Norinco 1911A1 Research

Jim V · May 29, 2002, 09:52 AM

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

James K · May 29, 2002, 10:19 PM

525xxx, MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO CSI ONT CA

Jim

Clemson · May 31, 2002, 09:00 AM

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

Watchman · June 2, 2002, 02:36 PM

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.

Jim V · June 2, 2002, 05:12 PM

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.

Johnny Guest · June 3, 2002, 05:03 PM

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

rob_helms · June 5, 2002, 02:33 PM

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!

Gewehr98 · June 8, 2002, 11:38 PM

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!

Greg G · June 9, 2002, 09:28 AM

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.

Jim V · June 17, 2002, 07:46 PM

bump

gagunner · June 28, 2002, 05:26 PM

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

Jim V · July 14, 2002, 08:43 PM

BUMP

Jim V · September 6, 2002, 08:28 PM

BTTT

Junkyard · December 21, 2008, 10:20 PM

Serial i have is 307,XXX hope thats helpful my emial is [email protected]

Sodbuster · December 22, 2008, 01:57 PM

The OP, Jim V, may be around here 6-1/2 years later.

However, I think he's found some info he wanted at http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=20095 Good stuff, Junkyard.

TEDDY · January 9, 2009, 05:14 PM

I believe Bush baned norinco products because of a lot of SKS that were full auto that came into the country.

James K · January 10, 2009, 01:30 AM

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

notstan · March 26, 2009, 01:42 PM

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.

redwing 40 · March 27, 2009, 12:03 AM

They were also imported and marked Charles Daley. That was after the Norinco was banned I think.

Hawg · March 27, 2009, 04:34 AM

Charles Daly was originally made in the Philippines by Armscor. I believe they're made in Israel now.

May 29, 2002, 09:52 AM	#1
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	Norinco 1911A1 Research 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 __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

May 31, 2002, 09:00 AM	#3
Clemson Senior Member Join Date: March 9, 2001 Location: Greenwood, SC Posts: 875	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 __________________ NRA Endowment Member, NRA Certified Instructor CWP Holder US Army veteran Gunsmith www.boltandbarrel.com

June 2, 2002, 05:12 PM	#5
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	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. __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

June 3, 2002, 05:03 PM	#6
Johnny Guest Moderator in Memoriam Join Date: August 28, 1999 Location: North Texas Posts: 4,123	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

June 5, 2002, 02:33 PM	#7
rob_helms Junior Member Join Date: June 1, 2002 Location: S.W. VA Posts: 12	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! __________________ Rob Helms

May 29, 2002, 10:19 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	525xxx, MADE IN CHINA BY NORINCO CSI ONT CA Jim

June 2, 2002, 02:36 PM	#4
Watchman Junior member Join Date: August 8, 2000 Location: ARKANSAS Posts: 484	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.

June 8, 2002, 11:38 PM	#8
Gewehr98 Senior Member Join Date: June 30, 2000 Location: Token Creek, WI Posts: 4,067	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! __________________ "Bother", said Pooh, as he chambered another round... Neural Misfires

June 9, 2002, 09:28 AM	#9
Greg G Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1998 Posts: 378	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.

June 17, 2002, 07:46 PM	#10
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	bump __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

June 28, 2002, 05:26 PM	#11
gagunner Member Join Date: June 25, 2002 Location: coastal Ga. Posts: 23	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

July 14, 2002, 08:43 PM	#12
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	BUMP __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

September 6, 2002, 08:28 PM	#13
Jim V Senior Member Join Date: January 31, 1999 Location: SE Michigan - USA Posts: 4,038	BTTT __________________ *MOLON LABE* If it ain't metal, single stack & single action, it ain't a 1911 no matter what it looks like. 1911 Forum THE TUBBY CURMUDGEON

December 21, 2008, 10:20 PM	#14
Junkyard Junior Member Join Date: December 21, 2008 Posts: 1	1911A1 Serial i have is 307,XXX hope thats helpful my emial is [email protected]

December 22, 2008, 01:57 PM	#15
Sodbuster Senior Member Join Date: September 26, 1999 Location: Wyo-Tana Posts: 1,298	The OP, Jim V, may be around here 6-1/2 years later. However, I think he's found some info he wanted at http://forums.1911forum.com/showthread.php?t=20095 Good stuff, Junkyard. __________________ Remember, many times what we view as a curse in the present turns out to be a blessing in the future. Don't worry about it a lot. Things have a way of working out. Trust me on this one. - - Uncle Bill Martino

January 9, 2009, 05:14 PM	#16
TEDDY Junior member Join Date: December 10, 2006 Location: MANNING SC Posts: 837	norinco I believe Bush baned norinco products because of a lot of SKS that were full auto that came into the country.

January 10, 2009, 01:30 AM	#17
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	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

March 26, 2009, 01:42 PM	#18
notstan Junior Member Join Date: March 26, 2009 Posts: 1	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.

March 27, 2009, 12:03 AM	#19
redwing 40 Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Posts: 73	They were also imported and marked Charles Daley. That was after the Norinco was banned I think.

March 27, 2009, 04:34 AM	#20
Hawg Senior Member Join Date: September 8, 2007 Location: Mississippi Posts: 16,188	Charles Daly was originally made in the Philippines by Armscor. I believe they're made in Israel now.