My first 1911 - Help me!

[DontShootMe]

Hello, as of today (10 day wait is over!) I am the proud owner of a Springfield Armory Loaded 1911. This is my first 1911, but not my first gun.

BTW – Thank you all for your participation in my poll to find out whether I should buy a Glock 21 or an entry-level 1911. Surprisingly, I had the same question posted at GlockTalk, and the consensus there also recommended the 1911. (Given the situation that I already own other Glocks)

Here are the facts:

- It’s used (prev. owner claims around 200 rounds fired)
- It’s stainless, full size model
- It’s dirty (not filthy, just obviously hasn’t been cleaned since being fired)

I have no clue how to field strip this sucker. The owner of the shop I picked it up at was so busy today that he didn’t have enough time during the time I was there (lunch break) to show me proper takedown. Seems everyone wanted to visit the same gun shop as me today at noon.

The instructions for takedown in the manual are reading as clear as mud right now. Lots of warnings that parts may fly out and be lost forever if you don’t cover certain areas, etc…

I’m tempted to just take it to the range in it’s present condition, run a patch or two through the bore, and feed it a couple of boxes of ammo. That’s what I did with my Bersa .380 when I picked it up (used) and there were no problems. Same story with my used Ruger 10/22.

The catch is, this gun was over twice the price of those, and I surely don’t want to screw anything up.

BUT I’m also afraid that if I get it apart tonight, I may not be able to get it back together.

Suggestions? Hints? Links to well illustrated takedown instructions? At this point, anything would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance…

DontShootMe

PS – isn’t it ridiculous that here in CA you have to wait 10 days ‘cooling off period’ for EVERY single gun you buy? What on earth is the logic behind that one?

 

[schadenfreude]

These are great instructions here
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=56796&highlight=detail+strip

Here is another

http://usgi1911.tripod.com/disassembly/


There isnt much you could do to it that the users on these forums couldn't walk you through.

Congrats on the purchase

 

[ReadyontheRight]

Congrats! You'll love it.

Once you get used to pushing in the barrel bushing, disassembly is pretty straighforward.

If you run into re-assembly problems, don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

[DontShootMe]

Once you get used to pushing in the barrel bushing, disassembly is pretty straighforward

Am I supposed to unscrew the little thing in the middle of it first? It doesn't seem to want to push in.

 

[schadenfreude]

You have a full length guide rod. You should have got an allen wrench with the gun to take that out. Yes it unscrews.

If you have ILS which is the internal locking system you will need a little pin to depress the mainspring. It depends how old your loaded is.

 

[schadenfreude]

This explains ILS so you can see if you have it or not on yor gun.

http://www.springfield-armory.com/prod-pstl-ils.shtml

 

[withawhat]

Thanks

I get to pick up my first 1911 tomorrow too. That was going to be my first question. But i guess you beat me to it.

 

[Black Majik]

Quick reminder:

When putting the slide stop back into the frame, make sure not to let the slide stop drag against the frame and make what we would call an "Idiot mark".

It will stare at you every time you take apart your 1911.

 

[DontShootMe]

schadenfreude

You have a full length guide rod. You should have got an allen wrench with the gun to take that out. Yes it unscrews.

Thanks! Yep, the gun came with a couple of allen wrenches (one for the grips too)

I appreciate the help!

 

[SW9mm]

www.1911forum.com has taught me alot about 1911's. is definitely worth a look there in the future. your first 1911 is rarely your last.