the PRC export/USA import trade.
 
Interesting question - - -

I believe I first saw/handled one in early '93--One of the guys at the sheriff's office had won it as a door prize and wan't sure what he had. I looked it over and it seemed well made, with a kind of muddy matte blue finish. I think I'd read about 'em for a year or so prior to that.

It was a long time before I ever fired one, and it ran flawlessly. I later read that a lot of guys were using the Norinco as a basis for building "Race Guns."

Coincidentally, I just shot one yesterday. Well, basically, it was one of these. Friend had one at the range. He had installed an extra slide he had, and had gone through the receiver, replacing and fitting parts as he went. It shot very well for me.

Best,
Johnny
 
Serial # 532XXX

Slide: Made in China by Norinco C.S.I. ONT.CA.

Purchased in 1995 I believe.

If God hadn't wanted man to have guns, He wouldn't have sent us John Browning!
 
Bought 4 of 'em back in '92.

I got them through Eagle Exim, of ATF ammo-seizure/blunder fame. $219.95 each. I purchased them for the express purpose of using them as donor guns for IPSC and carry pieces. All-consecutive serial numbers, 4110XX, rollmarked "MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO, C.S.I. ONT. CA."

The frames and slides were the only things I kept on these guns. Won more than a few IPSC limited-class matches with my "Gook Cup", too!
 
Jim,
I had one and sold it, great pistol but I sold it to get another toy. Here is the only info I have for it:

SN 4185xx
Matte blue finish, checkered brown plastic grips, had the lanyard loop on the curved mainspring housing. I can't remember the importer.
 
504844 MADE In CHINA BY NORINCO C.S.I. ONT.CA. replaced all springs,grips with Hogue rubber and put on flat mainspring housing and kept on trucking.Hasn't missed a beat .a lot less trouble than the colt series 70 I had at one time.Not very smooth but it makes a great truck gun.Not much lost if it gets gone.
Bill
 
norinco

I believe Bush baned norinco products because of a lot of SKS that were full auto that came into the country.:rolleyes:
 
Clinton did, by ordering BATFE to tighten up on the definition of "sporting purposes." The major target was the AK-47 semi-auto, but under a special order, everything Chinese came under the ban except some stuff like the Winchester 97 copy.

Jim
 
I'm new to the forums but I thought you might some info. I have two Norinco 1911A1 pistols.

Serial 90003X
Frame and slide both serial # marked on the right side
Slide left side marked: MODEL OF THE 1911A1 (Norinco star stamp) 45 AUTOMATIC
Frame left side marked: MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO. C.S.I. ONT. CA
Parked
wood grips

Serial 90905X
Serial number only present on the right side of the frame
Same model, make, manufacturer and importer's info as above
Blued
plastic grips
Have the box and it is serialed to the gun.

A buddy of mine wants to buy one of them. I'm trying to decide which to sell. They both are in just about new condition. The 90905X has the serialed box, spare mag still new in the plastic sleeve, cleaning brush and rod unused.

The 90003X doesn't have any of the other items but it is in even better condition (if that's possible) but it is the lowest serial number I've seen, is serialed on the frame and slide and the original grips are beautiful wood.

Which would you sell?

By the way, I believe that for quality and USGI Spec, these are extremely underated pistols.
 
Charles Daly was originally made in the Philippines by Armscor. I believe they're made in Israel now.
 
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