Tell me about Kuhnhausen's 1911 manuals

[Pebcac]

I'm looking into getting one of Jerry Kuhnhausen's 1911 shop manuals, and I need some info. I realize that there are two, but I can only get one for the moment. I will get the other later on when I can slide it under the radar. . Amazon says that the second is not a revision of the first, and the descriptions look to me like the Colt one sort of covers the basics, and then the 1911/1911A1 covers more of the details. Is this correct? Which one should I get first?

Muchas gracias, amigos.

 

[45auto]

The first one is, by far, more useful for the average 1911 user/shooter.

The second one is "interesting(fun)" reading for 1911 fanatics, like myself, or for people that really are knowledgable in specs, building, metals, etc, etc.
But, IMHO, it is not "useful" reading for the average 1911er.

 

[Old Fuff]

Vol. 1 and 2 are now available in one book. The 1st one covered basics, while the 2nd one goes more into custom building. Both are useful so far as information goes.

While you can get the manuals from Amazon, I susgest that you also look at the publisher's website at www.gunbooks.com

 

[BigG]

The one called "Colt 45: A Shop Manual" is more useful to general readers. This single volume includes both Part 1 and Part 2 as Ole Fuff alludes.

The 1911A1 entitled book is much more like blueprint details, I've been told. Not much use to us enthusiasts, unless we are also machinists.

 

[Tinkerer]

I purchased both books. The first book describes how to check a 1911 .45 for function and measure for spec, and also how to perform some upgrades/customization. The second book contains blueprint measurements and specifications. I found the first book very useful, the second book makes a nice reference, but I would recommend the first book.

 

[Pebcac]

Thanks a lot, guys! That answers my question exactly.

 

[Bill Z]

Vol. 1 and 2 are now available in one book. The 1st one covered basics, while the 2nd one goes more into custom building. Both are useful so far as information goes.

Actually, Volume one has book one and two, they are as you describe,...however Volume two deals more with the drawings and specs of the 1911. They are a bit different.

I agree with most of the posters that Volume one is much more useful fot the average end user, but volume two does have several specs and drawings in it that many of us find interesting and useful.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Me like. Buy Vol. 1 and that should satisfy almost all your needs.

 

[deanq]

They have LARGE print, lots of high quality pictures and drawings so most anyone can figure out how a 1911 works! An excellent investment.
Dean

 

[CrazyIrishman]

I bought both volumes I & II from Brownells just to make sure I had all the bases covered if ya know what I mean.

USPS dropped 'em off a couple days ago. Right now I'm taking my time going through them and checking them out. I haven't had enough time to say which is the best but I can say that both are well done and very informative plus they explain things in detail. There's more pictures and diagrams in there then ya can shake a stick at.

I'm glad I got 'em.

 

[Pebcac]

Thanks for all the input. I think I'll order a copy of Volume I this weekend.