Detail Stripping the 1911
In its original guise...or as Browning intended...the pistol can be detail
stripped by using the gun's parts as tools. Series 80 Colts are a bit more
involved, and will require a tool for the job. An AR-15/M-16 firing pin is
ideal for the task, and will speed up the pre-Series 80 and GI pistols.
Using the firing pin and a small brass hammer , the original design and
close copies can be stripped down to the bare frame and slide in about
2 minutes...and reassembled in 3 after a little practice.
Detail stripping is a good thing to do periodically, especially if the pistol is
shot with dirty ammo (reloads using cast lead bullets) or carried concealed
due to lint and dust working its way into the gun...and for inspection of
the small parts.
Gary, if you mean the plunger tube on the left side of the pistol, it's not
meant to be removed unless it's damaged. That part is staked on. If
you mean the mainspring housing, it can be taken apart easily, though
a small bench vise is very helpful for the task.
I have a set of instructions written up on a notepad that gives detailed instructions. I can cut and paste them here if anybody wants them.
They deal with Colt pre-Series 70, Series 70, and Series 80 pistols.
Also included would be Springfield pre ILS pistols, any USGI pistols, Systema, Rock River, Auto Ordnance and Norinco variants.
Since I haven't had the opportunity to break down a Series 2 Kimber or
Smith & Wesson 1911...or any pistol using the Swartz system, I can't
comment on those.
Standin' by....
Tuner