SA 1911 Champion Takedown

[nc76]

I searched but did not see anything related.....anyway,

any tips on field stripping a SA 1911 Champion without using the guiderod clip? It is such a small piece and could easily be lost.

If it does get misplaced, can I still takedown the pistol easily?

 

[CWL]

Paperclip my man, paperclip.

 

[nc76]

Enlighten me.......I am a 1911 newbie

 

[nc76]

?I googled the paperclip thing, however I do not see a hole in my guiderod for a paperclip. I do not see how a paperclip will work on the SA Champion?

 

[CWL]

OK.

I believe that the model you are talking about uses a full length guide rod (FLGR) to hold the recoil springs. This is a "captured" system that requires the use of a disassembly pin (those who lose theirs or needs to do a field strip commonly use a standard paperclip because all you need is a pc. of metal that will fit into the hole in the rod).

Out of sheer laziness and in order to help you visualize the disassembly process, here's a YouTube video of the entire process.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYiyri3VUz0

FWIW, I don't like systems that use FLGRs because one needs that pin. The SA Loaded is a great gun but I suggest that you replace the FLGR with standard guide rod and bushing.

 

[nc76]

thanks

 

[spin180]

The "guide rod clip" nc76 speaks of is actually a semicircular piece of plastic that clamps onto the rod. Newer SA Champion guide rods don't have a hole in them for a disassembly pin, at least mine doesn't anyway. And if his Champion has a full-length guide rod I imagine his gun is also equipped with a bull barrel, which makes it a simple guide rod & bushing swap not-so-simple.

nc76, you should be able to disassemble the gun without that piece. It may be a tad more difficult, but the process is still the same; just take it slow and be careful until you get the hang of it.

However, I'm almost certain if you ever were to misplace it, you could call Springfield and get a replacement or two without much hassle (or cost) at all.