How to Field Strip a 1911 .45 ACP Handgun for Cleaning

It is well-known that the 1911 platform is a very durable and reliable handgun, and has been for generations. However, they do require cleaning from time to time. Just how often is largely a matter of taste. Some gun owners clean them every time they take them to the range, others every three or four trips. Even if your 1911 does not need an immediate cleaning, it's nice to field strip it and lightly oil the components to prevent rust.

The first thing you should always do when dealing with any handgun is to make sure it is NOT LOADED. Remove the magazine by pushing the small round button behind the trigger on the left side with your right thumb while holding your other hand under the butt of the gun. Then, pull the slide back slightly and peek into the chamber to be sure it is not loaded. When everything is clear, you are ready to proceed.

Depress the recoil spring plug with the 1911 turned away from you. The recoil spring plug is the bottom circle at the barrel end of the gun. See why it's important to unload the 1911? With the recoil spring plug depressed, slowly turn the barrel bushing clockwise until it clears the plug. If you have a barrel bushing wrench things go a bit easier, but you can use your finger if necessary. The recoil spring is under massive amounts of tension, so be sure the spring and plug don't go flying across the room. Ask me how I know.

Ease the recoil spring and plug out of the handgun and set them aside. Then cock the hammer back on the pistol fully and move the slide toward the rear of the gun until the rear notch on the left side of the slide aligns with the slide release notch on the frame (above the upper left corner of the left hand grip). With the slide in that position, push the slide stop release on the other side of the 1911, located above and in the center of the trigger guard. With the slide stop removed, the entire slide can be moved forward and off the gun.

Now you can take out the recoil spring guide, which is the silver tube that the recoil spring goes over. It will just lift out freely. Push the barrel link at the rear of the barrel down toward the muzzle, which will allow the barrel to come out. Then turn the barrel bushing counter-clockwise all the way to the other side, which will allow it to be removed from the handgun. With the bushing removed, the barrel slides forward and out of the gun. The 1911 field strip is now complete. Your gun is ready to be cleaned, oiled and put back together for another day at the range.