70 series or 80 series

[porto]

I have a norinco 1911A1 and want to buy an Ed Brown beavertail for it.
But my problem is that i don't know if i have an 70 series or 80 series. How can i find out what series 1911A1 i have?

Thank you,
Nelson

[robertbank]

Norincos are pre 70 series.

[stumbler]

Series 70 and 80 are Colt's models. The Series 70 has a barrel bushing that has "fingers". The Series 80 has a firing pin safety setup. Most Norinco's do not have the firing pin safety setup. Most of the series 80 grip safetys will work with a series 70 configured pistol.

[robertbank]

Have you ever scene a Norinco with a 80 series firing block? I know Para uses them but none of my Norincos have them. All are pre 70's the way Colt used to make them.

[porto]

So which Ed Brown beavertail would fit on my norinco?

[robertbank]

Anyone that will fit a standard Colt. I don't think any are drop in parts. Best to let a 'smith do it right. Doesn't cost all that much. Didn't for me anyway.

[1911Tuner]

Howdy Robert,

The Norincos are true to original design, and the correct part would be anything for a Series 70 or USGI. A grip safety marked as Series 80 will work though. It just won't work the other way around.

Luck!

Tuner

[RickB]

Exactly what tuner said; either grip safety will work on your gun; but a S70 safety won't work on a S80 pistol.

[1911Tuner]

For a full description, see the sticky at the top of the Colt section.

Cheeers!

[porto]

Thank You VERY much for all your help.
I'm going to put the order in after the new year and then bring it to a local gunsmith to put it on for me.

Happy New Year to all,
Nelson