SR 1911 Full detail strip help?

[fatmanonabike]

Hoping to do my first 1911 detail strip. I do NOT have any intention of disassembling the MSH. While take down does not look particularly difficult according to my vast study of internet sources, I am concerned about RE-assembly. What noob pit falls await me there?

 

[cuervo]

Here's a good site that covers reassembly
http://how-i-did-it.org/detail-1911/field_strip.html

Although I've never taken a 1911 down to the frame, the main issue I've ever had was putting things back against spring pressure. Make sure you're inside the house, in a corner, so that when a part is launched, you have a better chance of finding it.

I don't know if Ruger's 1911s are any different from mil-spec so I can't help with model-specifics.

 

[cyclopsshooter]

taking it apart for the first time is always a mess, re-assembly goes much smoother once you develop the finesse to hold the frame and parts certain ways. Probably the trickiest part for a noob is the removal and installation of the thumb safety. NO HAMMERS REQUIRED (beyond driving out the MSH retention pin)

 

[F-111 John]

Your Ruger SR1911 is still a 1911. The best detail strip YouTube video I've seen was by MrColt45acp. This video is a series 80, while your Ruger SR1911 follows the series 70 pattern, so it is simpler in that you don't need to deal with the firing pin block parts.

Part I: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8P361VGLWM&feature=plcp

Part II: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UW_jV0uZTo&feature=plcp

His channel is also a gold mine of Colt 1911 history. He has access to an extensive private Colt collection and has cataloged the history of the development of the 1911 for the US Army and certain unique examples of the 1911 platform.

 

[hAkron]

The toughest part is getting the sear, disconnector, and the hammer all back in the gun and lined up correctly.

When removing or installing the MSH, don't have the hammer cocked.

 

[JonathanE]

Animations

Amazing assembly/ disassembly animations

http://www.m1911.org/ReassemblyAnimation.htm

I watched them about 10 times!

 

[Skylerbone]

The big 3 in my book are:

The slide stop re-insertion, this should be done without the recoil spring installed. After slipping the pin in, let it dangle straight down then push and pull the barrel to make sure you captured the link. Part B of the pitfall involves the "idiot mark". You've inserted the pin, the slide stop is dangling down around the trigger and you slide the pin out enough to avoid scratching the frame as you pivot it in to place. Once aligned with the frame notch, pinch with the left thumb and forefinger to control it and apply up and in pressure with the right thumb. If it does not slip in easily, using full control with your hands, position it just a tad lower on the plunger and retry.

The sear spring. Remember to place it on top of the sear not under.

The magazine catch lock. Another part that gets buggered up easily. Don't force it, it will turn when it's aligned and not a mm sooner.

A few other hints:
When removing the thumb safety, cup your right hand around the rear tangs to catch the spring (if not crimped).
Point the spring plug at your hand not your face.
Engage the thumb safety when re-installing the slide.
After laying the sear spring in place, slide the MSH on to hold it in place.
Don't go crazy with the oil and make sure to remove any on the breechface and feed ramp.

Take your time and keep some cheap Tupperware around for those parts. Good luck and remember it only gets easier.