Firearm Maintenance: 1911 Reassembly — Part 4/4

Published on March 8, 2013
Duration: 2:46

This video provides a detailed, step-by-step guide for reassembling a 1911 pistol, covering the reinstallation of grips, slide components like the extractor and firing pin, barrel and bushing, recoil spring assembly, and slide stop. It concludes with essential safety checks and final cleaning. The instruction is presented clearly, making it suitable for intermediate gunsmithing enthusiasts.

Quick Summary

To reassemble a 1911 pistol, start by replacing the grips. Then, install the extractor in the slide, ensuring its groove aligns with the slide's groove. Test alignment with the firing pin stop; adjust with a small screwdriver if needed. Insert the firing pin, then the barrel, barrel bushing, recoil spring, and guide rod. Finally, reattach the slide to the frame by aligning the barrel link with the frame and inserting the slide stop.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 1911 Reassembly
  2. 00:03Replacing Grips
  3. 00:10Slide Reassembly: Extractor and Firing Pin
  4. 00:45Barrel and Barrel Bushing Installation
  5. 01:00Recoil Spring and Guide Rod Assembly
  6. 01:12Attaching Slide to Frame
  7. 01:30Inserting Slide Stop
  8. 01:46Completing Slide Forward Movement
  9. 01:50Recoil Spring Plug Installation
  10. 02:03Final Safety Checks and Cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the first steps in reassembling a 1911 pistol?

Begin by replacing the grips on the frame. Then, focus on the slide by inserting the extractor, ensuring its groove aligns with the slide's groove, and then installing the firing pin.

How do you ensure the extractor is properly aligned for 1911 reassembly?

After inserting the extractor, test its alignment by trying to insert the firing pin stop. If it doesn't fit, use a small screwdriver to adjust the extractor until the grooves line up correctly.

What is the correct procedure for installing the barrel and bushing on a 1911?

Slide the barrel most of the way into the slide. Then, insert the barrel bushing over the barrel and into the slide until it stops, and rotate it clockwise as far as it will go.

How do you reattach the slide to the frame during 1911 reassembly?

Ease the slide onto the frame. When the rear of the slide is near the frame's rear, align the hole in the barrel link with the frame's hole by moving the slide. Then, draw back the slide to align the disassembly notch with the slide stop and insert the slide stop.

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