The Norinco is a Chinese copy of the original 1911-style Colt .45. Colt parts, and add-ons, are interchangeable with the Norinco. The main difference is metalurgy, which is far more advanced inthe United States (please excuse the jingoism :)). The frame may fail eventually, but I expect you will replace the barrel several times before this happens. Barrel life seems to be between 5k to 10k rounds, and costs around $150 - 250 to replace.
During my pistol class, which was the second time I shot it, I had six jams. Four were solved by slamming theslide from the rear, and two took some "jiggling" of the slide. I fixed the last two. One of the two magazines that came with the gun failed at the welds, the spring and all the bullets fell out. The instructor announced that "the Chinese just got another American."
Since then I have fired about 800 rounds. The only jams I've experienced have been with range reloads. It feeds hollowpoint and ball ammo well, and is reasonably accurate. New grips are a must; I have Pachmeyer which are comfortable and good looking. A throat and polish job may be desireable, or wait a few hundred rounds and let it "settle in". The trigger is awful. Don't scrimp on magazines: Colt and Wilson have worked the best.
If you want a cheap, reasonably reliable defensive weapon, this is the handgun for you.