Newbie Got a ?

THENASH · April 28, 2006, 10:27 AM

New to the 1911 world. Had a general and embarassing question. I was curious about which direction the receiver in my colt is supposed to sit. It has a rounded side and a v-shaped cut on the other. Is the v-shaped cut face upwards or downwards? I've seen illustrations and they show upwards. However, mine is currently set with the v-shaped side down. Help a youngin'!

hoghunting · April 28, 2006, 11:39 AM

I am assuming that you are talking about the recoil guide rod. Does the recoil spring slide around this piece? If it is the guide rod, the rounded end goes down into the frame and the "V" shaped end fits under the barrel.

If this is not what you are having the problem with, Post again.

THENASH · April 28, 2006, 01:47 PM

You answered my embarassing newb question. Thanks you.

Harry Bonar · May 2, 2006, 08:55 PM

Newbie:
Welcome to the forum - you will find most all the guys will help you.
I will tell you thsat NO question is embarrassing or stupid

- we, on the forum learn that way!
Harry B.

James K · May 3, 2006, 07:04 PM

No question is dumb, and folks here will try to help. But it does help to know the nomenclature. If you don't have a factory manual, send for one, or check one of the many sites that have drawings, diagrams and takedown instructions for the M1911. It is probably the most discussed pistol in the world, with whole web sites devoted to it.

Generally, a "receiver" is the term used for the main part of a rifle or shotgun, the part the barrel is attached to and which contains the bolt and operating mechanism. The corresponding part for a handgun (I don't know why) is called a "frame". The part you mention is the recoil spring guide, which fits into the front of the frame.

Jim

Harry Bonar · May 4, 2006, 02:00 PM

Right on Jim - Indeed I got the same feeling.
I once tried to make a firing pin for a CZ52!!!
Failed!
The diagragm sure helps.
Finally ordered one from a guy in Florida and even had to shorten it!
Harry B.

**Unclenick** · May 4, 2006, 06:02 PM

Echoing the earlier point: it is important that everyone here feel no question is too foolish or embarassing to ask. This matters because firearms incorrectly assembled are potentially as hazardous as firearms incorrectly handled. Indeed, I would go so far as to say it is the responsibility of gun owners to their friends and families and to the strangers next to them at the range, to be as certain as possible that their weapons are safe for use as intended, no matter what questions they have to ask to make it so.

Nick

THENASH · May 5, 2006, 01:48 PM

Thanks folks! I have the manual but when I looked for the number reference I read the wrong title. 36 looked like 38. I need glasses. Anyway, thanks for the words of encouragement.

April 28, 2006, 10:27 AM	#1
THENASH Member Join Date: April 3, 2006 Posts: 66	Newbie Got a ? New to the 1911 world. Had a general and embarassing question. I was curious about which direction the receiver in my colt is supposed to sit. It has a rounded side and a v-shaped cut on the other. Is the v-shaped cut face upwards or downwards? I've seen illustrations and they show upwards. However, mine is currently set with the v-shaped side down. Help a youngin'!

May 2, 2006, 08:55 PM	#4
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	Newbie Newbie: Welcome to the forum - you will find most all the guys will help you. I will tell you thsat NO question is embarrassing or stupid - we, on the forum learn that way! Harry B.

May 4, 2006, 02:00 PM	#6
Harry Bonar Senior Member Join Date: December 5, 2004 Location: In the Vincent, Ohio general area. Posts: 1,804	newbie Right on Jim - Indeed I got the same feeling. I once tried to make a firing pin for a CZ52!!! Failed! The diagragm sure helps. Finally ordered one from a guy in Florida and even had to shorten it! Harry B.

May 4, 2006, 06:02 PM	#7
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	Echoing the earlier point: it is important that everyone here feel no question is too foolish or embarassing to ask. This matters because firearms incorrectly assembled are potentially as hazardous as firearms incorrectly handled. Indeed, I would go so far as to say it is the responsibility of gun owners to their friends and families and to the strangers next to them at the range, to be as certain as possible that their weapons are safe for use as intended, no matter what questions they have to ask to make it so. Nick __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

April 28, 2006, 11:39 AM	#2
hoghunting Senior Member Join Date: March 27, 2006 Posts: 1,559	I am assuming that you are talking about the recoil guide rod. Does the recoil spring slide around this piece? If it is the guide rod, the rounded end goes down into the frame and the "V" shaped end fits under the barrel. If this is not what you are having the problem with, Post again.

April 28, 2006, 01:47 PM	#3
THENASH Member Join Date: April 3, 2006 Posts: 66	You answered my embarassing newb question. Thanks you.

May 3, 2006, 07:04 PM	#5
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	No question is dumb, and folks here will try to help. But it does help to know the nomenclature. If you don't have a factory manual, send for one, or check one of the many sites that have drawings, diagrams and takedown instructions for the M1911. It is probably the most discussed pistol in the world, with whole web sites devoted to it. Generally, a "receiver" is the term used for the main part of a rifle or shotgun, the part the barrel is attached to and which contains the bolt and operating mechanism. The corresponding part for a handgun (I don't know why) is called a "frame". The part you mention is the recoil spring guide, which fits into the front of the frame. Jim

May 5, 2006, 01:48 PM	#8
THENASH Member Join Date: April 3, 2006 Posts: 66	Thanks folks! I have the manual but when I looked for the number reference I read the wrong title. 36 looked like 38. I need glasses. Anyway, thanks for the words of encouragement.