1911 maintenance

J

jimsbowies

New member
How often, if ever should one completely dismantle the receiver of a 1911? For cleaning, inspection, etc....

Should this be done by reputable gunsmith or can a novice do it?

One of my semi-custom Colt .45acp's has approximately 6000 rounds through it....runs fine...but was just wondering.
:confused:
 
When I lived in NC and did a lot of outdoor shooting with heavy, lead reloads, I usually make it a point to completely dismantle my 1911s for for thorough cleaning at least once a year.

It's probably not necessary for most folks and definitely I don't recommend it for those not completely familiar with the inner workings of the gun, especially the series 80 models which comes with that lever mechanism to engage the firing pin stop.
 
Depends. Bill Wilson, who knows a bit about the .45, recommends a detailed stripping every so many thousand rounds. He also sells a dandy little pamphlet/book on how to do it. I recommend it highly. I am mechanically-challenged but, using the book, I can take the 1911 down to the last pin, spring, etc. and reassemble with no problem. Visit his website: http://www.wilsoncombat.com/ and check out it and his videotape on the same subject. My belief is that anyone who owns a firearm should be able to thoroughly disassemble and reassemble it. With all the literature out on such subjects, there's no excuse not to.
 
Once a year and any time the gun gets submerged, if ever. (Spend enough time near water and it may well happen to you.)
 
Once a month and coat all parts with a thin layer of CLP.Mine gets pretty dusty due to carrying all the time and weekly shooting.
 
All good advice, pick and choose. But don't get carried away. You should never remove (or need to remove) the ejector, the safety/slide stop spring tube, the grip bushings, link, or the sights.

Everything else can be taken down and put back together easily with minimal tools.

Jim
 
I detail strip my Series 80 if I shoot it more than a couple hundred rounds, but I'm just like that. I've never disassembled the mainspring housing, and rarely the mag release assy., (never the plunger tube or ejector or sights).

It isnt hard at all as long as you pay attention, dont force anything, and have an exploded parts drawing around for the first couple times that you do it. If its series 80, pay attention to the relationship of the two levers real close before disassembly of the frame, work the trigger a few times and watch them...

I'm no gunsmith and I think its easy. take your time at first, thats all.
 
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