Years ago my first 1911 was an RIA that wouldn't run, and after 50 rounds, the sear literally crumbled into dust. It never ran right despite the internals being replaced by high-end components.
After that, I bought a Springfield GI model. It was ok, but still wouldn't get through 100rds without choking. I sent it back to SA for warranty work on the reliability and a Black-T finish. It came back looking badass but the finish was so thick, the gun wouldn't cycle properly, the slide often slowing down to a crawl after firing, only to return completely to battery after about a second or so. Absolute BULLSHIT.
I also bought a Stainless TRP that was very accurate but expensive and still not 100% reliable, although it had a better record than the GI. It was also very picky about ammo.
So when I saw a used Norinco at the local shop, I hesitated. I had heard about their reputation, and after a few hours thought, decided to grab it. It was a little beaten up, had a HUUUUGE idiot mark on the side, but seemed clean and relatively unused. It had slick plastic grips, which I have recently replaced with walnut. The sights are small but taller than GIs, and have white dots painted on as well.
I've put a few hundred rounds through it to date, and can't believe how well it runs. It will feed ANYTHING. From ANY magazine. I have a mixture of Mec-Gar, Metalform, WC, Cobra, and plain old USGI 7rd mags. It chews through them no problem at all. It fired a box of Wolf 230gr ball without hesitation, no slide drag, no "bump into battery" taps needed, just BANG BANG BANG BANG, over and over again. This was after several range sessions without cleaning, mind you.
I've handled a few Norcs at gun shows since buying mine, and they all seem to be made well and have nice, smooth actions. It's amazing what cheap Chinese labor can accomplish, isn't it? If you find one, my advice is to jump on it. They're usually found for well under $500. I have heard that lots of people use them for builds, but from what I've seen and read, they are fine pistols on their own.