I've done it!

[Wes Janson]

I finally got down and disassembled the frame of my Colt as far as I could go. I wasn't able to get the trigger out because I couldn't get the screw in the mag release to turn. Didn't have a screwdriver of the proper length and width to fit the slot effectively. Nor did I have a vise to diassemble the mainspring assembly. But I did get the sear, and disconnector, and all of those fun little parts out, and get to play with them to understand how they work. I'm still somewhat lost on the half-cock position, as well as the precise role of the disconnector, but I'm beginning to understand the parts and how they function. What an incredible design! Absolutely incredible.. Everything in there it seems serves multiple purposes, and all working together they do an exemplary job. My only complaint was that getting the mainspring housing drift pin in and out was a pain. Using the mainspring as a catch in order to hold the pin on, while a clever idea, made it a pain for me to get the thing on and off. Still, it was done successfully and cleanly. I feel as if I have now reached a new level of understanding of the 1911, and it feels good.

[stumbler]

Remember that the "screw" in the mag release is not really a screw. When you have the correct size screwdriver, remove in the following:

Gently (and I mean gently) try to turn the "screw" counterclockwise. at the same time apply a little pressure to the mag release button. As the button is being pushed in, the "screw" will "jump" into a slot in the mag release (Make a note of how far the mag release came out before the "jump). then the mag release should come out.

Do not try to unscrew it more than necessary.

[rhtwist]

Howdy,
If I got this right, the disconnector is spring loaded up, putting a portion between the trigger bar and the actual sear, allowing the trigger to push the disconnector into the sear and release the hammer. This occurs because the disconnector extends above the frame into a slot in the underside of the slide while it is in battery. When the slide moves, it pushes the disconnector down and out from behind the sear, because it no longer sits in the slot. The trigger must be released when the slide is again in battery to allow the disconnector to slide back up behind the sear and allow the trigger to contact it and the sear again. Please experts correct me if I'm not correct or clear!

[wichaka]

You pretty much got it. I always thought the 'disconnector' was not named properly..........it should be called the re-connect.

[Chuck S]

The M1911 was designed to be field and detailed stripped without tools. And none are needed, certainly no vice! :eek: G

rip screws are removed using a fired case -- ever wonder why the slots are curved?

Press the magazine catch flush with the left side of the frame and rotate the screw on the right side 1/4 turn clockwise.

-- Chuck

[rhtwist]

Try this link about disassembly.
http://www.m1911.org/full_striping.htm

This one is without tools.
http://www.sightm1911.com/lib/tech/toolbox.htm

About the half-cock notch, on a Series 70, this notch is to catch the sear and stop the hammer from falling fully and firing the round, if the hammer slipped while cocking it, while there was a round in the chamber. To disengage it, the hammer would have to be fully cocked.