Wilson Combat - 1911 Disassembly & Reassembly (1986)

Published on August 22, 2013
Duration: 60:49

This comprehensive guide details the step-by-step disassembly of a Colt Series 80 1911 pistol, presented by Master Pistol Smith Ron Phillips from Wilson Combat. It covers the removal of all major components, including the slide assembly, barrel, firing pin, extractor, thumb safety, grip safety, and internal frame parts. The video emphasizes proper technique and the use of specific tools for each step, ensuring a thorough understanding of the 1911's internal mechanisms.

Quick Summary

Disassembling a 1911 pistol involves several key steps, starting with ensuring the firearm is unloaded. Tools like a bushing wrench, punches, and a screwdriver are necessary. Key components like the recoil spring plug, slide stop, barrel, firing pin, and internal frame parts are removed sequentially. Proper lubrication with products like Ultima Lube is vital during reassembly for optimal performance.

Chapters

  1. 01:02Introduction to the 1911 Pistol
  2. 02:00Meet Master Pistol Smith Ron Phillips
  3. 02:07Step 1: Drop Magazine and Check Unloaded Status
  4. 02:21Step 2: Remove Grips
  5. 03:17Step 3: Remove Recoil Spring Plug and Bushing
  6. 03:40Step 4: Remove Slide Stop
  7. 03:47Step 5: Separate Slide Assembly from Frame
  8. 03:53Step 6: Remove Guide Rod and Spring
  9. 04:01Step 7: Remove Barrel Assembly
  10. 04:14Step 8: Remove Firing Pin, Firing Pin Stop, and Extractor
  11. 05:42Slide Fully Stripped
  12. 05:54Step 9: Remove Thumb Safety
  13. 06:27Step 10: Remove Plunger
  14. 06:50Step 11: Gently Lower Hammer
  15. 07:01Step 12: Remove Main Spring Housing Pin
  16. 07:21Step 13: Remove Main Spring Housing
  17. 07:31Step 14: Remove Grip Safety
  18. 07:50Step 15: Remove Sear Spring
  19. 08:29Step 16: Remove Hammer Pin and Sear Pin
  20. 08:46Dropped Parts: Hammer, Disconnector, Sear, etc.
  21. 09:35Step 17: Remove Magazine Catch
  22. 10:22Step 18: Remove Trigger
  23. 10:32Step 19: Disassemble Main Spring Housing Internals
  24. 12:30Firearm Fully Disassembled
  25. 12:35Introduction to Ultima Lube
  26. 13:22Lubricating Main Spring Housing Internals
  27. 13:57Reassembling Main Spring Housing
  28. 14:26Reassembling Magazine Catch
  29. 15:10Reassembling the Slide: Extractor, Firing Pin, Firing Pin Block
  30. 17:34Lubricating Slide Rails and Locking Lugs
  31. 18:13Reassembling Slide with Barrel and Bushing
  32. 18:55Reassembling the Frame: Trigger and Trigger Track
  33. 19:48Reinstalling Magazine Catch
  34. 20:40Reassembling Frame Internals: Disconnector, Sear, 80 Series Parts
  35. 22:53Installing Hammer
  36. 24:50Installing Sear Spring
  37. 25:24Installing Plunger Assembly
  38. 26:00Reinstalling Main Spring Housing
  39. 26:53Reinstalling Grip Safety
  40. 26:58Reinstalling Thumb Safety
  41. 27:49Lubricating Frame Rails and Slide Grooves
  42. 28:12Attaching Slide Assembly to Frame
  43. 28:47Installing Slide Stop
  44. 29:01Installing Recoil Spring Plug and Bushing
  45. 29:29Final Slide Cycling and Testing
  46. 29:49Final Barrel Lubrication
  47. 30:11Reinstalling Grips
  48. 31:11Firearm Reassembled and Ready for Testing
  49. 31:41Firing Demonstration

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential tools for disassembling a 1911 pistol?

Essential tools for 1911 disassembly include a bushing wrench to remove the barrel bushing, a set of punches for pins, a small screwdriver for the magazine catch lock, and a vise for securing parts. Always wear safety glasses during the process.

How do you safely remove the firing pin and its spring from a 1911 slide?

To safely remove the firing pin and spring, push the firing pin plunger up with your thumb, fully insert the firing pin, and then release the plunger. This captures the spring. The firing pin stop can then be removed, followed by the firing pin itself from the rear of the slide.

What is the correct procedure for removing the thumb safety on a 1911?

The 1911 thumb safety must be rotated to a position between 'on' and 'off' to be removed. You'll need to simultaneously pull the thumb piece while pushing the right side stud. It will not come out if it's in the fully 'on' or 'off' position.

Why is lubrication important during 1911 reassembly?

Proper lubrication during 1911 reassembly is crucial for smooth operation and longevity. Ultima Lube, available in oil and grease, is recommended for various parts, including slide rails, locking lugs, and the barrel, to reduce friction and wear.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Wilson Combat

View all →