Introduction
The Rock Island 1911. It’s a name that resonates with history, reliability, and the undeniable allure of a classic firearm. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter with years under your belt or a newcomer eager to delve into the world of handguns, the allure of the 1911 design, and particularly a Rock Island 1911, is undeniable. These pistols, known for their robust build and straightforward design, have captured the hearts of firearm enthusiasts for generations. Beyond the satisfaction of owning and shooting a Rock Island 1911 lies a crucial aspect of responsible ownership: understanding how to properly maintain and care for it. This begins with a thorough understanding of how to take it apart, or *disassemble your Rock Island 1911*. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps to do just that, providing you with a clear, comprehensive, and safe approach to disassembling and reassembling your pistol. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and inspection are essential not just for the smooth functioning of your firearm, but also for its longevity and your personal safety. Before proceeding, it is extremely important to emphasize the importance of a responsible firearm owner. The following is for informational purposes and no one should use any of this information without proper training and safety precautions.
Safety First!
Before you even think about touching your Rock Island 1911, safety must be your absolute top priority. Firearms are inherently dangerous, and negligence can have severe consequences. Following these safety rules is not just a suggestion; it’s a mandate for anyone handling a firearm. Your safety, and the safety of those around you, depends on it. Always, always remember these critical rules.
Start by making absolutely certain your firearm is unloaded. This is not just a visual check; it requires a thorough physical examination. Remove the magazine from the pistol. Open the slide and visually inspect the chamber to confirm that it is empty. Physically run your finger along the chamber to ensure there are no rounds present. Never assume a gun is unloaded; always verify. Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. This means directing the barrel towards an area where an accidental discharge would cause minimal harm or damage, such as a safe direction away from people or animals. Ensure you are in a clean, well-lit workspace with sufficient room to maneuver safely. Distractions are your enemy. Set up your work area and eliminate anything that might divert your attention. Always wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses. This will protect your eyes from potential debris or projectiles during disassembly and reassembly. Keep live ammunition separate from your work area. Avoid having loaded magazines anywhere near where you are working on your firearm.
Tools and Materials Required
With safety firmly established, the next step is gathering the right tools and materials. Having the right equipment will make the disassembly process much easier and less prone to error.
For a basic field strip, you won’t need a huge arsenal of tools. A field stripping tool, if you have one, can be useful but is not essential. Having a punch set, particularly one designed for removing pins, is extremely helpful. A small hammer, sometimes referred to as a gunsmithing hammer, can be useful for gentle taps. Non-marring hammer, to prevent any damage. Gun cleaning solvent and lubricant. This will be necessary to remove grime and debris. A cleaning rod and brush, sized appropriately for the barrel of your Rock Island 1911. Cotton swabs or patches, used for cleaning and wiping parts.
While not strictly necessary for field stripping, some optional tools can make the job even smoother. A bench vise can be used to hold the frame steady while working on certain parts. A gunsmithing mat will also help prevent scratches to the finish of your firearm.
Disassembly Steps
The basic field stripping is the starting point for all cleaning and maintenance. Let’s get started.
Field Stripping
Begin by making absolutely certain that your Rock Island 1911 is unloaded and safe, as described in the safety section.
Once you’ve verified that the pistol is clear, remove the magazine. Pull the magazine release button on the frame, and the magazine should drop free.
Next, retract the slide to align the slide stop notch with the slide stop. Once properly aligned, push the slide stop from the right side of the frame. It should then come out the left side. Be aware that some slide stops can be stiff and may require a little firm pressure.
Carefully remove the slide from the frame by sliding it forward, off of the frame. Be mindful of the spring-loaded parts.
Inside the slide, you will find the recoil spring and guide rod. You may encounter a full-length guide rod. Depending on your model, you may need to compress the recoil spring slightly to remove the guide rod and spring together. Carefully depress the recoil spring and remove both from the slide.
At this point, the barrel can be easily removed from the slide. Tilt the muzzle end of the slide upward and remove the barrel from the front of the slide.
This completes the basic field stripping procedure.
Further Disassembly (Optional)
Sometimes, a more thorough cleaning or repair requires further disassembly of the 1911. This involves taking it apart a bit further. Remember that caution is key when working with small, spring-loaded parts.
The mainspring housing houses the mainspring, which provides the energy for the hammer. Disassembly is accomplished by removing the mainspring housing pin. Place a punch on the pin, and gently tap it with a hammer to remove the pin. Be careful. With the pin removed, the mainspring housing can be removed by sliding it downwards, away from the frame. Be cautious as the mainspring can be under tension and release forcefully.
The extractor, located in the slide, is responsible for removing spent casings. Use a small punch and tap the extractor pin out. Once the pin is removed, the extractor can be pulled out, usually downwards and outwards. Be careful not to damage the firing pin.
The grip safety is an important safety feature. It prevents the firing pin from striking the primer unless the grip is properly depressed. To remove the grip safety, depress the grip safety fully. The grip safety can then be removed, and often a spring can be found here as well.
The firing pin and firing pin stop are located in the slide. First, use a small punch to depress the firing pin stop. The firing pin stop can then be removed. The firing pin, and sometimes the firing pin spring, will then come out.
Cleaning and Lubrication
After you’ve disassembled your Rock Island 1911, the time has come to clean and lubricate the components. Proper cleaning and lubrication will ensure smooth operation, reduce wear and tear, and enhance the lifespan of your firearm.
Start by cleaning the barrel. Use a cleaning rod with the appropriate brush attached, and insert it from the chamber end of the barrel. Apply gun cleaning solvent to the brush and scrub the inside of the barrel, rotating the rod as you go. After scrubbing, remove the brush and run clean patches through the barrel until they come out clean.
Clean the slide and frame. Use a cleaning solvent and a soft brush to remove any dirt, grime, or residue. Pay particular attention to the rails where the slide moves on the frame. Wipe all parts dry with a clean cloth.
Clean the small parts. Use cotton swabs or patches to clean any remaining small parts, such as the firing pin, extractor, and springs.
Once all the parts are thoroughly cleaned, apply a thin layer of gun lubricant to the appropriate parts. The lubricant will reduce friction and prevent corrosion. Apply lubricant to the rails of the slide, the barrel, the mainspring housing, and other moving parts. Wipe away any excess lubricant.
Reassembly
Reassembling your Rock Island 1911 is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. Pay close attention to the order of the steps and make sure each part is properly aligned and seated.
Begin by inserting the barrel into the slide.
Reinstall the recoil spring and guide rod.
Replace the slide on the frame.
Insert the slide stop and reinsert it back into place.
If you removed it, reinsert the extractor and extractor pin.
Reinstall the grip safety.
Reinstall the firing pin stop and firing pin.
Reinstall the mainspring housing.
Reassembly is very similar to the disassembly. Carefully work in reverse order from the steps described above.
Function Check
It’s crucial to verify proper function after reassembling your Rock Island 1911. This will help you to identify any potential issues before taking your firearm to the range.
First, check that the safety mechanisms are working. Ensure that the grip safety and manual safety function correctly.
Perform a dry fire test. With the firearm pointed in a safe direction, pull the trigger and check to make sure the hammer falls correctly. This ensures that the trigger mechanism and hammer are functioning properly.
Next, perform a function check by racking the slide to cycle the action, verifying that the slide moves smoothly and locks back on the slide stop. Make sure the magazine functions correctly by inserting a magazine and testing the slide lock.
Troubleshooting
If during disassembly or reassembly you encounter a problem, do not be discouraged. Many issues are easily fixed, and knowing how to troubleshoot is part of the learning process.
If your pistol fails to feed, inspect the magazine for damage. Also check for issues with the feed ramp, chamber or extractor.
If the pistol fails to extract or eject, it may be an issue with the extractor, or the recoil spring might be worn or improperly installed.
If the slide does not cycle, make sure that the slide rails are clean and well lubricated. The recoil spring may have issues as well.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is essential to keep your Rock Island 1911 in good working order.
By understanding how to disassemble and reassemble your Rock Island 1911, you’ve taken a significant step toward responsible ownership. You are now equipped to perform basic cleaning, maintenance, and troubleshooting, which will extend the life of your firearm and ensure its safe and reliable operation.
Remember, safety first, and never hesitate to seek professional assistance if you’re unsure about any aspect of firearm maintenance or repair.
Disassembling and maintaining your Rock Island 1911 should be a source of pride. If you are interested in taking your firearm knowledge further, there are many great resources, including gunsmiths and additional guides.
