Possible Norinco Purchase for light modification

[porky]

I was offered a very lightly used "Norky" for $400 today-

I understand that this is an excellent platform for modification because of the steel used to make them-

My questions are: (Feel free to answer any one or all)-

A) What would a light modification consist of/ would replacing the trigger only do much to make it a better competition gun?

B) What more in depth mods would you undertake for THIS specific weapon-

C) What parts should I never replace on this weapon-

D) In case of extensive mods, what parts would you use from the Norky and what would you replace and why-

E) How much would you spend to modify this specific weapon into a competition shooter(non bullseye).

Thank you for replies to these questions-I am interested in this weapon only. I feel that it is better than a Rock Island and with $200-400 in mods, it may outperform weapons that cost MUCH more than $800 while not being filled with MIM parts!- If you would like to argue this point, feel free to point out a $600-800 OTD weapon that may outperform a customized Norky-

P.S. This is not one of those threads where I already have an solid opinion and am seeking to defend it-I will listen to any and all logical/experienced input as I am not a current owner of a 1911 .45( I do have a nice 9mm in the 1911 frame), nor do I currently compete-

[Brendan Sullivan]

Norinco 1911A1? Norinco makes and copies vehicles, chemicals, explosives, machinery, and more than one firearm.

[chuckdc]

OK.. I have a "Norky" 1911 that I used for USPSA competition for a couple years. The mods I made were:
Replaced hammer, trigger, sear, disconnector (i'd go with a Chip Mccormick matched set, price is good and they're already "done")

Ed Brown beavertail grip safety

Wilson Ambi safety (could go with a Mccormick on this, too, and save a bit)

I changed the sights, but I don't know that I'd do that again.

I have a set of custom grip panels on it, too, again, that's up to you. I like wood panels for better grip.

It shouldn't cost more than a couple hundred total in parts, and the only thing on the list that really needs gunsmith work is the grip safety. The rest is pretty much drop-in.

There is no real need to change the barrel, slide, etc. The 2 Norinco 1911s I have present are plenty accurate in the straight mechanical sense. I did the mods on mine mostly for ergonomics' sake. I would omit the guide rod, etc. It doesn't need anything special in the way of springs, just stock ones.

[porky]

Sorry about not explicitly stating 1911- I assumed most would understand based upon the info given-esp. the P.S.

Chuckdc- Thank you very much for your input on this matter- were the mods worth it and does it make your Norky perform like other, more expensive 1911's? Again, I don't shoot 1911 45s much, so I am not familiar with their expected performance-

I did call Jim Hoag a few minutes ago and I will meet with him tomorrow to get his input,but if I can do drop in work and save the money...

I REALLY like guns that outperform their price-

Saigas/sks over AR

Glock 17/19 over Sigs and Berettas in 9mm

Rock Island over lower end Springfields and S&W 45s

This Norky will cost less than a Rock Island and its reputation seems to indicate that it will be a great value as a stock piece and I hear it can be modded into something pretty special.

Although I can afford more expensive weapons, I would probably hesitate to use them as I see high end weapons more as art than tool!