Just brought home my new S&W 1911 and dutifully set to cleaning it so we can take it to the range tomorrow. I looked at the manual, watched some YouTube videos and began. It took a bit of time to get it broken down but it took forever to assemble it. I had a hell of a time compressing the spring far enough to get the recoil spring retainer in far enough to lock it in. Does it get easier as the spring gets broken in? I was shooting the retainer all over the house when it slipped out of my grasp. Thanks.
Field Stripping new 1911 E series
- Thread starter mltndw3
- Start date
If you place the gun on a padded surface with the barrel pointed straight up,push the plug and spring down with your thumb and turn the bushing with the other hand or wrench, it's pretty easy.
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Thanks for the advice! That makes perfect sense. I was trying to brace it in my lap and that obviously contributed to the problem. I will try your recommendation tomorrow after my range period. My G19 and Shield are easy to clean and I was surprised at how much work this 1911 is.
shawn mccarver
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Get rid of the FLGR and install a standard GI spring plug and guide. Problem solved.
There is absolutely NO use for a FLGR. It does nothing. Well, it makes disassembly and reassembly a pain. Apart from that it does nothing.
There is absolutely NO use for a FLGR. It does nothing. Well, it makes disassembly and reassembly a pain. Apart from that it does nothing.
Thanks for the advice. I am glad to know that others had similar problems with assembling the gun after cleaning. Day at the range went well with my wife and I both shooting the 1911--it is wicked accurate when compared to our G19 and Shield groupings (yes I know we need to practice more). The only negative was that my wife was unable to rack it which harkens back to her experience with a new Shield. As for the FLGR, why did they go to a full length rod? When I checked out most of the 1911 You Tube videos, most had the standard length. What are the benefits of a FLGR VS a standard length one? Is it an easy fix and will I notice any difference in the guns operation?
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Damn Yankee
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mltndw3
I like your new gun is it a 9mil or 45 cal? Also looks like it is a double stacker.
I like your new gun is it a 9mil or 45 cal? Also looks like it is a double stacker.
It is a 1911 E series in 45 ACP. It is a SS. I had to Google DS because I've never seen, or heard of a DS 1911 (I am new to this gun). The fact that it is a SS to be the only down side at the range yesterday--only 2 SS mags. I like the 9mm that comes with 3 15 round mags in LEO config. I have 6 mags for my Shield so we're pretty much set when we go to the range. Guess I need to buy a few more.
A piece of carpet sample (discontinued bound samples are usually available at carpet stores from time to time) make great worktop toppers for any gunsmithing. When you drop small pieces they don't bounce and roll away either. (Doing trigger jobs on 1911's and you will be able to field strip and reassemble with your eyes closed after a short while.)
I've been using an old towel, but carpet makes sense when it comes to keeping components from moving around. By the way, the field stripping process after our first range period, went much better thanks to using a hard surface to brace the weapon as I pushed the spring down. The lesson here is that I can't treat a 1911 like a 9mm when taking the gun down for cleaning. I continue to learn from you forum members.
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