Many pistol enthusiasts boast about owning a 1911 pistol, but with this pride comes the responsibility of proper maintenance. Clean your 1911, lubricate it, and regularly maintain it, because a well-maintained 1911 will work for you when you most need it and also retain its value over time. In the following article, we will look at what the basic equipment is that you’ll need to keep your 1911 in top shape.
Disassembly Tools
Before you can start the cleaning and lubricating process on your 1911, it’s going to have to be disassembled. To accomplish this, you’ll require the following tools:
- Bushing wrench: This will allow you to loosen the barrel bushing at the front of the slide. When unscrewed, you’ll be able to withdraw the recoil spring and guide rod.
- Slide stop punch: You will need a small punch or pin to push out the slide stop pin to separate the slide from the frame.
- Hammer and punch set: A small brass or nylon hammer and assorted punches can be utilized to gently tap out pins and other components when disassembling.
Cleaning Supplies
With your 1911 now broken down, you can begin your cleaning process. Collect the following 1911 essentials:
- Cleaning rod: A one-piece cleaning rod that is heavy-duty is necessary for running patches and brushes through the barrel.
- Bore brushes: Carry some bore brushes made from the appropriate caliber (.45 ACP) for cleaning the barrel bore. Nylon and brass brushes are very popular.
- Cleaning patches: Use cotton cleaning patches to wipe down the barrel and other parts with solvents.
- Cleaning solvents: Choose a gun-specific good quality solvent that removes carbon buildup and metal fouling while avoiding harsh chemicals that damage the finish on your gun.
- Cleaning rags: Have a supply of clean, lint-free rags on hand to clean the components and soak up excess solvents and oils.
- Toothbrushes: Old toothbrushes come in handy for brushing into especially hard-to-reach crevices or even dissolving stubborn deposits on your 1911.
Lubrication Tools
Once your 1911 is clean, it’s time to lube it. The following lubrication tools will guide you in applying lubricants properly:
- Lubricating oil: Use good quality gun oil specifically made for firearms. Household oils and greases are full of dirt and tend to gum up mechanisms.
- Lubricating mat: Rest your parts on a clean, non-absorbing mat or tray that will keep them off your work surface and prevent oil from dripping onto your worktop.
- Cotton swabs: Q-tips or cotton swabs are great for applying small drops of oil to difficult-to-reach areas or pivot points.
- Pipe cleaners: Pipe cleaners can be helpful in applying lubricant into tight spaces such as the barrel’s interior.
Maintenance Tools
In addition to cleaning and lubrication, regular maintenance will make your 1911 remain in great condition. These tools may also be very handy:
- Gunsmith screwdriver set: You’ll need an assortment of high-precision screwdrivers to make adjustments for the sights, trigger pull, and so on.
- Feeler gauges: Sandwiched between parts, these thin strips of flexible metal ensure that the parts fit and function .
- Trigger pull gauge : This tool measures the force necessary to drop the trigger and ensures it falls in a good range.
- Magnet: Very strong magnets are quite handy when trying to find lost pins and springs upon disassembly and reassembly.
Good Workspace
Half the battle is proper tools. You also need a clean, well-lit, and organized workspace to ensure effectiveness and safety in the 1911 maintenance. Consider these :
- Workbench: A sturdy, good-lighting workbench allows you to work on the 1911 easily, providing you with a stable surface to disassemble, clean, and then assemble.
- Cleaning mat: A thick, cushioned cleaning mat helps protect the finish on your 1911 from scratches and dabs up spillage during the clean.
- Magnets or trays: use magnets or small trays in order to track disassembled pins, springs, etc. That way such tiny parts won’t get lost or become mixed up.
- Air supply: There should be good ventilation in the work area from which you operate the solvents and lubricants. You should open windows or use a fan to circulate fresh air correctly.
- Lighting: Bright focused lighting for examining parts for inspection means you can clean parts the best way possible.
Conclusion
Actually, keeping your 1911 pistol in good shape is not at all dreadful. All it takes is to make the right investments for the right tool, to have a special place set aside for work, and to help keep your firearm in great shape so that it will be dependable, accurate, and a good companion for lots of time in the future. Manufacturer instructions must be followed, safety stressed, and attention given while cleaning and lubricating a firearm. The tools along with adequate practice can make a 1911 shooter out of you.
