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Work order — M1911A1 / 1911 Government Model

Taking the firearm apart for a job such as refinishing, and putting it back together to specification. Generated from the Pew-Takedown entry last updated 2026-10-29. Confidence: high.

Shop difficulty: Tier 2 of 3

57 pieces (51 keys) that come apart with the gun's own parts as tools, but with classic traps: the mainspring must be compressed while its cap pin goes back in, the safety plunger has to be held in the plunger tube as the thumb safety goes in (hammer cocked), the three-leaf sear spring must be positioned, and the slide stop scratches the frame unless it rides over its plunger. 51 parts (Colt WWII Reproduction M1911A1 'Parts Illustration and List' (Fig. 12), complete pistol incl. magazine; 51 key numbers.). Pew-Takedown's rating, not the manufacturer's.

Bench time: strip ~30 min, rebuild ~45 min (estimate). Actual: strip ______ rebuild ______

Special tools:

• barrel bushing wrench — Tight bushings
• 1/16" pin punch — Pushing the safety plunger and mainspring cap pin
• dovetail sight pusher (or brass drift and padded vise) — Removing and refitting dovetailed sights for coating

Watch for:

• If the mainspring housing is stripped, the mainspring needs considerable pressure while its pin goes back in. (reassembly; M1911.ORG)
• The thumb safety only goes back in with the hammer cocked and the safety plunger held into the plunger tube with a small pin. (reassembly; M1911.ORG)
• The slide stop almost always leaves a scratch on the first rebuild unless it is pushed so the plunger rides onto its flat face. (reassembly; M1911.ORG)
• The recoil spring plug is under considerable tension when the bushing is turned. (disassembly; American Rifleman (NRA))
• Sear and disconnector must go back in their original relationship under the sear spring. (reassembly; American Rifleman (NRA))

Tools

• Bushing wrench — Rotating a tight barrel bushing, common on match-grade pistols.
• Paperclip or slave pin — Capturing the recoil spring on full-length guide rod pistols.

1. Clear and make safe

1. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and keep your finger off the trigger.
2. Press the magazine release and remove the magazine.
3. Retract the slide to eject any chambered round and lock the slide open with the slide stop.
4. Visually and physically confirm the chamber is empty.
   Warning: Look and feel. Do not rely on either alone.
5. Clear all live ammunition from the work area.

2. Disassemble

Field Strip (GI-pattern, short guide rod)

1. Complete the Clear and Make Safe procedure, then let the slide forward and leave the hammer cocked with the thumb safety off.
2. Press the recoil spring plug inward against spring pressure with your thumb, and rotate the barrel bushing clockwise (as seen from the muzzle) until the plug is free of the bushing's shoulder.
   Warning: Keep firm control of the plug. Released suddenly, it will launch several feet. Eye protection on.
3. Ease the recoil spring plug out slowly, letting the spring decompress under control.
4. Retract the slide until the small takedown notch on the underside of the slide lines up with the round lug on the slide stop.
5. Push the slide stop pin from the right side of the frame and withdraw the slide stop from the left.
   Tip: If it will not move, the notch is not aligned. Do not pry.
6. Push the slide assembly forward and off the front of the frame rails.
7. Withdraw the recoil spring and recoil spring guide from the rear of the slide.
8. Rotate the barrel bushing counterclockwise (as seen from the muzzle) and remove it from the front of the slide.
9. Push the barrel link forward toward the muzzle, then slide the barrel forward and out the front of the slide.

Detail strip the barrel link, firing pin and extractor

1. Field strip the pistol so that the barrel group and the slide group are separate.
2. Push the barrel link pin out of the barrel lugs.
   Tip: The figure notes the pin is installed from right to left.
3. Remove the barrel link from the barrel.
4. Press the firing pin forward into the slide with a punch, and slide the firing pin stop out while the firing pin is held compressed.
   Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).
5. Remove the firing pin and firing pin spring from the rear of the slide.
6. Unseat the cartridge extractor and withdraw it from its hole at the rear of the slide.
   Tip: The extractor sits behind the firing pin stop slot; with the stop out it can be unseated and pulled to the rear.

Remove the front and rear sights

1. Field strip the pistol and support the slide in a fixture.
2. Drive the front sight out of the slide.
3. Drift the rear sight out of its dovetail slot from left to right.

Detail strip the receiver: safety, hammer, sear, disconnector, magazine catch and trigger

1. Field strip the pistol and remove the magazine, leaving the receiver group.
2. Remove the safety.
3. Release the hammer so that it is down before you remove the hammer pin.
4. Push the hammer pin out of the receiver.
   Tip: When installed, the head of the hammer pin is on the left side.
5. Remove the hammer group (hammer with hammer strut).
6. Drive out the mainspring housing pin with a punch.
7. Remove the mainspring housing assembly from the receiver.
8. Remove the grip safety.
9. Remove the sear spring.
10. Push the sear pin out from right to left.
11. Remove the sear and disconnector.
12. Separate the sear and disconnector.
13. Turn the magazine catch lock 90 degrees to unlock the magazine catch group, and remove the magazine catch group from the receiver.
14. Turn the magazine catch lock counterclockwise and separate the magazine catch lock and magazine catch spring from the magazine catch.
    Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).
15. Remove the trigger.

Disassemble the hammer group and mainspring housing

1. Remove the hammer group and the mainspring housing assembly from the receiver (procedure 'receiver-fire-control-detail-strip', steps 2–7).
2. Drive the hammer strut pin out from left to right.
3. Separate the hammer strut from the hammer.
4. Depress the mainspring in the housing and push out the straight headed pin.
   Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).
5. Remove the mainspring (helical compression spring), mainspring cap pin and detent plunger from the mainspring housing.
6. Separate the detent plunger, helical compression spring and mainspring cap pin.
7. Drive out the lanyard loop spring pin.
8. Separate the lanyard loop from the housing.

Strip the receiver: plungers, grips, plunger tube, ejector and grip screw bushings

1. Complete 'receiver-fire-control-detail-strip' so that the safety is out of the receiver.
2. Remove the slide stop plunger, helical compression spring and safety plunger from the plunger tube.
   Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).
3. Remove the grip screws.
4. Remove the plastic grips.
5. Unseat the plunger tube.
   Warning: Only to replace the tube: it is staked to the receiver, and the TM reinstalls it with a staking tool (para 37b).
6. Remove the plunger tube.
7. Drive the ejector pin out from left to right.
8. Remove the cartridge ejector.
9. Remove the grip screw bushings with a screwdriver only if their threads are stripped or worn.
   Warning: Grip screw bushings will not be removed from the receiver unless threads are stripped or worn (fig. 32 note).

3. Refinish

The components the procedures above separate. Coating, masking and cure are outside this database; follow your coating system's instructions. A part the manufacturer marks "factory fit" should not be swapped or reworked.

No manufacturer statement of materials or finish is recorded. Identify each part's material before choosing prep and cure.

The manufacturer's full parts list (51 parts) is on the reference page.

4. Reassemble

Strip the receiver: plungers, grips, plunger tube, ejector and grip screw bushings

1. Reverse the steps of "Strip the receiver: plungers, grips, plunger tube, ejector and grip screw bushings".

Disassemble the hammer group and mainspring housing

1. Reverse the steps of "Disassemble the hammer group and mainspring housing".

Detail strip the receiver: safety, hammer, sear, disconnector, magazine catch and trigger

1. Reverse the steps of "Detail strip the receiver: safety, hammer, sear, disconnector, magazine catch and trigger".

Remove the front and rear sights

1. Reverse the steps of "Remove the front and rear sights".

Detail strip the barrel link, firing pin and extractor

1. Reverse the steps of "Detail strip the barrel link, firing pin and extractor".

Reassemble the extractor, firing pin and barrel link

1. Insert the cartridge extractor into its hole at the rear of the slide and seat it.
2. Align the slot of the extractor with the firing pin stop slot.
   Tip: The figure shows the extractor's slot lying in line with the firing pin stop slot when it is correctly positioned.
3. Insert the firing pin spring onto the firing pin and insert both into the rear of the slide, with the small loop of the spring to the rear.
   Tip: Para 33 note: when assembling firing pin and recoil springs, the small loop of the springs goes to the rear.
4. Press the firing pin forward with a punch and slide the firing pin stop into its slot until it covers the firing pin.
   Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).
5. Place the barrel link between the barrel lugs.
6. Install the barrel link pin from right to left.
7. Reassemble the pistol per the entry's reassembly procedure.

Install the front and rear sights

1. Insert the front sight into its location in the slide.
2. Rivet the front sight to the slide using the (improvised) riveting fixture.
   Tip: Para 32j: a loose front sight is restaked the same way.
3. If the rear sight was loose, peen the top portion of the dovetail slot.
4. Drift the rear sight into its dovetail slot from right to left with a brass drift.

Reassemble the receiver: bushings, ejector, plunger tube, grips and plungers

1. If the grip screw bushings were removed, install new bushings and stake them with the bushing staking tool, a punch and hammer.
2. Install the cartridge ejector.
3. Install the ejector pin from right to left.
4. If the plunger tube was removed, install it on the receiver and stake it with the staking tool and staking fixture (7/64-inch diameter drill rod).
5. Install the plastic grips.
6. Install the grip screws.
7. Install the safety plunger, helical compression spring and slide stop plunger in the plunger tube.
   Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).

Reassemble the mainspring housing and hammer group

1. Connect the lanyard loop to the mainspring housing.
2. Install the lanyard loop spring pin.
3. Connect the detent plunger, helical compression spring (mainspring) and mainspring cap pin.
4. Install the mainspring, cap pin and detent plunger into the mainspring housing.
5. Depress the mainspring and install the straight headed pin.
   Warning: Wherever springs are found to be under tension or pressure, extreme care should be exercised when removing components. Keep the finger and thumb over applicable components to prevent injury to personnel or loss of parts (TM para 29).
6. Connect the hammer strut to the hammer.
7. Install the hammer strut pin from right to left.

Reassemble the receiver fire control, magazine catch and mainspring housing

1. Install the trigger.
2. Assemble the magazine catch spring and magazine catch lock into the magazine catch: align the magazine catch lock lug with the magazine catch opening and turn the lock clockwise.
3. Position the magazine catch group in the receiver and turn the lock 90 degrees to lock the group in place.
4. Connect the sear and disconnector.
5. Install the sear and disconnector in the receiver.
6. Install the sear pin with the head of the pin on the left side.
7. Install the hammer group and hammer pin, with the head of the pin on the left side.
8. Raise the hammer strut and install the sear spring.
   Tip: Figure 28 shows a rear view of where the sear spring sits behind the sear and disconnector.
9. Partially install the mainspring housing assembly to hold the sear spring in position.
10. Drop the hammer strut and install the grip safety.
11. Cock the hammer before installing the safety.
12. Install and position the safety.
    Tip: The figure marks the slide stop plunger at this step: the safety's pin portion goes in past the plunger in the plunger tube.
13. Release the hammer and position the hammer strut into the mainspring housing assembly.
14. Install the mainspring housing pin.
15. Reassemble the slide group to the receiver and complete the final inspection checks of chapter 6 (trigger pull, safety and functioning).

Reassembly

1. Insert the barrel into the front of the slide, chamber end first, and seat it fully.
2. Install the barrel bushing over the barrel and rotate it clockwise (viewed from the muzzle) until it locks in place.
3. Insert the recoil spring guide into the rear of the slide so it seats against the barrel lug.
4. Slip the recoil spring over the guide from the front.
5. Set the slide assembly onto the frame rails from the front and push it rearward.
6. Align the takedown notch with the slide stop hole, tip the barrel link forward so its hole lines up with the frame hole, then insert the slide stop from the left and press it fully home.
   Warning: Never force the slide stop. If it does not pass through, the barrel link is not aligned. Forcing it bends the link or scars the frame.
   Tip: A fingertip through the magazine well can tip the link forward into position.
7. Install the recoil spring plug over the front of the recoil spring, press it in against spring pressure, and rotate the barrel bushing counterclockwise (viewed from the muzzle) to capture it.
   Warning: Thumb over the plug the entire time.
8. Rack the slide several times to confirm it runs freely, then perform the function check.

5. Torque

No manufacturer torque values are recorded for this firearm.

Reported by other sources — not the manufacturer

Notes: The manufacturer's documents give no torque value. They say: "Replace grip screws or bushings when damaged." (TM 9-1005-211-34, Direct and General Support Maintenance Manual, Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 (22 June 1964), archive.org item UnitedStatesArmyTm910052113422June1964, p. 18 (par. 17, General Maintenance; PDF p. 19)) "Check for split or damaged plastic grips and loose grip screws." (TM 9-1005-211-34, Direct and General Support Maintenance Manual, Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 (22 June 1964), archive.org item UnitedStatesArmyTm910052113422June1964, p. 38 (Chapter 6, Final Inspection; PDF p. 39))

Fit or check on rebuild

• Barrel bushing fit and barrel link — A tight bushing needs a wrench and the link/link pin must be right for lockup; standard 1911 check
• Extractor tension — The internal extractor is a spring and must be tensioned to hold a case against the breech face; standard 1911 check
• Function check: trigger reset, sear/striker engagement, safeties — Standard post-reassembly check on any pistol whose fire-control parts were removed; a mis-seated spring shows up here, not on the bench

6. Function check

• Verify the pistol is unloaded before each check.
• Cock the hammer, engage the thumb safety, and press the trigger. The hammer must not fall.
• Disengage the thumb safety without touching the trigger. The hammer must not fall.
• With the hammer cocked and the safety off, press the trigger without depressing the grip safety. The hammer must not fall.
• Depress the grip safety and press the trigger. The hammer should fall.
• Hold the trigger to the rear, rack the slide, release the trigger and listen for the reset, then press again — the hammer should fall.
• Press the slide slightly out of battery and press the trigger. The hammer must not fall (disconnector check).
• If any of these checks fail, the pistol is unsafe. Stop and see a gunsmith.

If any check fails, the firearm is not safe to fire. Stop and see a licensed gunsmith.

If it won't go back together

Sources

1. FM 23-35: Pistols and Revolvers — U.S. War Department / Department of the Army primary
2. TM 9-1005-211-34: Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 — U.S. Department of the Army primary
3. Colt Government Model Owner's Manual — Colt's Manufacturing Company primary
4. 1911 Govt 3/16" Thin Chain Link Solid Black G10 grip (product page) — Hogue, Inc. secondary
   https://www.hogueinc.com/1911-govt-3-16-thin-chain-link-solid-black-g10
5. FAQ's about Bushings & Accessories — Challis Grips secondary
   https://www.challisgrips.com/pg/24-FAQ-s-about-Bushings-Accessories.aspx
6. TM 9-1005-211-34, Direct and General Support Maintenance Manual, Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 (22 June 1964), archive.org item UnitedStatesArmyTm910052113422June1964 — Headquarters, Department of the Army primary
   https://archive.org/details/UnitedStatesArmyTm910052113422June1964
7. Colt Safety and Instruction Manual: Colt WWII Reproduction Pistol Model M1911A1 — Colt's Manufacturing Company, Inc. primary
   https://www.colt.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/wwiireproductionpistolmodelm1911a1.pdf
8. TM 9-1005-211-34 Direct and General Support Maintenance Manual: Pistol, Caliber .45, Automatic, M1911A1 — Headquarters, Department of the Army primary
   https://archive.org/download/UnitedStatesArmyTm910052113422June1964/united_states_army_tm_9-1005-211-34%20-%2022_june_1964.pdf
9. Trijicon RMR / SRO, Holosun 407c / 507c Mount for GI 1911 (EGW product page, installation instructions section) — Evolution Gun Works (EGW) secondary
   https://egwguns.com/trijicon-rmr-sro-holosun-407c-507c-mount-for-gi-1911
10. 1911 GI Red Dot Mount | Fits Vortex Venom, Viper & Burris FastFire | EGW (EGW product page, installation instructions section) — Evolution Gun Works (EGW) secondary
    https://egwguns.com/vortex-viper-venom-gi-1911-sight-mount-fits-burris-fastfire-and-docter
11. Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Reflex Sight — Operating Instructions (Part #120278, artwork #120279P; English text with French translation) — Leupold & Stevens, Inc. secondary
    https://www.leupold.com/media/manuals/DeltaPoint_Pro_Manual_French_120279P.pdf
12. John Browning’s Valentine’s Day Gift to the US Military: the M1911 — Soldier of Fortune Magazine secondary
    https://sofmag.com/m1911-patent-valentines-day/
13. M1911 Stripping — M1911.ORG secondary
    https://www.m1911.org/stripin1.htm
14. Exploded View: U.S. M1911A1 — American Rifleman (NRA) secondary
    https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/exploded-view-u-s-m1911a1/

Educational guide only. Some information comes from non-authoritative sources. Always consult your manufacturer's manual and a licensed gunsmith. Verify your firearm is unloaded before every procedure. Full disclaimer: https://github.com/Fundamental-build-LLC/Pew-Takedown

Legal notice: this material is third-party information compiled from sources of varying reliability and is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not gunsmithing, technical, safety or legal advice, it is not verified or endorsed by any manufacturer, and it must not be taken as fact. Any work on a firearm beyond the routine field stripping described in its own owner's manual should be performed only by a licensed and insured gunsmith. You use this material entirely at your own risk. Fundamental Build LLC and the project's contributors make no warranty of any kind and accept no liability for death, injury, damage or loss arising from its use. Full terms: LEGAL.md.