How To Disassemble A 1911

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Tools and Preparation

Tools required:

  • Punch Set: A punch set is a set of tools used to drive out pins from the 1911. It typically includes punches of various sizes and shapes.
  • Screwdriver: A flat-head screwdriver is needed to remove the grip screws.
  • Allen Wrench: An Allen wrench is used to remove the grip safety and the magazine release.
  • Hammer: A small hammer is used to tap out the pins.
  • Cleaning Rod: A cleaning rod is used to push out the slide stop pin.

Preparation:

Before disassembling the 1911, ensure that it is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Check the chamber to verify that it is empty.

Find a clean and well-lit workspace. Spread out a towel or cloth to protect the parts from scratches.

Gather all the necessary tools. Organize them within easy reach to avoid interruptions during the disassembly process.

Safety Precautions:

  • Always wear safety glasses when using tools.
  • Be careful not to lose any parts during disassembly.
  • If you encounter any difficulty, refer to a qualified gunsmith.

    • Removing the Barrel

    1. **Depress the Slide Stop:** Using your thumb or a tool, press down on the slide stop lever, which is located on the left side of the frame, just above the trigger. This will allow the slide to move back slightly.

    2. **Retract the Slide:** Use your other hand to grip the slide serrations and pull the slide back until it stops. The slide should only be moved back far enough to fully disengage the barrel from the slide.

    3. **Lift the Barrel Link:** The barrel link is a small, spring-loaded pin that connects the barrel to the slide. Use your thumb or a tool to lift the barrel link up and out of its slot in the slide.

    4. **Twist and Remove the Barrel:** Once the barrel link is lifted, the barrel can be easily removed from the slide. Grip the barrel with your fingers and gently twist it clockwise or counterclockwise. This will loosen the barrel from the slide, allowing you to pull it straight out. Note that the barrel is seated within the slide’s barrel hood and needs to be tilted slightly to exit the hood during removal.

    Twist Direction 1911 Model
    Clockwise USGI, Colt, Sig
    Counterclockwise Springfield Armory

    5. **Inspect and Clean:** Once the barrel is removed, take some time to inspect it for any signs of wear, damage, or fouling. Clean the barrel and slide using a suitable cleaning solvent and lubricant to remove any debris or excess oil.

    Cleaning and Inspecting the Parts

    Once the 1911 is disassembled, it’s important to thoroughly clean and inspect each part before reassembly. This will help ensure proper functioning and longevity of the firearm.

    Cleaning

    Use a dedicated gun cleaning solvent and cloth to remove any dirt, debris, or fouling from the parts. Pay attention to the firing pin, extractor, and ejector as these areas are prone to accumulate residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that may damage the parts.

    Inspecting

    Carefully examine each part for any signs of wear, damage, or deformation. Check for any cracks, scratches, rust, or corrosion. If any issues are found, replace the affected part promptly to prevent malfunctions or safety hazards.

    Detailed Inspection of Parts
    Part Inspection Points
    Slide Check for cracks or deformation, smooth movement of the slide on the frame
    Barrel Inspect the bore for obstructions, rust, or pitting, check the rifling for wear
    Frame Examine for cracks or warpage, verify proper fit with the slide and other components
    Extractor Check for damage or wear on the claw, ensure it moves freely
    Ejector Inspect for any damage or deformation, verify proper spring tension

    Reassembling the Frame

    1. Stand the frame upright, holding it by the base of the grip.
    2. Insert the slide into the frame. It will begin to engage the rails and begin to move forward.
    3. Tilt the slide slightly down in the front.
    4. Push the slide forward onto the frame until the takedown notch is engaged and lines up with the slide stop pin.
    5. Insert the slide stop pin through the frame from right to left.
    6. Rotate the slide stop lever up.
    7. Insert the mainspring housing. The hole in the mainspring will need to line up with the hole in the base of the frame. This may take some wiggling and pressure to engage.

    7.1. Holding the mainspring housing upside down, engage the hole that is about 1/2″ from the top (muzzle end) of the housing with the cross pin.

    7.2. Rotate the mainspring housing upward as you guide the cross pin into the rectangular hole in the base of the frame.

    7.3. Turn the mainspring housing over so that the mainspring is now pointed down.

    7.4. Push the mainspring housing onto the frame until the leg of the mainspring housing is engaged in the hole in the base of the frame.

    8. Insert the magazine release through the frame from left to right.
    9. Insert the magazine catch spring into the frame.
    10. Insert the magazine catch follower into the frame.
    11. Insert the magazine catch into the frame.
    12. Insert the grip safety into the frame from right to left.
    13. Insert the thumb safety into the frame from right to left.
    14. Insert the firing pin stop into the frame from right to left.
    15. Insert the firing pin into the slide.

    Reassembling the Slide

    Reassembling the slide on your 1911 involves the following steps:

    1. Insert the Slide Release Lever

    Insert the slide release lever into its slot on the left side of the frame.

    2. Install the Grip Safety

    Insert the grip safety into its slot in the bottom of the frame. Push it upward until it clicks into place.

    3. Install the Hammer Strut

    Insert the hammer strut into its slot in the sear spring housing. Push it down until it clicks into place.

    4. Install the Slide Stop

    Insert the slide stop into its slot in the right side of the frame. Push it in until it engages with the slide.

    5. Position the Recoil Spring and Slide

    Position the recoil spring assembly over the barrel. Place the slide over the spring and barrel, aligning the slide stop pin with the slide stop.

    6. Insert the Barrel

    Insert the barrel into the slide. Push it in until it slides against the slide stop.

    7. Insert the Recoil Spring Plug

    Insert the recoil spring plug into the end of the recoil spring assembly.

    8. Engage the Slide Stop and Recoil Spring Plug

    Slide Stop Engaged Recoil Spring Plug Engaged
    Slide Stop Engaged Recoil Spring Plug Engaged

    Insert the slide stop pin back into its slot in the frame. Push in the recoil spring plug until it engages with the slide stop.

    9. Check the Slide Function

    Rack the slide to ensure it moves smoothly and locks securely in place.

    Installing the Barrel

    Now that the slide is off, you can install the barrel. To do this, first, insert the barrel into the slide, making sure that the lug on the bottom of the barrel fits into the corresponding slot in the slide.

    Next, push the barrel until it is about halfway into the slide. Then, rotate the barrel so that the lug on the top of the barrel fits into the corresponding slot in the slide.

    Finally, push the barrel all the way into the slide, making sure that it is fully seated. Once the barrel is installed, replace the slide onto the frame and reassemble the pistol.

    How to Disassemble a 1911

    Disassembling a 1911 pistol is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few minutes. However, it is important to follow the steps carefully to avoid damaging the firearm.

    To disassemble a 1911, you will need the following tools:

    • A 1911 disassembly tool (optional)
    • A small Allen key (optional)
    • A flat-head screwdriver (optional)

    Once you have gathered the necessary tools, you can begin the disassembly process. Follow these steps:

    1.

    Remove the magazine from the pistol and verify that the chamber is empty.

    2.

    Lower the hammer by pulling the trigger.

    3.

    Insert the disassembly tool (or Allen key) into the hole in the rear of the slide and push the slide stop pin out to the right.

    4.

    Pull the slide back and off of the frame.

    5.

    Lift the barrel out of the slide.

    6.

    Remove the recoil spring and guide rod from the barrel.

    7.

    Separate the frame and the mainspring housing.

    8.

    Remove the sear spring from the frame.

    9.

    Remove the hammer strut from the frame.

    10.

    Remove the hammer from the frame.

    11.

    Remove the trigger from the frame.

    12.

    Remove the sear from the frame.

    13.

    Remove the grip safety from the frame.

    14.

    Remove the beavertail grip safety (if equipped).

    Your 1911 pistol is now disassembled. To reassemble the pistol, simply reverse the steps above.

    People Also Ask

    How do you field strip a 1911?

    To field strip a 1911, follow the steps outlined above.

    How do you remove the slide from a 1911?

    To remove the slide from a 1911, insert the disassembly tool (or Allen key) into the hole in the rear of the slide and push the slide stop pin out to the right. Then, pull the slide back and off of the frame.

    How do you remove the barrel from a 1911?

    To remove the barrel from a 1911, lift the barrel out of the slide.

    How do you remove the recoil spring and guide rod from a 1911?

    To remove the recoil spring and guide rod from a 1911, remove the recoil spring plug from the bottom of the barrel. Then, pull the recoil spring and guide rod out of the barrel.

    Barrel Installation Steps
    Insert the barrel into the slide, making sure that the lug on the bottom of the barrel fits into the corresponding slot in the slide.
    Push the barrel until it is about halfway into the slide.
    Rotate the barrel so that the lug on the top of the barrel fits into the corresponding slot in the slide.
    Push the barrel all the way into the slide, making sure that it is fully seated.
    Replace the slide onto the frame and reassemble the pistol.