UPDATE Ruger SR1911 Disassembly vs Owner's Manual

The Norseman · Apr 11, 2020

I want to run this pass the 1911 45ACP experts here. I have a question on Disassembly
of my 2011 Ruger SR1911 Standard Full Size 45ACP Pistol.

"Why can't you just align and push out the Slide Stop Pin and remove the Slide off the Frame?
Bushings, Spring, Internal Recoil Spring Guide, are all self contained on the Slide. I can not
understand why this can't be done this way? I there something dangerous I don't understand?
The Spring is a 16 pound replacement".

This will be the second time I've Disassembled this Pistol and cleaned it. Just Oil and Shoot. There is
approximately 300 plus rounds through it. The SR1911 just keeps shooting trouble free.

I wanted to see how just trouble free it is, I'm bored now. I don't shoot SR1911 very much. I like this
Pistol that's why I bought, just like my Revolvers better. That's why such a long time between cleanings.

I am a S&W Revolver guy. This SR1911 is the only 1911 I have. I am very Mechanically Inclined, so
that's why I'm asking this question.

Now....I have been studying the SR1911 Owner's Manual.

Please give me insight as to why do it by the Manual. Thank you in advance for your help.

Rpg · Apr 11, 2020

I’ve never disassembled an SR1911 nor have I read the manual.

The one thing most guys resist doing is reading instructions. We tend to think we just ‘know’ how to do it or should be able to figure it out on our own.

When all else fails, read the instructions and follow them.

So, you should:

1. Read the instructions

2. Follow them.

Chino74 · Apr 11, 2020

A standard 1911 can be disassembled 2 ways., as per the usual manual instructions or by the manner you describe above. Choose your preferred method. I have no experience with full length guide rods in 1911's so I don't know if your S&W has that or how it would affect disassembly. All mine are Colts or S.A. standard Gov. models with the 2 piece guide rod.

I will add you may have a higher probably of a flying guide rod (recoil) spring & bushing removal issues (if it's tight) using the method you describe. I think it's probably easier to reassemble using the method in your manual.

growr · Apr 11, 2020

For "ME" I like to remove the spring tension of the recoil spring first which makes further disassembly that much easier.

You do as you see fit....there is NO one and only one way to disassemble a 1911.

Randy

LVSteve · Apr 11, 2020

I'm cleaning a Gen2 R51 in 9mm today. It's marginally less frustrating than a CZ 52, but quite a bit safer. 1911s are a piece of cake by comparison.

Chino74 · Apr 11, 2020

You think that's bad try disassembling / reassembling an old Astra 400 or 600.

UncleEd · Apr 11, 2020

The Norseman,

Why not do it the way the manual proposes?
You might end up liking it better, both in
disassembly and reassembly.

I've seen many 1911s pulled apart by removing
the entire slide assembly first and always thought
it awkward. But that's just me.

Now obviously with more modern designed autos,
i.e. the Beretta or SIG, taking the entire slide assembly
off intact is the correct way. But I've always disliked
putting the spring back in by pushing it forward to the
muzzle. I've found it problematic at times seating the
spring assembly. But that's just me.

Now, back to our revolvers!!!!!

huntsman22 · Apr 11, 2020

The Norseman said:
I have a question on Disassembly
of my Circa 2008 Ruger SR1911 Standard Full Size 45ACP Pistol.

You have a very rare pistol, being a 2008 and all. Seein's how that model wasn't intro'ed until 2011........

UncleEd · Apr 11, 2020

huntsman22 said:
You have a very rare pistol, being a 2008 and all. Seein's how that model wasn't intro'ed until 2011........

"Circa" is a very big word.

huntsman22 · Apr 11, 2020

And using it makes a guy sound intelligent. Instead of correct......

The Norseman · Apr 11, 2020

2011 Ruger SR1911 45ACP

Ooops, My SR1911 = Dec 2011. So Circa 2011. Just
re-found the Receipt, had to go look.

Got Date mixed up with my Super Rare Ruger Gold Label
Side x Side 12ga. English Stock Lever Action Shotgun.

Still, can the 2011 Ruger SR1911 be taken apart safely
the way I asked?

Pisgah · Apr 11, 2020

The Norseman said:
Ooops, My SR1911 = Dec 2011. So Circa 2011.

"Circa" means "approximately". Your gun is precisely from 2011.

Disassembly by the method you describe is certainly possible, but it requires alignment of the slide and slide stop against the pressure of the recoil spring. Both disassembly and reassembly are much more more difficult doing it this way.

The Norseman · Apr 12, 2020

Out Take

Sounds like a challenge. I'll have to try that Disassembly and
Assembly of my Ruger SR1911 45ACP with the Slide and all
intact.

I will make sure to grasp the whole assembly as I move the
Slide off the Frame.

sheppard · Apr 12, 2020

The method the OP describes is used with 1911s that have bull barrels and no bushings. Takedown is a pain compared to normal 1911s with a barrel bushing as the recoil spring is kept in compression. The normal takedown is much easier in regular 1911s as the Ruger is. And yes the SR1911 was brought out in 2011 the 100th anniversary year.

UncleEd · Apr 12, 2020

Well Norseman,

Seems like you're determined to NOT take
it down per the manual. So, go for it!

stansdds · Apr 12, 2020

You can do it by aligning the cut in the slide and pushing out the slide stop pin, but I find that to be royal pain with traditional 1911's. I prefer Government and Commander size 1911's to have the standard (short) recoil spring guide and standard plug. The best plugs are the old ones that had a small piece of the metal punched into the plug. You sort of screwed the open end of the recoil spring into the plug, so that the plug would not be launched into the mud, grass, swamp, whatever if you fumbled the field strip/reassembly.

scooter123 · Apr 12, 2020

Chino74 said:
You think that's bad try disassembling / reassembling an old Astra 400 or 600.

I have an Astra 300 my Dad brought back from WWII and completely understand your comment.

Concerning the SR1911, I have 4 of them, 3 in 45 ACP and 1 in 9mm. All are basically designed and made to the original design of the 1911. As in short solid guide rod with a spring that is retained at the rear by the guide rod and the front with the plug.

They can be taken down by positioning, and holding the slide at the disassembly notch and pushing out the slide lock. You can also re-assemble by reversing this procedure. However on re-assembly you will be fighting with that recoil spring and guide rod all the way. Do it this way once or twice and you'll probably decide that removing the spring plug to remove the tension from the recoil spring is much easier.

To sum it up, the easiest way to take down a 1911 is to do it by the manual.

max · Apr 12, 2020

I figure the Army has a lot (100 years) exp with the 1911 and they teach, or did, to remove the bushing and spring prior to the takedown. It does make things a lot easier.

The Norseman · Apr 12, 2020

Update 2011 Ruger SR1911 Smack Down

Update.

Well I got the 100th Anniversary 2011 Ruger SR1911 45ACP
Full Size Pistol all cleaned up.

I Disassembled taking the Slide off with all on it (Bushing,
Barrel, Spring Cap, Spring, Spring Guide).

Wow! That was easy, and quick way to seperate Slide
and Frame. Then just took the Slide apart.

I could see controlling the Spring and no catch Spring Guide
would be a problem.

I decided to put the Slide back on per the Owner's Manual;
not as one Unit. I believe It is just easier that way.

In closing; I learned Disassembly taking the whole Slide off or
doing it by the Book works. When putting it back together
though, I will do it by the Book.

Thanks for reading about my conundrum.
1. A filthy Prescott AZ Ruger 1911 amazingly
trouble free for 9 years.
2. Barrel and Slide filth.
3. Cleaned, Oiled, Greased; ready for Assembly.
4. Together again, Idiot free.

Rule3 · Apr 12, 2020

It is just a "regular" 1911 yes it can be done taking the whole slide off but the more betterer way is they way it should be.

If you like fighting the spring and risk getting one to fly off in your eye, go for it

[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2clYg5RwQrw[/ame]

UPDATE Ruger SR1911 Disassembly vs Owner's Manual

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