How to Disassemble a Colt 1911 Pistol

Learn to disassemble your 1911 Colt pistol.

The Colt model 1911, or M1911 was the standard issue pistol for the United States Armed forces from 1911 until the mid 1980's. The Colt 1911 pistol was chambered in a .45 ACP round, and packed a heavy punch. The design of the 1911 was made by John Browning, and originally was designed in the late 1890's to replace the single action revolvers used widely at the time. The Colt 1911 was a very popular side-arm during nearly all wars of the 20th century such as WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The 1911 design is basic and fundamental to its effectiveness, which also makes the weapon a cinch to disassemble or field strip.

Instructions

1. Remove the magazine and cock the charging handle to the rear. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure that no ammunition is present in the weapon.

2. Release the charging handle, then depress the recoil spring plug release located on the muzzle.

3. Twist the barrel bushing clockwise while simultaneously depressing the recoil spring plug. This will uncover the recoil spring plug. Do this slowly, or the spring will fly out and you may loose it.

4. Take out the recoil spring plug, and slide out the recoil spring. Cock the hammer back to a "full cock" position.

5. Pull the charging handle back until the slide lever is in sync with a circular notch, located on the left of the slide.

6. Push the slide release lever from the right side, to the left side of the weapon. Pull the slide release lever off of the weapon.

7. Push the charging handle forward, and slide it completely off of the weapon, then remove the guide pin and spring from the charging handle. These will simply pull out.

8. Turn the barrel bushing counterclockwise then pull it out, then remove the barrel link holding the barrel into position. Once the barrel link is removed the barrel can be pulled out of the charging handle. The weapon is now field stripped and ready for maintenance.

Tips & Warnings

• Never attempt to disassemble the weapon with the hammer at the "half cock" position. This is very dangerous.

• Never attempt to disassemble a loaded weapon.

References

• M 1911: Field Stripping
• Marstar: Colt 1911 Disassembly
• Colt Autos: Disassembly