Chinese Type 54/Norinco 213?

[Kyle M.]

Are there any experts out there on the Chinese Type 54/Norinco 213? I'm looking at buying one from a local shop but it looks different than most I've seen. This one has vertical as opposed to angled slide serrations and checkered black grips. There are no markings on the slide whereas most have fairly pronounced markings. There is a serial # on the left of the frame above the grips, but also an import serial # after the importers name on the right. I've found mixed info on these. Some say they were all Type 54's that were converted to 9mm by Norinco then imported to the U.S. Others say the ones with less markings like this one are conversions from Type 54's whereas the more prolifically marked variations were commercial production for export. I've also read that B. West marked 213's like this one were only imported in 1988/89. Just curious for a little background if anyone has any.

Here's the one I'm looking at.





Most seem to look like this.

Information

Warning: This is a relatively older thread This discussion is older than 360 days. Some information contained in it may no longer be current.