Firearm Maintenance: 1911 Disassembly – Part 1/4

Published on March 8, 2013
Duration: 3:15

This guide details the field stripping process for the iconic John Browning 1911 pistol, as demonstrated by Brownells. It covers essential safety precautions, including ensuring the firearm is unloaded and wearing safety glasses. The steps involve removing the slide, guide rod, spring, barrel, bushing, firing pin, and extractor. This video focuses on field stripping, not complete disassembly of frame components.

Quick Summary

To safely field strip a 1911, first ensure it's unloaded and wear safety glasses. Press the recoil spring plug, rotate the barrel bushing clockwise, and align the slide's disassembly notch with the slide stop. Push the slide stop out to remove the slide, then remove the guide rod, spring, barrel, and bushing.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the 1911 Pistol
  2. 00:14Safety and Initial Disassembly Steps
  3. 00:47Removing the Slide
  4. 01:03Removing Guide Rod, Spring, and Barrel
  5. 01:20Further Slide Disassembly (Firing Pin, Extractor)
  6. 01:49Firing Pin and Extractor Removal Details
  7. 02:16Frame Disassembly Limitations and Resources
  8. 02:43Conclusion of Part 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps for safely disassembling a 1911 pistol?

Always ensure the 1911 is unloaded by visually and physically inspecting the chamber and removing the magazine. Wear safety glasses due to spring tension. Begin with the slide closed and press the recoil spring plug while rotating the barrel bushing clockwise.

How do you remove the slide from a 1911 during field stripping?

After freeing the barrel bushing, move the slide rearward. Align the disassembly notch on the slide with the rear of the slide stop. Push the slide stop out from the opposite side just enough to clear the slide, then the slide will come off the frame.

What components are removed after the slide is off a 1911?

Once the slide is removed, you will take out the recoil guide rod and spring. Then, rotate the barrel bushing counterclockwise until its lug clears, fold the barrel link forward, and push the barrel and bushing out the front of the slide.

Can the frame of a 1911 be fully disassembled in a field strip?

No, this video series focuses on field stripping, which does not include the disassembly of frame components. For complete takedown, consulting a qualified gunsmith or a detailed manual is recommended.

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