Safety: The Unwavering Priority
Unloaded Condition
Before we even touch the pistol, let’s be absolutely clear: safety is paramount. Handling firearms demands respect, and the utmost care must be exercised at all times. No matter how familiar you are with the 1911, the safety principles are non-negotiable. Ignoring these precautions can lead to serious injury or even death. Therefore, let’s begin with the essentials.
First and foremost, *always* treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume it’s unloaded, regardless of what you might believe.
To ensure the 1911 is unloaded, begin by removing the magazine. Depress the magazine release button on the grip and fully extract the magazine. Next, cycle the slide to the rear, locking it open using the slide stop. Visually and physically inspect the chamber to confirm that it is completely empty. Feel the inside of the chamber with your finger if necessary (again, muzzle pointed in a safe direction). Only when you have verified that the chamber is empty can you proceed. This is non-negotiable.
Safe Handling Rules
Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. A “safe direction” is a direction where a negligent discharge would not cause harm or damage. In most cases, this means pointing the muzzle toward a solid backstop or a safe area.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. This is another fundamental safety rule that must be adhered to.
Be aware of your surroundings. Ensure that the area in which you are working is clear of other people and any objects that could be damaged by a potential discharge. A well-lit and uncluttered workspace is essential.
Finally, be aware of the specific safety features of your 1911. Most models have a grip safety, a manual safety, and a firing pin block. Ensure that these safety features are functioning properly.
Before starting, consider wearing eye protection to prevent any debris from entering your eyes during the process.
Assembling Your Arsenal: Essential Tools and Materials
Now that we’ve established the bedrock of safety, let’s gather the necessary tools and materials needed to successfully field strip your 1911. Fortunately, the process does not require an extensive collection of specialty tools.
You will need the 1911 itself. This might seem obvious, but it’s the foundation of the whole operation.
A magazine. While you’ll be removing it initially, you will need it eventually.
A cleaning rod or a bore brush attached to a cleaning rod. You’ll need this to clean the barrel.
Cleaning solution, gun oil, and a clean cloth or rags. Cleaning solution removes carbon buildup, gun oil lubricates the moving parts, and the cloth or rags are used to wipe down components. The type of cleaning solution and oil are a matter of personal preference; there are many excellent products available.
A small screwdriver, which might be needed for some models if your grip screws require them.
It’s also beneficial to have a small parts container on hand to organize all of the small components as you disassemble your 1911. This will help prevent loss and keep things organized.
A disassembly mat is helpful in keeping the various components contained, and will help to protect the finish of your pistol.
While not strictly necessary, a punch set can prove useful for removing stubborn pins, although these are not typically needed in the standard field stripping process of most 1911 models.
Getting Started: The Field Stripping Journey
Now, we embark on the exciting and critical path of actually **field strip a 1911**. This is the core of the operation, so take your time and work methodically. If at any point you are unsure about a step, consult your owner’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified gunsmith.
Begin by ensuring that your firearm is unloaded by following the safety steps outlined earlier. *Double-check*! It’s always best to be extra cautious.
With the magazine removed and the chamber checked, focus on retracting the slide. Grasp the slide firmly and pull it rearward until it locks back in the open position. At this point, you will notice that the slide stop lever is in the raised position.
Now, the slide stop lever needs to be removed. Looking closely, you’ll see the slide stop lever has a notch that it must align with a corresponding notch in the frame. Place your finger or a non-marring tool, such as a pen, behind the slide stop lever and press it from the right side of the frame toward the left. You’ll notice that the lever will then easily pull outward.
With the slide stop lever removed, the slide is now ready to be separated from the frame. Grasp the slide and pull it rearward, keeping it aligned with the frame rails. Once the slide is sufficiently rearward, lift it up and off the frame.
Disassembling the Slide: The Inner Workings
With the slide separated from the frame, the next phase is disassembling the slide itself. This involves removing the components that make up the heart of the pistol’s firing system.
First, we tackle the recoil spring assembly. Use your thumb to depress the recoil spring plug on the front of the slide, and then rotate the barrel bushing (the component that surrounds the barrel at the muzzle end) to unlock it. The recoil spring plug should then pop out, releasing the pressure from the spring. Slowly and carefully remove the recoil spring plug and the recoil spring itself. Be cautious as the recoil spring can be under significant tension. Wear safety glasses as pieces may fly.
Next, it’s time to remove the barrel bushing. The barrel bushing is the ring that surrounds the barrel and rests against the slide. The barrel bushing usually can be rotated, using a bushing wrench, and then pulled out. Note: Some 1911s have a full-length guide rod that may prevent this movement. Consult your owner’s manual to understand how to remove the guide rod, if applicable, before you continue. If your model does have a full length guide rod, you must remove the guide rod and then remove the barrel bushing.
With the barrel bushing removed, you can now remove the barrel. Simply slide the barrel forward and out of the slide.
The slide is now field stripped. You have successfully disassembled all the components that make up the firing system of your 1911.
Cleaning and Inspection: Maintaining Peak Performance
Now that the pistol is disassembled, it’s time to clean each component and inspect it for wear and tear. Proper cleaning and inspection are vital to the reliability and longevity of your 1911.
Begin by inspecting the frame. Carefully examine the frame for any damage, such as cracks or dents, especially in high-stress areas. Also, inspect the frame rails for any wear or damage.
Next, examine the slide. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or excessive wear. Check the slide rails for any gouges.
Thoroughly inspect the barrel. Pay particular attention to the bore (the inside of the barrel). Look for any obstructions, such as lead fouling or rust. Use a bore light to help illuminate the bore.
Using the cleaning solution, cloth, and bore brush (if needed), clean each component meticulously. Pay close attention to any areas where carbon buildup is likely to accumulate, such as the barrel, slide rails, and the breech face.
Once all components are clean, wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess cleaning solution.
Reassembly: Bringing the Pieces Together
With all components cleaned and inspected, it’s time to reassemble the 1911. The process is essentially the reverse of the disassembly procedure. Take your time, and double-check each step to ensure that the components are correctly aligned and seated.
Begin by inserting the barrel back into the slide.
Next, reinstall the barrel bushing, ensuring it is properly seated.
Reinstall the recoil spring and recoil spring plug, carefully seating them in the correct position.
Then, carefully align the slide with the frame rails and slide it back onto the frame.
Once the slide is fully on the frame, ensure the slide stop is inserted through the frame and slide.
Once assembled, test the slide. Push the slide back to the rear, locking it open, using the slide stop. Release the slide, and ensure that it slides forward smoothly. Check the trigger function.
After reassembling, perform a function check. This is crucial to ensuring that the 1911 functions correctly and safely. Check to see if the hammer is properly cocked and the trigger functions. Ensure that the safety features are functioning correctly.
Lubrication and Preservation: Long-Term Care
To ensure your 1911 remains reliable, you must lubricate it appropriately. Use gun oil, and apply it to all the moving parts, such as the slide rails, barrel bushing, and hammer. Be careful not to over-lubricate the pistol. Excessive lubrication can attract dirt and debris, which can hamper the firearm’s operation.
How often you should field strip and clean your 1911 depends on how often you use it. If you frequently fire your 1911, you should clean and lubricate it after each range session. If the 1911 is stored, perform regular inspections and cleaning as needed.
Proper storage is also critical to the long-term health of your 1911. Store the pistol in a secure location, away from moisture and extreme temperatures. The 1911 can be stored in a gun safe or a locked case.
Common Errors and Troubleshooting
Even experienced 1911 owners can encounter difficulties during field stripping and reassembly. One common mistake is failing to ensure the firearm is unloaded. Always, always, always verify that your 1911 is unloaded before you begin.
If parts become stuck, do not force them. Consult your owner’s manual, or seek the assistance of a qualified gunsmith.
Another common issue is difficulty reassembling the slide stop. Ensure that it is properly aligned with the frame and the slide notch before inserting it.
If the slide does not slide easily on the frame rails, check for obstructions or damage.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to **field strip a 1911** is a fundamental skill for any owner of this iconic pistol. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently disassemble, clean, inspect, and reassemble your 1911. Remember that safety is paramount, and always handle firearms with respect and care.
The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only, and it should not be considered a substitute for professional training. Always consult the owner’s manual of your specific 1911 model. If you’re unsure about any of the steps involved, it is always better to seek the help of a qualified gunsmith.
By practicing the procedure safely, you’ll gain confidence and ensure the continued reliability and performance of your 1911. Learning to field strip a 1911 is the beginning of your journey towards mastering this legendary handgun.
