1911 takedown

tim s · August 17, 2011, 09:27 AM

A question for you 1911 afficianados out there. How many of you guys that own custom/semi custom 1911's take them down via the alternative method of not screwing with a tight bushing/bushing wrench but but moving the slide out of battery to push the link pin out as a first move and then removing entire slide/bbl off? I gotta admit once you learn a proper grip holding slide/frame it seems a whole lot easier.

BigJimP · August 17, 2011, 12:17 PM

Yes, my first procedure is to hold the gun in a claw like grip in one hand...that an old armorer showed me ...and push out the slide release ...as my first part removed.

To me its the simpliest and easiest way to start taking the gun down ( and I use it on all my 1911's - Wilsons, Baer, Brown, Kimber, etc....) ....it isn't something I reserve for just better guns...

tim s · August 17, 2011, 01:17 PM

I've gotta agree it's pretty easy. What prompted the question, however, is that this year I got a Baer PII and Les Baer actually states that this is the way his guns should be broken down, less bushing wear, etc,etc. This was the first time I'd seen it referenced as the prefferred way. My series 70 GC bushing requires no tool, Kimber Eclipse Target can barely get it turned without wrench but that Baer has one very tight bushing. Yeah the grip is, I guess, same as the Glock Grasp.

BigJimP · August 17, 2011, 01:29 PM

I don't know anything about a Glock Grasp ....it would just give me hives

...

...but yes, Baer makes his guns very tight / I have a 5" Monolith that he made for me a few yrs ago ....and after 10,000 rds or so ...its still tight ....maybe too tight .../ but its how he believes his guns should be made.

Yes, I agree - its the easiest way to take a 1911 down.../ at least for me / but then I have hands the size of baseball gloves too ...

Officer's Match · August 17, 2011, 01:42 PM

Yes, I take all of mine down that way. Didn't actually start using that method 'till I got a bull-barrel (ie no bushing) 1911, but every since that's my way.

shortwave · August 17, 2011, 02:13 PM

I don't think I've ever used a bushing wrench to take a 1911 down.

KyJim · August 17, 2011, 07:24 PM

Yes, I field strip my 1911s by removing the slide stop first and taking the slide off the frame before taking the recoil spring, bushing, etc. off. Easier, IMO.

Dwight55 · August 17, 2011, 09:46 PM

My first military instructor taught me to depress the plug, rotate the bushing, etc., etc.

Later, another showed me how to remove the slide stop and take it down that way.

I cannot for the life of me remember why I was informed that the second way was hard on the gun, . . . but that is the mental image I have imbedded between the ears.

Be gentle, . . . remember, this all happend over 40 years ago

That is why I still depress the plug,.........................

May God bless,
Dwight

RUT · August 17, 2011, 09:46 PM

Long live the Glock Grasp!!

Officer's Match · August 18, 2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

I don't think I've ever used a bushing wrench to take a 1911 down.

You would if you were field stripping a Baer, regardless of the slide being off the frame.

KyJim · August 19, 2011, 08:49 AM

^^^^^ Yes.

shortwave · August 19, 2011, 11:45 AM

I've heard the bushings in the Baer's can be a PITB.

I've not dealt with them and thats good info to know.

Do the bushings in the Baer's seem to loosen up after a few takedowns or is using a bushing wrench something that is just going to have to be done for the duration of ownership?

45Gunner · August 19, 2011, 02:53 PM

I would not do it that way. However, if it works for you and it you can do it without damaging any parts...go for it. Flexibility is the name of the game and one can be as flexible as one dares, except when it comes to safety which demands rigidity.

KyJim · August 19, 2011, 05:05 PM

Baers "loosen up" just a bit but you'll probably always need a bushing wrench.

shortwave · August 19, 2011, 09:25 PM

Thanks KyJim.

Note to self:

If I ever get fortunate enough to get a Baer, DO NOT LOOSE BUSHING WRENCH"

Dwight55 · August 19, 2011, 09:47 PM

I guess I'm the odd man out, . . . I do the plug first, . . . rotate the bushing by hand, . . . and if I needed a wrench, . . . I'd probably find me a can of extra fine valve grinding compound, . . . and about 10 minutes and one wrench later, . . . I'd be moving it by hand.

It's kinda one of those things I demand, . . . weapons that can be field stripped with not much more than a thumb and / or a bullet.

May God bless,
Dwight

Officer's Match · August 19, 2011, 09:53 PM

Dwight, I know several fella's that de-Baer their Baers pretty much that way. And I'll bet they shoot just as good too afterwards.

RedNeckWino · August 20, 2011, 03:30 AM

Dwight55: "It's kinda one of those things I demand, . . . weapons that can be field stripped with not much more than a thumb and / or a bullet."

Amen to that. I don't care to take a tool kit every where I go.

Walter · August 20, 2011, 09:13 PM

I never did it that way until I got a Springer 3" micro-compact with an FLGR.
After I broke it down that way a few times I started breaking my government
models down that way too. It just seems simpler to me to do it that way.

Walter

jaytothekizzay · September 1, 2011, 01:06 PM

Seems you usually only need the bushing tool if your weapon has a full length guide rod

tim s · September 1, 2011, 02:06 PM

Nope most of the Baer's don't use them, good old fashioned spring plunger under the bushing.

RickB · September 1, 2011, 03:30 PM

I don't do the pop-the-slide-stop-first technique, as I don't want a) dirty, greasy oil all over my hand, and b) my recoil spring and guide to go *SPROING* across the room if I don't get a perfect grip on them as the slide comes off. Even if I did take it off that way, compressing the spring and holding it against the barrel as I try to thread the slide back on it a pain. I turn the bushing first to take it down, and turn the bushing last when putting it back together.

raimius · September 1, 2011, 11:11 PM

I hate launching the recoil spring plug or the spring, so I usually remove those first.

Searching around shelving units for a half hour taught me something!

Madcap_Magician · September 2, 2011, 11:34 AM

All good 1911 owners have shot themselves in the chest with the recoil spring plug at some point.

grousebuster · September 4, 2011, 08:15 PM

The 1911 wasn't my issue weapon in the Corps since I never got beyond E-4 but of coarse I fired it-and have 2 of them now.Never even heard of using a wrench-DI's would have called you a p**sy puke if you'd said you needed a "wrench" to field strip your weapon.

August 17, 2011, 09:27 AM	#1
tim s Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2011 Posts: 223	1911 takedown A question for you 1911 afficianados out there. How many of you guys that own custom/semi custom 1911's take them down via the alternative method of not screwing with a tight bushing/bushing wrench but but moving the slide out of battery to push the link pin out as a first move and then removing entire slide/bbl off? I gotta admit once you learn a proper grip holding slide/frame it seems a whole lot easier.

August 17, 2011, 01:42 PM	#5
Officer's Match Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2007 Location: LANCASTER,OHIO Posts: 3,944	Yes, I take all of mine down that way. Didn't actually start using that method 'till I got a bull-barrel (ie no bushing) 1911, but every since that's my way. __________________ REAL EYES REALIZE REAL LIES

August 17, 2011, 09:46 PM	#8
Dwight55 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 2,568	My first military instructor taught me to depress the plug, rotate the bushing, etc., etc. Later, another showed me how to remove the slide stop and take it down that way. I cannot for the life of me remember why I was informed that the second way was hard on the gun, . . . but that is the mental image I have imbedded between the ears. Be gentle, . . . remember, this all happend over 40 years ago That is why I still depress the plug,......................... May God bless, Dwight __________________ www.dwightsgunleather.com If you can breathe, . . . thank God! If you can read, . . . thank a teacher! If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a Veteran!

August 17, 2011, 09:46 PM	#9
RUT Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: NH, USA Posts: 812	Long live the Glock Grasp!! __________________ Liberals don't care what you do... as long as it's mandated.

August 19, 2011, 02:53 PM	#13
45Gunner Senior Member Join Date: August 8, 2009 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 1,902	I would not do it that way. However, if it works for you and it you can do it without damaging any parts...go for it. Flexibility is the name of the game and one can be as flexible as one dares, except when it comes to safety which demands rigidity. __________________ 45Gunner May the Schwartz Be With You. NRA Instructor NRA Life Member

August 17, 2011, 12:17 PM	#2
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	Yes, my first procedure is to hold the gun in a claw like grip in one hand...that an old armorer showed me ...and push out the slide release ...as my first part removed. To me its the simpliest and easiest way to start taking the gun down ( and I use it on all my 1911's - Wilsons, Baer, Brown, Kimber, etc....) ....it isn't something I reserve for just better guns...

August 17, 2011, 01:17 PM	#3
tim s Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2011 Posts: 223	I've gotta agree it's pretty easy. What prompted the question, however, is that this year I got a Baer PII and Les Baer actually states that this is the way his guns should be broken down, less bushing wear, etc,etc. This was the first time I'd seen it referenced as the prefferred way. My series 70 GC bushing requires no tool, Kimber Eclipse Target can barely get it turned without wrench but that Baer has one very tight bushing. Yeah the grip is, I guess, same as the Glock Grasp.

August 17, 2011, 01:29 PM	#4
BigJimP Senior Member Join Date: February 23, 2005 Posts: 13,195	I don't know anything about a Glock Grasp ....it would just give me hives ... ...but yes, Baer makes his guns very tight / I have a 5" Monolith that he made for me a few yrs ago ....and after 10,000 rds or so ...its still tight ....maybe too tight .../ but its how he believes his guns should be made. Yes, I agree - its the easiest way to take a 1911 down.../ at least for me / but then I have hands the size of baseball gloves too ...

August 17, 2011, 02:13 PM	#6
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	I don't think I've ever used a bushing wrench to take a 1911 down.

August 17, 2011, 07:24 PM	#7
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	Yes, I field strip my 1911s by removing the slide stop first and taking the slide off the frame before taking the recoil spring, bushing, etc. off. Easier, IMO.

August 19, 2011, 08:49 AM	#11
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	^^^^^ Yes.

August 19, 2011, 11:45 AM	#12
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	I've heard the bushings in the Baer's can be a PITB. I've not dealt with them and thats good info to know. Do the bushings in the Baer's seem to loosen up after a few takedowns or is using a bushing wrench something that is just going to have to be done for the duration of ownership?

August 19, 2011, 05:05 PM	#14
KyJim Senior Member Join Date: July 26, 2005 Location: The Bluegrass Posts: 9,142	Baers "loosen up" just a bit but you'll probably always need a bushing wrench.

August 19, 2011, 09:25 PM	#15
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Thanks KyJim. Note to self: If I ever get fortunate enough to get a Baer, DO NOT LOOSE BUSHING WRENCH"

August 19, 2011, 09:47 PM	#16
Dwight55 Senior Member Join Date: June 18, 2004 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 2,568	I guess I'm the odd man out, . . . I do the plug first, . . . rotate the bushing by hand, . . . and if I needed a wrench, . . . I'd probably find me a can of extra fine valve grinding compound, . . . and about 10 minutes and one wrench later, . . . I'd be moving it by hand. It's kinda one of those things I demand, . . . weapons that can be field stripped with not much more than a thumb and / or a bullet. May God bless, Dwight __________________ www.dwightsgunleather.com If you can breathe, . . . thank God! If you can read, . . . thank a teacher! If you are reading this in English, . . . thank a Veteran!

August 19, 2011, 09:53 PM	#17
Officer's Match Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2007 Location: LANCASTER,OHIO Posts: 3,944	Dwight, I know several fella's that de-Baer their Baers pretty much that way. And I'll bet they shoot just as good too afterwards. __________________ REAL EYES REALIZE REAL LIES

August 20, 2011, 03:30 AM	#18
RedNeckWino Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2011 Location: Northeren Michigan Posts: 121	Dwight55: "It's kinda one of those things I demand, . . . weapons that can be field stripped with not much more than a thumb and / or a bullet." Amen to that. I don't care to take a tool kit every where I go.

August 20, 2011, 09:13 PM	#19
Walter Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2004 Location: North Texas Posts: 641	I never did it that way until I got a Springer 3" micro-compact with an FLGR. After I broke it down that way a few times I started breaking my government models down that way too. It just seems simpler to me to do it that way. Walter

September 1, 2011, 01:06 PM	#20
jaytothekizzay Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2008 Location: st. louis Posts: 450	Seems you usually only need the bushing tool if your weapon has a full length guide rod

September 1, 2011, 02:06 PM	#21
tim s Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2011 Posts: 223	Nope most of the Baer's don't use them, good old fashioned spring plunger under the bushing.

September 1, 2011, 03:30 PM	#22
RickB Senior Member Join Date: March 1, 2000 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 8,518	I don't do the pop-the-slide-stop-first technique, as I don't want a) dirty, greasy oil all over my hand, and b) my recoil spring and guide to go SPROING across the room if I don't get a perfect grip on them as the slide comes off. Even if I did take it off that way, compressing the spring and holding it against the barrel as I try to thread the slide back on it a pain. I turn the bushing first to take it down, and turn the bushing last when putting it back together.

September 1, 2011, 11:11 PM	#23
raimius Senior Member Join Date: January 27, 2008 Posts: 2,199	I hate launching the recoil spring plug or the spring, so I usually remove those first. Searching around shelving units for a half hour taught me something!

September 2, 2011, 11:34 AM	#24
Madcap_Magician Senior Member Join Date: August 13, 2009 Location: MN Posts: 668	All good 1911 owners have shot themselves in the chest with the recoil spring plug at some point.

September 4, 2011, 08:15 PM	#25
grousebuster Member Join Date: July 2, 2011 Location: sw michigan Posts: 20	m1911 The 1911 wasn't my issue weapon in the Corps since I never got beyond E-4 but of coarse I fired it-and have 2 of them now.Never even heard of using a wrench-DI's would have called you a p**sy puke if you'd said you needed a "wrench" to field strip your weapon.