1911/1911A1 Disassembly

By D. Kamm
NOTE: The following illustrations demonstrate how it is possible to completely detail-strip an M1911A1
by using the pistol's own parts as tools. This is usually made possible by the fairly loose tolerances of
USGI pistols, allowing the parts to be freed by pressure alone. This method often will not work on tighter
commercial guns without the risk of slipping and damaging the parts or possibly injuring yourself. Once
you have tried this method out and seen how it can be done it is STRONGLY advised that you refrain
from using it in the future. Instead, rely on the proper tools for the job such as small and wide flat-blade
screwdrivers, a small drift punch, and a small hammer. On collector's grade pistols the "tool-less"
disassembly method should NEVER be attempted as the risk of slipping and damaging the finish is far
too great. Again, use the proper tools and lay the pistol down on a clean surface with rags for
cushioning. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES TO AVOID INJURY FROM SPRING-LOADED PARTS!
Illustrations pertain only to USGI pistols, and do not apply to commercial Series 80 guns with the firing
pin block.
Oh, and by the way..... MAKE SURE PISTOL IS UNLOADED BEFORE ATTEMPTING DISASSEMBLY!

Images courtesy of Marstar Canada Inc. http://www.marstar.ca

Press magazine catch with right thumb and, at

same time, withdraw magazine from receiver.
Pull slide to rear and look inside chamber to see
that gun is not loaded. Close slide and pull trigger
so hammer is down.

With thumb, press inward on knurled end of plug,

at same time rotating barrel bushing 1/4 turn
clockwise to free plug and recoil spring assembly.
Rest heel of gun on table so both hands may be
used. CAUTION: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES!
Out of control recoil spring plugs and eyeballs
make a bad combination.

Remove plug and recoil spring. If spring does not

come free easily, rotate plug in counter-clockwise
direction to separate from recoil spring.

Rotate barrel bushing counter-clockwise until

disengaged from slide. Remove barrel bushing.

Slide is pulled to rear until lug on slide stop is

opposite clearance notch on slide. Rounded end
of slide stop pin protruding on right side of
receiver is pushed inward by finger of left hand,
which disengages slide stop from slide.

Remove slide stop

Pull receiver group to rear and off slide. Recoil

spring guide can now be lifted out.

Push link forward and remove barrel from front of

slide. NOTE: This is the limit of disassembly at
field strip level for routine cleaning.

With hammer cocked, rotate safety lock almost to

"On" position. It can now be pulled to left and
away from receiver. Jockeying the safety lever
between positions helps to free it from the frame.

Remove hammer pin.

Lift out hammer assembly

Using hammer strut, punch out mainspring

housing pin. Push in on the CONCAVE (dished)
end of the pin, not convex. Pin will be positioned
with the dished end on either the left or right side
of the frame.

Slide mainspring housing off receiver.

Lift out grip safety.

Lift out sear spring.

Remove sear pin.

Lift out sear and disconnector. Note relationship of

these parts to facilitate reassembly.
HINT: The disconnector fits inside the sear, with
the flattest side facing the front of the pistol and
the large center hole lined up between the sear's
through-holes.

Depress magazine catch from left side; at same

time rotate magazine catch lock 1/4 turn counterclockwise using lip of sear spring as screwdriver.
Magazine catch assembly is then removed from
right side of receiver. Catch assembly can be
reduced to components by turning lock clockwise
1/4 turn. Spring and lock will come out.

Remove trigger.

Using hammer strut, push in on firing pin. At same

time using fingernail push downward on firing pin
stop, freeing firing pin stop from recess in slide.
CAUTION: WEAR SAFETY GLASSES! The
firing pin makes a great eyeball skewer.

Remove firing pin stop by sliding downward. Firing

pin assembly can now be removed from slide. It is
recommended that you use the tip of your thumb
to keep the firing pin and spring under control
while removing the firing pin stop.

With hammer strut, pry out and remove extractor.

Separate firing pin from firing pin spring.

1.Barrel Bushing 2.Slide 3.Barrel 4.Barrel Link 5.Link Pin 6.Extractor 7.Recoil Spring
8.Recoil Spring Guide 9.Recoil Spring Plug 10.Firing Pin 11.Firing Pin Stop 12.Firing Pin
Spring

13.Frame 14.Magazine 15.Magazine Catch Assembly 16.Mainspring Housing

17.Mainspring Housing Pin 18.Hammer 19.Hammer Strut 20.Hammer Strut Pin

21.Hammer Pin 22.Grip Safety 23.Slide Stop 24.Trigger 25.Thumb Safety 26.Grip
(Right) 27.Grip (Left) 28.Grip Screws 29.Sear Spring 30.Disconnector 31.Sear 32.Sear
Pin

ASSEMBLY: Essentially the reverse of above, however reinstalling the sear and disconnector in the
frame is the most difficult task. It helps to use a small nail or pin punch to align the holes that allow the
sear pin to pass through the frame, sear, and disconnector. When reassembling the slide assembly to
the frame have the parts facing upside down. Tilt the barrel link forward, then slide the frame assembly
forward onto slide. Turn pistol upright, then align barrel link hole with slide stop hole in slide. Partially
insert slide stop, then retract slide to allow slide stop to pass through clearance notch in slide while
also depressing slide stop plunger. Sounds simple, doesn't it? It takes a few tries (and a few scratches
to the frame and slide) to effectively master quick reassembly. Now you know the REAL reason why the
military adopted the Beretta M9!