Norinco

[chrisdutton]

Pretty sure I lucked out!

Picked up a Norinco 1911 .45acp single stack 5". For $350 used

Best firing weapon I've ever shot. And it's super tight, no rattle, no slop, almost feels...new. Wierd.

Anyone know a way to look up the year of manufacture by serial number?

Any history or reviews of these?

[morrcarr67]

You got a winner at a good price. Many gunsmiths really like using these as a base for custom projects.

[BEE]

Congrats! Awesome find and a good deal.

[I Swan]

They were imported circa late 1980's to about 1994-95 when imports of most Chinese guns were stopped by executive order. They're worth $450-550+ they are desired for custom builds. Very high quality steel.

[hambam105]

Ain't saying this is true.

Circa mid to late 1980's, China made a big batch of 1911s and sent them to America. ATF throws the yellow importation flag. The Chinese 1911s are then re-routed to the Philippines where, legally, serial numbers where changed to comply with US importation rules & regulations by adding the letter, 'P' to the serial number. So the letters, 'P' or a 'R', are often seen on the 1911s the OP is referring to.

Some big name production custom 1911s of that time where made from these off shore 1911s. When the new owners heard of this scuttlebutt most were not happy.

If you heard it on the interweb you know it's true.

So now you have one more internet story to go along with your recently purchased 1911. Have fun shooting with the new addition to your arsenal.