1911 Cleaning Question.

[280PLUS]

After how many rounds should I take the lower end of my 1911's apart for cleaning?

The more I read about safety detents and springs the more dauntng it seems.

Any tips?

 

[1911Tuner]

Stripped and Cleaned

Howdy 280,

I detail-strip and clean my range beaters about every 2,000-2500 rounds
whether they need it or not. I shoot mostly cast-lead reloads in those, so
they get pretty canked up for those round counts. I do a routine field-strip and cursory cleaning about every 500 rounds. there are detailed instructions on the detail strip procedure in the sticky at the top of the gunsmithing forum,
but it only covers Series 80 and original design pistols. No S-2 Kimber or ILS Springfield instructions...but they're all pretty much the same, except for the Series 2 Kimber slides, which I understand require rear sight removal in order to get the firing pin release button out. The ILS Springfield is very close to original, except for the mainspring housing, which requires a tool to capture the mainspring and cap. aside from that, it's Series 70/pre-70 all the way.

I'm much more anal about clean with a carry gun, and will clean one even if it hasn't been shot.

 

[Zach S]

I'll normally take the slid off of mine, wipe the rails down, lube, reassemble and boresnake after 100 or so rounds. They get detail stripped and cleaned around every 2000 rounds when I change the recoil spring, mainly just to check the condition of the internals.

 

[10-Ring]

I do a basic cleaning very soon after shooting. My 1911's get detail cleaning once or twice a year at most.

 

[280PLUS]

Sounds good,

Thank you!

 

[Kruzr]

I detail strip 'em about every 5K. I only shoot plated or jacketed ammo and I field strip and clean every 300 rounds or so. I also always run a bore snake through my guns right after shooting.

 

[robertbank]

Marstar out of Toronto has a great downloadable instructions on stripping a 1911. I was born with four thumbs and mechanically challenged and managed to take my Para down to the frame. marstar.ca is the website.

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

The more I read about safety detents and springs the more dauntng it seems.

It was actually easier than I expected, once you do it, it starts sinking in and seems easy. It's not as "simple" or quick as a Glock, but could easily become just as second natured as the Glock is to completely strip to parts.