Safety First! – Preparation and Safety Checks
Essential Safety Gear
Protecting your eyes and ensuring a safe work environment is paramount. Here’s what you need to get started:
Safety Glasses: Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any potential debris or accidental discharge of springs.
Gloves: While not strictly necessary, gloves can help with grip and keep your hands clean. They can also protect your hands from lubricants and solvents.
Work Area: Choose a well-lit and clean area to work. A cluttered space is a dangerous space. A dedicated workbench, a gun mat, or a clean, clear surface is ideal.
Unloading and Safety Protocols
Before you even look at the internal components of your 1911, ensure it is completely unloaded and safe. These steps are critical:
Magazine Removal: Remove the magazine from the pistol. This removes the source of ammunition.
Slide Manipulation: Rack the slide fully to the rear and visually inspect the chamber. This action ejects any live round that may be present.
Chamber Inspection: Visually and physically confirm the chamber is empty. Use your finger (or a cleaning rod) to ensure it is clear.
Safe Direction: Maintain the muzzle pointed in a safe direction throughout the entire disassembly process.
Tools You Will Need
Basic Essential Tools
These are the must-have tools for basic field stripping:
Punch Set: A punch set is critical for removing pins. It should include a variety of sizes, including a roll pin punch, which is designed for the smaller roll pins.
Small Hammer: A small hammer is helpful for gently tapping punches.
Cleaning Rod or Non-Marring Tool: Sometimes, parts can be stubborn. A cleaning rod or a non-marring tool can help with these situations without scratching the finish.
Clean Work Surface: A dedicated workspace is essential to prevent damage.
Optional Tools to Enhance Your Experience
These tools can make the process easier, but are not strictly required:
Magazine Catch Disassembly Tool: Some magazine catch assemblies can be tricky to disassemble and reassemble.
Small Parts Tray: A parts tray keeps all the small components organized and prevents them from getting lost.
Gunsmithing Screwdriver Set: If your model includes grip screws or any other screws, a good screwdriver set will prevent damage to the screw heads.
Disassembly Steps: A Detailed Guide
Now that we’ve covered safety and gathered our tools, let’s get down to the mechanics of how to take apart your 1911. We’ll begin with field stripping.
Field Stripping Procedures
Field stripping is the basic disassembly needed for cleaning and routine maintenance.
Removing the Slide Stop
Align the Slide: Position the slide so that the slide stop notch is aligned with the slide stop pin.
Push Out the Slide Stop: Push the slide stop pin out from the frame. The direction in which it comes out may vary by manufacturer.
Remove the Slide Stop: Once the pin is out, the slide stop can be removed.
Removing the Slide and Barrel
Slide the Slide Forward: Once the slide stop is removed, the slide can be moved forward off the frame rails.
Remove the Recoil Spring and Guide Rod: Take out the recoil spring and the guide rod. Exercise caution as the spring is under tension.
Barrel Bushing Removal: Rotate or depress the barrel bushing to release it from the slide. This action can vary slightly depending on your 1911 model.
Barrel Removal: With the bushing removed, the barrel can be taken out of the slide.
Optional Disassembly
Some owners prefer to take the pistol apart further for more detailed cleaning or parts replacement. Be prepared, though, as there are more small parts to manage.
Optional Mainspring Housing Disassembly
The mainspring housing contains the mainspring which provides the force to drive the hammer.
Depress the Mainspring Housing Cap: If your 1911 has a mainspring housing cap or a retainer, depress it carefully.
Remove the Mainspring Housing Pin: Remove the pin that secures the mainspring housing.
Remove the Mainspring Housing Assembly: Carefully remove the mainspring housing assembly.
Removing the Grip Safety
The grip safety, designed to prevent accidental firing, is another part that can be removed.
Loosen and Remove the Grip Screws: Use a screwdriver to carefully loosen and remove the grip screws.
Remove the Grips: Carefully remove the grips from the frame.
Remove the Grip Safety: The grip safety can now be removed.
Advanced Disassembly: Slide Components
For those wanting to perform a deeper clean, consider the following (be very careful with the tiny springs and pins):
Front Sight Removal (If Applicable): You may need to remove the front sight if it’s being replaced or serviced.
Ejector Removal: Carefully remove the ejector.
Extractor Removal: The extractor is another critical component that can be taken out for cleaning or maintenance.
Reassembly: Putting it All Back Together
Reassembly is simply the reverse process of disassembly. Here’s a step-by-step approach, emphasizing order and attention to detail:
Slide Component Reassembly: If you’ve disassembled any slide components (extractor, ejector, front sight), put them back in the correct order.
Grip Safety Installation: Replace the grip safety and re-install the grips. Secure the grips using the grip screws.
Mainspring Housing Reassembly (If Applicable): Install the mainspring housing assembly.
Barrel and Bushing Assembly: Insert the barrel into the slide, followed by the barrel bushing.
Recoil Spring and Guide Rod Installation: Re-insert the recoil spring and the guide rod into the slide.
Slide Installation: Re-attach the slide to the frame.
Slide Stop Installation: Reinstall the slide stop and pin. Ensure the pin is securely in place.
Important Considerations and Helpful Tips
Navigating the disassembly and reassembly process requires patience and understanding.
Preventing Lost Parts
Losing parts is a common problem, especially with small components.
Part Preservation: Using a parts tray to organize the components you take off is vital. It helps prevent them from getting mixed up or lost.
Photographing Progress: Take pictures of each stage to help with reassembly.
Avoiding Damage
Forcing parts or using the wrong tools can damage your 1911.
Correct Tools: Use the right tools for the job. This will not only make the process smoother but also prevent damage.
Alignment Matters: Pay attention to the alignment of parts during reassembly.
Regular Cleaning and Lubrication
Consistent maintenance is the key to keeping your 1911 running smoothly.
Cleaning and Oiling: Always clean and lubricate your 1911 after disassembly and reassembly.
Lubricant Selection: Use high-quality gun oil or grease specifically designed for firearms.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with careful attention, problems can arise. Here’s some help.
Slide Stop Problems
Problem: Slide stop is stuck or won’t go in.
Solution: Check alignment and ensure the slide is properly seated.
Recoil Spring Issues
Problem: Recoil spring is difficult to compress.
Solution: Double-check orientation.
Hammer Issues
Problem: Hammer fails to cock.
Solution: Ensure the mainspring is correctly positioned.
Conclusion
Disassembling a 1911 can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes a manageable task. Now you are armed with the information needed to disassemble your own 1911 pistol. Remember, the most important aspects are safety and paying attention to detail. Continue to practice the process and study your firearm.
The 1911 has many different parts that need to be properly handled. As you familiarize yourself with this process, you will begin to understand the inner workings of your 1911. Consider investing in professional training if you desire. Don’t hesitate to reach out to online forums or professional gunsmiths for extra help.
Remember, understanding how to take apart a 1911 is an ongoing learning process. So go ahead, practice taking apart and reassembling your firearm!
