When handling any firearm, safety must always be practiced. For those who own a 1911 pistol, understanding how to properly disassemble the firearm is crucial for maintenance, cleaning, and general safety. This will not only ensure that your 1911 pistol is in optimal condition but also prevent any potential accidents. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can safely and effectively take apart your 1911 pistol for maintenance or inspection.
Before beginning the disassembly process, ensure that your 1911 pistol is unloaded and the safety is engaged. Place your pistol on a stable surface and gather all the necessary tools. Commonly, a small screwdriver, pin punch, and disassembly tool are used for the disassembly process. Refer to your pistol’s user manual if you are unsure about any specific steps. Always refer to the user manual or consult a qualified gunsmith if you are unsure at any point.
Once the tools are gathered and the pistol is prepared, you can proceed with the disassembly process. Start by locking your pistol’s slide back; then, use a disassembly tool to rotate the barrel bushing. Once the barrel bushing is rotated, you can unscrew and remove the slide stop. Now you can pull the slide back and off the frame, exposing the internals of your pistol. The next step involves removing the recoil spring plug, followed by the recoil spring and guide rod. With these removed, you can now separate the slide from the frame, allowing you to access other components of the pistol for further disassembly or cleaning.
Extracting the Firing Pin and Extractor
To extract the firing pin and extractor from your 1911, follow these steps:
1. Remove the Slide
Start by pulling the slide back until the slide stop is engaged. Grip the slide stop lever and push it down. While holding the slide stop down, slide the slide forward off the frame.
2. Remove the Firing Pin
Locate the firing pin and its retaining pin at the rear of the slide. Use a small punch to push the retaining pin out from the left side of the slide. The firing pin and firing pin spring will now be free to come out.
3. Remove the Extractor
The extractor is located on the right side of the slide, behind the ejector. To remove it, push down and forward on the extractor’s plunger. While holding down the plunger, lift the extractor up and out of the slide.
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Push the extractor plunger down and forward. |
| 2 | Hold down the plunger and lift the extractor up and out of the slide. |
Disassembling the Grip Safety
To disassemble the grip safety, follow these steps:
1. Remove the Magazine and Clear the Chamber
Ensure the pistol is unloaded and the chamber is clear by removing the magazine and visually inspecting the chamber.
2. Depress the Grip Safety
Use your thumb or a tool to depress the grip safety lever at the back of the frame.
3. Push Out the Pin
Using a small punch or tool, push out the pin that secures the grip safety to the frame, located at the bottom of the grip safety lever.
4. Pull Down the Grip Safety
Once the pin is removed, pull down on the grip safety to detach it from the frame.
5. Remove the Spring and Plunger
Carefully pull out the grip safety spring and plunger assembly from the frame.
6.
Inspect and Clean the Components
Thoroughly inspect all components of the grip safety, including the lever, spring, and plunger, for damage or wear. Use a brush and cleaning solvent to remove any dirt or debris.
| Component | Inspection Focus |
|---|---|
| Grip Safety Lever | Check for any cracks, bends, or wear on the surfaces that contact the frame and the firing pin stop. |
| Grip Safety Spring | Ensure the spring is not deformed or broken, and that it provides adequate tension. |
| Grip Safety Plunger | Inspect for proper function and smooth movement within the frame. |
Removing the Grip Panels
To remove the grip panels, follow these steps:
- Place the 1911 on a stable surface, pointing away from you.
- Using a small screwdriver or punch, push in on the grip screw at the base of the grips. The screw will pop out slightly.
- Unscrew the grip screw completely and set it aside.
- Gently pry the grip panel loose from the frame.
- Repeat steps 2-4 for the other grip panel.
- Once both grip panels are removed, you can access the 1911’s internal components.
Reinstalling the Grip Panels
To reinstall the grip panels, follow these steps:
- Align the grip panels with the frame.
- Insert the grip screw into the base of the grips.
- Tighten the grip screw until it is snug.
- Repeat steps 2-3 for the other grip panel.
Tips for Removing and Reinstalling Grip Panels
Here are some tips for removing and reinstalling grip panels:
- Be careful not to overtighten the grip screw. This can damage the screw or the frame.
- If the grip panels are difficult to remove, you can use a thin piece of plastic or wood to pry them loose.
- When reinstalling the grip panels, make sure that they are aligned properly before tightening the grip screw.
Disassembling the Trigger Group
1. Remove the Grip Safety: Check the trigger guard; if there is a pin holding it, push the pin out and remove the grip safety using a small punch.
2. Unseat the Mainspring Housing: Push down on the plunger located at the bottom of the mainspring housing while pulling back on the housing.
3. Remove the Mainspring Housing Pin: Rotate the mainspring housing and remove the mainspring housing pin.
4. Disengage the Ejector: Depress the ejector with a small punch or screwdriver and lift it out of its slot.
5. Separate the Trigger and Sear: With the ejector removed, pull the trigger forward to separate it from the sear and disconnect the sear spring.
6. Unhook the Firing Pin Stop: Carefully unhook the firing pin stop from its groove on the slide using a small punch or screwdriver.
7. Remove the Firing Pin: Push the firing pin forward using a small punch or screwdriver and remove it from the slide.
8. Extract the Firing Pin Spring: Remove the firing pin spring located inside the slide.
9. Removing the Sear Spring:
| Method 1: | Method 2: |
|---|---|
|
|
10. Remove the Hammer: Pull the hammer back fully and use a small punch or screwdriver to disengage the hammer pin. Let the hammer fall and remove it.
11. Remove the Hammer Spring: Push the hammer strut down and remove the hammer spring.
Removing the Mainspring Housing
Step 9: Disassemble the Mainspring Housing
With the mainspring housing removed, you can now disassemble it. Grip the housing with one hand and push the mainspring cap upward with your thumb from the bottom of the housing. The mainspring cap should come off easily. Once the cap is removed, the mainspring and plug will be visible. Carefully remove the mainspring and plug from the housing. Be careful not to lose the small spring that is located under the mainspring plug.
Step 10: Inspect and Clean the Mainspring Housing
Once the mainspring housing is disassembled, inspect it for any damage or wear. If there is any damage, the housing should be replaced. If the housing is in good condition, clean it with a solvent and a soft brush. Pay particular attention to the area where the mainspring rides. Any dirt or debris in this area can cause the mainspring to bind and malfunction. Once the housing is clean, reassemble it in the reverse order of disassembly.
Lubrication Table:
| Component | Lubricant |
|---|---|
| Mainspring | Grease |
| Mainspring Plug | Oil |
| Mainspring Housing | Oil |
How To Take Apart 1911
The M1911 pistol is a classic firearm that has been in service for over 100 years. It is a simple and reliable weapon, but it can be difficult to take apart if you don’t know how. Here are the steps on how to take apart a 1911:
1. **Unload the pistol.** Make sure that the magazine is removed and that there is no round in the chamber.
2. **Point the pistol in a safe direction.** This is important for safety reasons.
3. **Flip the safety lever up.** This will disengage the safety and allow you to remove the slide from the pistol.
4. **Pull the slide back until it locks in the open position.**
5. **Lift the slide stop up.** This will release the slide from the pistol.
6. **Remove the slide from the pistol.**
7. **Remove the barrel from the slide.**
8. **Remove the recoil spring from the slide.**
9. **Remove the firing pin from the slide.**
10. **Remove the extractor from the slide.**
11. **Remove the grip panels from the pistol.**
12. **Remove the trigger from the pistol.**
13. **Remove the sear from the pistol.**
14. **Remove the hammer from the pistol.**
15. **Reassemble the pistol in the reverse order.**
People Also Ask About How To Take Apart 1911
How do you remove the grip panels on a 1911?
To remove the grip panels on a 1911, you will need to use a screwdriver to remove the screws that are located at the bottom of the grip panels. Once the screws are removed, you can then gently pry the grip panels off of the pistol.
How do you remove the trigger on a 1911?
To remove the trigger on a 1911, you will need to first remove the grip panels. Once the grip panels are removed, you will then need to use a screwdriver to remove the screw that is located at the bottom of the trigger. Once the screw is removed, you can then gently pull the trigger out of the pistol.
How do you remove the sear on a 1911?
To remove the sear on a 1911, you will need to first remove the grip panels and the trigger. Once the grip panels and the trigger are removed, you will then need to use a screwdriver to remove the screw that is located at the bottom of the sear. Once the screw is removed, you can then gently pull the sear out of the pistol.
