My 1911 in Pieces

[DavidD]

Went to an Entry Level 1911 Pistol smithing class hosted by East Side Gun Shop and led by John Wall last night. Though it was very basic, it was very informative non the less and as you can see in the crappy iphone photo below, John instructed us how to thoroughly tear down our 1911's and inspect each and every component. At one point, he jokingly said "at this time I'll require $20 to teach you how to put them back together" but the joke was actually on him, I would have! I walked away with much more confidence with this pistol and was surprised how few pieces there actually are in them. It was good seeing several fellow TGO'ers there (I won't name names just in case they don't want me to) and I'd highly recommend anyone attending something like this if they get the opportunity.

[Jasongar8]

Sounds like a good class. I would say that 80% of 1911 shooters have never went past a field strip.

[LngRngShtr]

This is how the sickness takes hold..

Before too long you will have a spare parts bin box or maybe if it gets bad enough a tackle box and more pieces stones and files and punches maybe even the books by Jerry Kuhnausen etc.

I am glad you got to learn this it is something every 1911 owner should know.

John

[DavidD]

Sounds like a good class. I would say that 80% of 1911 shooters have never went past a field strip.

Your're probably right. I had taken the mainspring housing and grip safety out before but that was it.

This is how the sickness takes hold..

Before too long you will have a spare parts bin box or maybe if it gets bad enough a tackle box and more pieces stones and files and punches maybe even the books by Jerry Kuhnausen etc.

I am glad you got to learn this it is something every 1911 owner should know.

John

Yup. Already thinking about getting some punches and "wouldn't a stainless saftey, mag release etc. look great on my all black gun..."

Edited January 12, 2010 by DavidD
spelling

[willis68]

This is how I learned

Wilson Combat Disassemble & Assemble Video for 1911 - DVD [WC396D] : The Shooters Box, Firearms and Accessories Online Store

[Mike.357]

If you can't take a class on it this will work.

http://www.coolgunsite.com/disassembly/disassembly.htm

[DMark]

John Wall is one of the Good Guys!

[Chucktshoes]

I still have the same curiosity that compelled me to take apart radios as a kid so using some various youtube videos and an exploded parts diagram I detail stripped my 1911 about a month ago. I think the sickness had taken hold as I am considering getting a trigger kit and attempting to learn how to do a little gunsmithing while keeping the stock parts in case I bugger it up.

[Kevo]

I would say 90% of 1911 owners don't know how to completely disassemble their 1911's. To be honest I waited 14 years to learn how to disassemble my Glock. Will definitely learn how to do this soon. Congratulations for bettering yourself, and your 1911.

[DavidD]

Thanks Kevo. It actually built my confidence up on taking other guns apart. After reeding a thread regarding M&P's, I took the striker out of my M&P 45 without a hitch. Turns out, It comes out just like a Glock.

[enfield]

I built my 1911 starting with an Essex frame and a book on gunsmithing. I did everything except stake the plunger tube.

[Guest forrestcav]

the 1911forum shows how to detail strip the 1911 using its own parts. I used wilson combats book and did a little at a time. Installed my first ambi safety, then carried it to a local smithy for his opinion. he said "does it work?" and I said "yes" and he replied "then you did it right"

[Guest The91Bravo]

Almost every weapon I own, I have stripped them down to the receiver.

When I get hitched up and forget the exact placement of a particular part, simple vids on YouTube, or the pics on Numrich help me more than I ever could have dreamed.

First YouTube/web search help was needed for the Remington model 66 Nylon I inherited. I remember when I had almost every part out of the Model 66, I took the last couple parts off, then the next step of the instructions said. 'It is highly recommended not to disassemble beyond this point'... too late. But it worked out anyway.

Good on ya for learning the complete dis/assembly of you r weapon.

[Mark@Sea]

Congrats!

Yeah, I'd rather detail strip my mauser broomhandle than a nylon 66.

[Guest BigShot]

I built my 1911 starting with an Essex frame and a book on gunsmithing. I did everything except stake the plunger tube.

+1... I'm now completing my 3rd build. Bought volume II and a 2nd tackle box for "1911 stuff". Even got my own staking tool. Yep, a sickness that has no cure.

BTW, Essex frames are WAY more complete than the others I brought into spec. Had a rail too.

[9teeneleven]

Sounds like a good class. I would say that 80% of 1911 shooters have never went past a field strip.

And 10% of those that do try to unscrew the mag release