Got my 1911.

[SomeKid]

So, now I need to ask a few things, and I hope y'all can help me.

1) Is there a website that had detailed how to strip, clean, and reassemble? My pistol came with an instructions booklet, but I always like having details galore. If it matters, this is the pistol I purchased:

http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=66

2) Once I get a good holster, I will need good ammunition. Is there a list showing what the FPS/Energy of certain popular self-defense loads have? (I want something good, 7 shots mean I need to be accurate, and have enough power to knock them down. No, I don't ever want to, but if I do, I want to survive.) Speaking of holsters, I think I have a good one in mind. Anything particular a 1911 holster MUST have? (Other than covering the trigger, like all decent holsters.)

3) The booklet says never carry with a loaded chamber, and always with the hammer down. I thought 1911's were supposed to be carried with one in the chamber, safety on, and hammer back?

Thank you to all who help me.

 

[jpwilly]

1. http://www.coolgunsite.com/disassembly/disassembly.htm
2. All very subjective...most JHP ammo is good enough there are some loads that are the best best and people swear by them but they are too pricey to shoot for me.
3. I carry a 1911 Condition 1 - loaded hammer cocked and safety on. The other ways to carry go down from there. For CCW and self defence you'll probably want your pistol ready to go...that means it's loaded.

 

[SomeKid]

Thank you jp for #1. On #3 I pretty much agree. For SD I want it ready to go.

On #2, I am not looking for "I carry this" I meant does anyone have a chronographed map, showing what the speeds and energy were in various loads?

IE, HydraShocks are X FPS, and on down.

 

[igpoobah]

The booklet says never carry with a loaded chamber

That's just the lawyers talking. Do what you feel comfortable with...

 

[Conqueror]

1911s were designed to carry in Condition 1, only a lawyer would suggest otherwise.

I know of no one who has put all the FPS/ft-lbs energy on one document since this is constantly changing. Almost all the major ammo manufacturers publish this info on their websites, though, for their own brands.

Check youtube for disassembly videos, there are a number of good ones.

 

[Rob G]

The booklet says never carry with a loaded chamber, and always with the hammer down

Yeah, because people who carry guns like to be unprepared, +1 one to the "it's a lawyer thing"

As for disassembly it's probably better to go by the book. I only own two 1911s but I can tell you right now that removing the spring (and to a certain extent the slide) is completely different between the two, even though they're the same manufacturer.

 

[jfh]

There are two excellent books for the 1911 owner that one should have (arguably three; two by the same author.

For starters, I would get Bill Wilson's "Wilson Combat 1911 Auto Maintenance Manual"--it provides an excellent basis for getting to know your 1911 and how to maintain it. About $10.00

The second book if you are serious about knowing your 1911 is to get one or both of the Kuehnhausen manuals. These are a gunsmith's gunsmith book, and very usable by owners who are tool users in their mindset. Each sells for about $30.00. Both are widely available online.

A good overview is also the NRA's "The Colt .45 Automatic," a reprint of American Rifleman articles over the years.

Here is a list of books available. From it, I note that Stephen A. Camp has a book out, with a hot link to it--I didn't know of that one, but I will be definitely checking that one out.

FWIW, sites like M1911.org are an invaluable resource for any 1911 shooter, new to the pistol or otherwise.

As for the holster question: Holsters are such an individual item (like purses) that you need to learn more about them. For a first one, I would recommend a mid-priced one (you don't need the high-end boned-leather one yet) with a hammer strap. The strap should be usable either with condition 3 carry (hammer-down / empty chamber) or in condition 1 (round chambered, hammer cocked, thumb safety on). To begin with, you could simply get one of the basic Uncle Mike's; they're cheap enough, will provide protection for the firearm, and will give you a basis from which to compare others.

Jim H.

 

[ewayte]

Kuhnhausen books

The Kuhnhausen books are available here. They also have wall charts and videos.

 

[SomeKid]

Regarding holsters,

I have a few in mind, however I am always open to see what others use. What holster do you carry your 1911 in?

I personally am looking at an OWB, however I always like to see good holsters.

Specifically, I am looking at http://www.brigadegunleather.com/m-6.html that holster. I ran into a problem, they list a bunch of 1911 models, mine is a Commander. Will one Commander model holster fit the next?

http://www.cz-usa.com/product_detail.php?id=66