Removing the Grip Panels
Before delving into the disassembly process, it’s crucial to ensure the firearm is unloaded. Check the chamber to confirm the absence of any live rounds. Once this safety measure is observed, proceed with the following steps:
- Locate the Panel Retaining Screws: On the 1911, the grip panels are secured by two screws located at the rear of the frame, underneath the hammer. These screws are typically flat-head or hex-head, and their sizes vary depending on the manufacturer. Use an appropriate screwdriver to carefully unscrew both screws and remove them completely.
To provide further clarity, the following table summarizes the screw locations and sizes for different 1911 manufacturers:
| Manufacturer | Screw Type | Screw Size |
|---|---|---|
| Colt | Flat-Head | #6-48 |
| Springfield Armory | Hex-Head | 1/4-28 |
| Kimber | Flat-Head | #8-32 |
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Separate the Panels: Once the screws are removed, you can separate the grip panels from the frame. Gently pry the left panel away from the frame using your thumb or a plastic pry tool. Repeat the process for the right panel.
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Inspect the Panels: Remove any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the grip panels or the frame. Inspect the panels for any damage or wear, and replace them if necessary.
Disassembling the Slide Assembly
To disassemble the slide assembly, follow these steps:
2. Removing the Firing Pin Assembly
The firing pin assembly is located in the slide. To remove it, follow these steps:
Caution: Do not remove the firing pin stop with a punch or screwdriver. This can damage the stop and cause the firing pin to fall out of the slide.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. | Depress the firing pin plunger with a tool such as a flathead screwdriver or punch. |
| 2. | Push the firing pin stop out of the slide with a roll pin punch or similar tool. |
| 3. | Remove the firing pin spring, firing pin, and firing pin stop. |
| 4. | Inspect the firing pin assembly for any damage or wear. |
Once the firing pin assembly has been removed, you can proceed to disassemble the remainder of the slide assembly.
Extracting the Barrel
The barrel is the heart of any pistol, and the 1911 is no exception. It is the component that fires the bullet and imparts spin, ensuring accuracy and stability. To extract the barrel, you will need to follow these steps:
1. Unlock the barrel from the slide: Pull back on the slide until it stops against the frame. There will be a small notch on the barrel that aligns with a corresponding notch on the slide stop. Push down on the slide stop and hold it down.
2. Separate the slide from the frame: While holding down the slide stop, tilt the pistol nose-down slightly. The recoil spring assembly will begin to slide out of the frame. Continue tilting the pistol until the slide is completely clear of the frame.
3. Remove the barrel: With the slide removed from the frame, turn the pistol upside down and shake it gently. The barrel will drop out of the slide. Be careful not to lose the barrel bushing, which may fall out with the barrel.
4. Inspect the barrel: Once the barrel is removed, inspect it for any damage or obstructions. Ensure that the rifling is clean and free of debris. If you find any damage or wear, it is recommended to have the barrel professionally inspected and repaired or replaced.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Unlock the barrel from the slide. |
| Step 2 | Separate the slide from the frame. |
| Step 3 | Remove the barrel. |
| Step 4 | Inspect the barrel. |
Removing the Recoil Spring and Guide Rod
To disassemble the recoil spring and guide rod, follow these detailed steps:
1. Remove the Barrel Bushing
Using a bushing wrench, loosen and unscrew the barrel bushing by turning it counterclockwise.
2. Remove the Slide
With the barrel bushing removed, pull the slide back slightly and lift it off the frame.
3. Remove the Barrel
Hold the slide and tilt the barrel up and out of the slide with the muzzle facing down.
4. Remove the Recoil Spring and Guide Rod
Locate the recoil spring and guide rod assembly at the back of the slide.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert a small, flathead screwdriver into the notch at the rear of the slide under the recoil spring assembly. |
| 2 | Gently pry down on the screwdriver to compress the recoil spring slightly. |
| 3 | Simultaneously, grasp the guide rod with your free hand and pull it out of the slide, along with the recoil spring. |
Disassembling the Firing Pin Assembly
Disassembling the firing pin assembly is a crucial step in maintaining your 1911. Follow these steps carefully to ensure proper disassembly:
1. Remove the Slide:
Pull the slide back and align the slide stop notch with the frame notch. Depress the slide stop and pull the slide forward off the frame.
2. Remove the Firing Pin Retaining Pin:
Use a punch or a small screwdriver to push out the firing pin retaining pin located at the base of the firing pin channel.
3. Remove the Firing Pin Assembly:
Grasp the firing pin assembly and pull it out of the slide.
4. Inspect the Firing Pin Assembly:
Examine the firing pin, firing pin spring, and firing pin retaining pin for any damage or wear. Replace damaged parts as necessary.
5. Reassemble the Firing Pin Assembly:
To reassemble the firing pin assembly, follow these steps:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. | Insert the firing pin assembly into the slide, making sure it faces the rear. |
| 2. | Insert the firing pin retaining pin into the base of the firing pin channel. |
| 3. | Ensure the firing pin retains spring is properly seated by gently pushing on the firing pin. |
Once the assembly is complete, reassemble the slide on the frame and check for proper function before live firing.
Separating the Frame and Slide
Once the safety is engaged and the magazine is removed, you’re ready to separate the frame and slide. This is essential for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance.
Step 1: Lock the Slide to the Rear
Grasp the slide near the rear sight and pull it back slightly. Engage the slide stop lever by pulling it up and over the slide notch.
Step 2: Grip the Frame
With one hand, firmly grip the frame around the beavertail or the front strap area.
Step 3: Pull Down on the Barrel Bushing
Using your other hand, locate the barrel bushing at the front of the slide. Pull down on the barrel bushing and rotate it clockwise about a quarter turn.
Step 4: Disengage the Slide Stop Lever
With the barrel bushing rotated, you can now lower the slide stop lever. Ensure it’s fully disengaged by pressing down on it and releasing it.
Step 5: Slide the Slide Forward
While holding the barrel bushing down, slide the slide forward off the frame. Be careful not to let the barrel bushing spring back into place.
Step 6: Remove the Recoil Spring Plug and Guide Rod
The recoil spring plug and guide rod are located inside the frame. Hold the pistol upside down and shake it gently to dislodge these components. The recoil spring plug will come out first, followed by the guide rod.
| Recoil Spring Plug | Guide Rod |
|---|---|
 |
 |
Once the slide and frame are separated, you can continue with further disassembly for cleaning or maintenance.
Removing the Magazine Release
1. Lock the slide back.
2. Depress the magazine release with a small tool, such as a punch or screwdriver.
3. While holding the magazine release depressed, use a punch or screwdriver to remove the roll pin from the frame.
4. Pull the magazine release out of the frame.
Removing the Safety
1. Remove the grip screws.
2. Remove the grips.
3. Remove the grip safety pin.
4. Remove the grip safety.
5. Remove the thumb safety lock.
6. Remove the thumb safety.
7. Remove the sear spring pin.
8. Remove the sear spring.
9. Remove the sear.
10. Remove the disconnect.
11. Remove the firing pin stop.
12. Remove the firing pin.
13. Reassemble the pistol in reverse order.
Disassembling the Hammer and Sear
To disassemble the hammer and sear:
- Remove the slide and barrel assembly.
- Remove the mainspring housing.
- Remove the grip safety.
- Remove the sear spring.
- Remove the sear.
- Remove the hammer strut.
- Remove the hammer pin.
- Remove the hammer.
- Remove the firing pin.
- Remove the firing pin stop.
- Remove the extractor.
- Remove the ejector.
No. 9: Removing the Firing Pin
The firing pin is a small, cylindrical part located in the slide. It is responsible for striking the primer of the cartridge and causing it to fire.
To remove the firing pin, follow these steps:
- Use a firing pin stop punch to depress the firing pin stop.
- Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grasp the firing pin and pull it out of the slide.
- Inspect the firing pin for any damage.
Replacing the Firing Pin
To replace the firing pin, follow these steps in reverse order:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Insert the firing pin into the slide. |
| 2 | Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to hold the firing pin in place. |
| 3 | Use a firing pin stop punch to depress the firing pin stop. |
| 4 | Release the firing pin stop punch. |
| 5 | Inspect the firing pin to ensure that it is properly seated. |
How To Disassemble A 1911
To disassemble a 1911, follow these steps:
- Unload the firearm. Make sure that the magazine is empty and that there is no round in the chamber.
- Remove the magazine. Depress the magazine release button and remove the magazine from the pistol grip.
- Depress the slide stop. The slide stop is located on the left side of the frame, just behind the trigger guard. Depress the slide stop until it is in the “down” position.
- Retract the slide. Grip the slide with your hand and pull it back until it is fully to the rear.
- Lift the slide off the frame. Once the slide is fully to the rear, lift it up and off of the frame.
- Remove the barrel. The barrel is located inside the slide. Grip the barrel with your hand and pull it forward until it is free of the slide.
- Remove the recoil spring. The recoil spring is located inside the slide, around the barrel. Grip the recoil spring with your hand and pull it forward until it is free of the slide.
- Remove the firing pin. The firing pin is located inside the slide, behind the barrel. Grip the firing pin with your hand and pull it forward until it is free of the slide.
- Remove the firing pin stop. The firing pin stop is located inside the slide, behind the firing pin. Grip the firing pin stop with your hand and pull it forward until it is free of the slide.
- Remove the hammer. The hammer is located inside the slide, behind the firing pin stop. Grip the hammer with your hand and pull it forward until it is free of the slide.
- Reassemble the pistol. To reassemble the pistol, follow the steps above in reverse order.
People Also Ask About How To Disassemble A 1911
Q: What tools do I need to disassemble a 1911?
A: You will need a flathead screwdriver, a punch, and a hammer.
Q: How do I remove the firing pin from a 1911?
A: To remove the firing pin from a 1911, first remove the slide. Then, grip the firing pin with your hand and pull it forward until it is free of the slide.
Q: How do I reassemble a 1911?
A: To reassemble a 1911, follow the steps above in reverse order.
