How to: Colt 1911 Disassembly, The Most FRUSTRATING ever?

Published on October 12, 2016
Duration: 13:13

This guide details the disassembly and reassembly process for a Colt 1911 Rail Gun. It highlights the unique steps involved, such as rotating the barrel bushing and aligning the slide stop pin, which can be more complex than modern handguns. The video emphasizes safety precautions and common pitfalls like the 'idiot scratch' during reassembly, offering tips for a smoother process.

Quick Summary

Disassembling a Colt 1911 Rail Gun involves unique steps like rotating the barrel bushing and carefully aligning the slide stop pin, making it more complex than modern handguns. Proper technique is crucial to avoid damage, such as the 'idiot scratch', especially during reassembly.

Chapters

  1. 00:06Introduction to Colt 1911 Rail Gun
  2. 00:15Colt 1911 Rail Gun Features
  3. 00:38Wear and Tear on the 1911
  4. 00:50Barrel and Sights
  5. 01:07Aftermarket Grips
  6. 01:341911 Safety Features
  7. 02:24Why Disassembly is Complicated
  8. 02:51Weapon Clear Check
  9. 03:01Locating the Barrel Bushing
  10. 03:06Pressing the Recoil Spring Plug
  11. 03:16Rotating the Barrel Bushing
  12. 03:21Removing the Recoil Spring
  13. 03:42Removing the Barrel
  14. 04:04Aligning for Slide Stop Pin Removal
  15. 04:12Removing the Slide Stop Pin
  16. 04:16Removing the Slide
  17. 04:22Removing the Barrel (Detailed)
  18. 04:47Basic Breakdown Overview
  19. 05:00Inside the 1911
  20. 05:25Locking Lugs in the Slide
  21. 05:38Reassembly Tediousness
  22. 05:46Reassembling the Barrel
  23. 06:03Inserting the Guide Rod
  24. 06:15Sliding Slide onto Frame
  25. 06:34Aligning for Slide Stop Pin Insertion
  26. 07:05Frustrating Slide Stop Pin Insertion
  27. 07:11Avoiding the 'Idiot Scratch'
  28. 07:35Tool for Slide Stop Pin
  29. 08:06Troubleshooting Slide Stop Pin
  30. 08:43Minimalist Spring Trick
  31. 09:27Easier Slide Stop Pin Method
  32. 09:43Reinstalling the Recoil Spring
  33. 09:48Recoil Spring End Orientation
  34. 10:27Aligning Recoil Spring Plug Notch
  35. 10:46Securing the Recoil Spring Plug
  36. 10:571911 Reassembly Complete
  37. 11:00Function Check
  38. 11:23Comparison: Modern Pistol Disassembly
  39. 11:31M&P9 Compact Disassembly
  40. 11:55M&P9 Compact Reassembly
  41. 12:21Final Thoughts on 1911 Disassembly

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Colt 1911 Rail Gun's disassembly more complicated than modern pistols?

The Colt 1911 Rail Gun's disassembly is more complex due to its older design, requiring specific steps like rotating a barrel bushing and carefully aligning a slide stop pin. This contrasts with modern handguns that often feature simpler takedown levers and fewer intricate parts.

How do you properly remove the barrel from a Colt 1911 Rail Gun?

After removing the slide and ensuring the weapon is clear, you must swing the barrel link down. Then, the barrel can be slid out from the front of the slide, rather than being pulled straight back.

What is the 'idiot scratch' and how can it be avoided during 1911 reassembly?

The 'idiot scratch' is a scratch on the frame of a 1911, often caused by forcing the slide stop pin back into place without proper alignment. To avoid it, be patient, ensure correct alignment of the pin with the frame and barrel link, and consider using a tool or specific technique if it proves difficult.

What is the correct orientation for installing the recoil spring in a Colt 1911 Rail Gun?

When reinstalling the recoil spring, the end with the larger, more open diameter should be placed onto the guide rod first. This prevents snagging and ensures smoother operation, unlike inserting the tapered end first which can cause it to bind.

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