Prioritizing Safety: A Paramount Consideration
Before embarking on any firearm maintenance, including Rock Island Armory 1911 Disassembly, safety is the absolute priority. Mishandling a firearm can have severe consequences, and it’s critical to approach this process with utmost care and attention. Always adhere to these safety guidelines:
Gun Safety Rules
Remember and practice the four fundamental gun safety rules: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have decided to shoot. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Clear the Firearm
This is the single most important step. Even if you *think* your firearm is unloaded, verify it.
Point the muzzle in a safe direction, ideally at a designated backstop or in a direction where an accidental discharge would cause minimal harm.
Remove the magazine.
Pull the slide back and visually inspect the chamber. Ensure the chamber is completely empty.
Lock the slide open using the slide stop. You should be able to see clearly that there’s no round in the chamber.
Eye Protection
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any debris or potential projectiles.
Work Area
Choose a clean, well-lit, and uncluttered work area. A workbench or stable surface covered with a cleaning mat is ideal. This will help to prevent parts from rolling away or getting lost.
Ammunition
Remove all ammunition from the work area. Store it safely in a separate location.
Mental Focus
Disassembly and reassembly require focus. Avoid distractions and take your time.
Professional Help
If at any point you feel unsure or uncomfortable with any step of the disassembly process, stop and consult a qualified gunsmith. Do not force any parts.
Gathering Your Essentials: Tools and Materials
Having the right tools and materials on hand will make the Rock Island Armory 1911 Disassembly process much smoother and more efficient. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
Field Stripping Tool
Many RIA 1911 models come with a field stripping tool. If yours did not, you can often find them for sale from many online retailers. This tool simplifies the disassembly of the recoil spring plug, essential for the initial breakdown.
Small Punch
A small punch is sometimes needed for removing certain pins, depending on your model. A brass or nylon punch is ideal to avoid damaging your firearm.
Cleaning Mat
A cleaning mat provides a clean working surface and helps protect your firearm from scratches.
Cleaning Supplies
Gun cleaner: For removing carbon buildup and other fouling.
Lubricant: To properly lubricate the moving parts after cleaning.
Gun brushes: Nylon or bronze brushes for scrubbing parts.
Cleaning patches or swabs: For wiping down components.
Optional Tools
Small screwdrivers: For removing grips or specific components if needed (check your specific model).
Rubber mallet: Can be helpful when disassembling stubborn components.
Parts tray: To keep small parts organized and prevent them from getting lost.
Initiating the Breakdown: Field Stripping the 1911
The term “field stripping” refers to the basic disassembly necessary for routine cleaning and maintenance. Here’s how to field strip your Rock Island Armory 1911 Disassembly pistol:
Removing the Slide Stop
Begin by ensuring the firearm is clear. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and inspect the chamber. Next, remove the magazine, retract the slide to ensure it’s clear. With the slide locked back (via the slide stop), visually inspect the chamber.
Locate the slide stop lever on the frame.
With the slide still locked open, push the slide stop lever from the right side of the frame, towards the left.
The slide stop should now be able to be completely removed from the frame. It may require a bit of gentle pressure or maneuvering.
Once the slide stop is removed, the slide should now be able to come off the frame.
Separating the Slide from the Frame
With the slide stop removed, you can now separate the slide from the frame.
Hold the pistol securely, pointing it in a safe direction.
Gently slide the slide forward off the frame rails.
The slide should now be completely separated from the frame. Set the frame aside.
Taking Out the Recoil Spring and Guide
Now we’ll remove the recoil spring and guide rod, which sit underneath the slide:
**Important Note:** This step can vary slightly depending on your specific RIA 1911 model. Some models use a captured recoil spring assembly, while others use a standard recoil spring and guide rod. Be prepared to encounter either design. If your pistol features a “full-length guide rod”, a special tool (or a paperclip) may be needed to compress the spring.
**If using a standard recoil spring and guide rod:**
Compress the recoil spring plug with the field stripping tool.
Carefully release the tension on the recoil spring plug, allowing it to be removed.
Gently remove the recoil spring and guide rod from the slide.
**If using a captured guide rod:**
Gently move the slide assembly so the guide rod can be removed from its location within the slide.
Be very careful not to let the spring suddenly release its energy.
Freeing the Barrel
The barrel is the next component to remove:
Turn the slide upside down.
Gently push the barrel forward and away from the slide.
Exploring the Slide: Additional Disassembly
For a more thorough cleaning, you might want to disassemble the slide further. This involves removing the firing pin and extractor. *Proceed with caution, as these parts are under spring tension.*
Disassembly of the Firing Pin and Retaining Plate
Using a punch, carefully depress the firing pin retaining plate from the rear of the slide. This plate typically sits at the rear and holds the firing pin and spring in place.
Once the plate is depressed enough, slide it out of the slide.
Gently remove the firing pin and firing pin spring. These components are held in place by spring pressure and are prone to “launching” if not handled carefully.
Taking Out the Extractor
The extractor is the claw-like component that pulls the spent casing from the chamber. Its removal typically involves using a punch to push out a pin holding it in place. *This process varies slightly depending on the model.*
Locate the extractor pin. Use a punch to push the pin out of the slide. *You may need a specialized tool to grasp and pull the extractor out.*
Once the pin is removed, the extractor can usually be pulled out from the side of the slide.
Detaching the Mainspring Housing
The mainspring housing is located at the base of the grip. Removal is often needed for thorough cleaning.
Most mainspring housings are held in place by a pin.
Using a punch, push the pin out of the mainspring housing.
The mainspring housing can then be removed from the frame.
Component Cleaning and Inspection
After disassembling your Rock Island Armory 1911, it’s time for cleaning and inspection.
Cleaning the Disassembled Parts
**Solvents:** Use a gun cleaning solvent to remove carbon buildup, powder residue, and other fouling from the components.
**Brushes:** Use nylon or bronze brushes to scrub the parts, especially the barrel and slide.
**Patches/Swabs:** Use cleaning patches or swabs to wipe away the solvent and residue.
**Barrel:** Pay close attention to the barrel. Clean it thoroughly with a brush and patch to ensure optimal performance.
**Slide and Frame:** Wipe down the slide and frame to remove any debris.
**Small Parts:** Use a small brush or swab to clean small parts like the firing pin, extractor, and slide stop.
Inspecting for Wear and Tear
**Visual Inspection:** Carefully inspect each part for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, pitting, or excessive wear on the contact surfaces.
**Springs:** Check the springs (recoil spring, firing pin spring, etc.) for compression or damage.
**Barrel:** Inspect the barrel for any bulges or imperfections.
**Replace Worn Parts:** If you find any worn or damaged parts, replace them immediately. This is crucial for safety and reliability.
Strategic Lubrication
After cleaning and inspection, it’s essential to lubricate your Rock Island Armory 1911.
Apply a light coat of gun oil or lubricant to all moving parts.
Focus on the slide rails, barrel lugs, extractor, firing pin, and other areas where metal-on-metal contact occurs.
Avoid over-lubricating, as excess lubricant can attract dirt and grime.
Reassembly: Putting It Back Together
Reassembling your Rock Island Armory 1911 is essentially the reverse of the disassembly process. Follow these steps carefully:
Frame Reassembly
Install the mainspring housing back onto the frame.
Secure the mainspring housing pin.
Slide Reassembly
If you disassembled the slide, reassemble the extractor. Make sure the extractor pin is seated properly.
Insert the firing pin and firing pin spring.
Replace the firing pin retaining plate.
Insert the barrel into the slide.
Insert the guide rod and recoil spring (or the captured guide rod) into the slide.
Attaching the Slide to the Frame
Carefully align the slide with the frame rails.
Slide the slide onto the frame. *It may be necessary to hold the slide stop lever up, depending on the model*.
Inserting the Slide Stop
Insert the slide stop lever back into the frame. *This can sometimes require a bit of maneuvering to align properly.*
Function Testing
After reassembly, perform a function test.
**Magazine:** Insert the magazine.
**Slide Manipulation:** Cycle the slide several times. Ensure the slide moves smoothly.
**Trigger:** Dry-fire the pistol.
**Safety Checks:** Verify that the safety mechanisms (thumb safety, grip safety) function correctly.
Troubleshooting Common Hurdles
Sometimes, during Rock Island Armory 1911 Disassembly or reassembly, you might encounter some minor issues:
Stuck Pins
If a pin is stuck, try using a punch with the correct diameter and gently tapping it. Avoid excessive force. If it still doesn’t budge, seek assistance from a gunsmith.
Tight Fit
Some parts may require more force to fit. If you’re having trouble, double-check that the parts are properly aligned.
Extractor Issues
Ensure the extractor is seated correctly and functioning properly.
Spring Issues
Make sure all springs are installed correctly and haven’t been damaged during disassembly or reassembly.
Concluding Thoughts: Mastering the Process
Mastering Rock Island Armory 1911 Disassembly is a rewarding skill for any 1911 owner. It empowers you to maintain your firearm properly, understand its mechanics, and troubleshoot common issues. Remember that safety is paramount. Always prioritize it. Follow the steps carefully, take your time, and practice.
By following this guide, you can confidently disassemble, clean, and reassemble your Rock Island Armory 1911. Regular maintenance will ensure its reliability and longevity. Never be afraid to ask for help. Gunsmiths are an excellent resource.
If you’ve had experiences with Rock Island Armory 1911 disassembly, share your tips or questions in the comments below!
