Can Someone Walk Me Through...

[Sgt. Quincannon]

Hello,
I would like to swap out the flat mainspring housing on my 1991A1 for a G.I. arched housing that I bought. Can someone walk me through the process? Thanks in advance for your time and help.
Regards, Sgt. Q

[TrooperAllen469]

No sweat. First, with a brass or other non-scratch punch and mallet, with the weapon unloaded and the hammer forward,drift the little pin out of the bottom of the grip frame. gently slide the flat housing off of the frame, being cautious of the frames exposed sharp edges. Holding the flat housing in a padded vise, depress the hammer strut plunger with a punch. the small retaining pin will most likely fall out. if not, use a small punch to remove it by pushing on the small end(the end that faced outside the frame). it will not require much force. once it is out, the plunger, mainspring, and detente plug can be removed. reassemble in reverse order.

[Tom]

Look at the disassembly instructions link off our Home Page (http://www.m1911.org) for text and pictures on how to remove and replace the MSH.

[Sgt. Quincannon]

Thanks, Guys! I'll get right on it.

[mike h. buness]

Another flat mainspring housing hater! Right on! Most M1911A1's mainspring retaining pins have the "dimple" on the right side of the frame. As mentioned, use a brass punch on the "dimple" to push the pin out [ hammer down]. Re-install in the same direction only. [re-insert pin from right to left]. Mike.