G.I. Detail Question

[Jurgey]

Hi Folks!

I remember reading somewhere, sometime ago, that in order to detail strip my G.I. that the ILS needs to be either; A) Locked B)Un-Locked
I cant for the life of me find an answer, nor remember what I read! Can someone clarify for me? Any other "tricks" for the Springer that I should know about?!

Thanks So Much In Advance!

[gottripletsNC]

First trick I pulled with my Springer full size is to buy a new MSH assembly and get rid of that infernal locking system.
But the answer is yes and no, you can do either way. But the correct way...there is a small hole on the top of the MSH on the right side, there should have been a small metal rod that came with the gun, cock the gun, then slide the rod inside that hole. This holds the Mainspring cap down, and secures the spring in place. Or if you don't have that rod, I believe the Firing Pin will fit. I wouldn't do that tho, wouldn't want to put that stress on my firing pin. I just slowly remove the MSH to keep the spring from flying out.

[EdP]

the other way is to decock the gun, lock the ILS, remove it, throw it into the box the gun came in, buy a new MSH and use it ;)

[Jurgey]

Thank you gentlemen! I got it! Took a few minutes to get the safety out, but in time, I figured it out. I used a website I found detailing the dissasembely ,for a Kimber, that also helped out alot.

Why do you find the ILS to be such a problem?

[gottripletsNC]

Why do you find the ILS to be such a problem?
Well a couple of reasons.
#1. I lost my key, so what good was it doing
#2. If it had been locked and I needed to use it in self-defense...
#3. The internals are different sized to make room for the ILS mechanism. Can't buy the parts from anyone but SA. No interchanging from other manufacturer 1911s.
#4. Standard Mainspring is 23#, the ILS mainspring is 28#, makes for a little stiffer trigger pull.

[garrettwc]

Jurgey, I posted a link to some videos in the maintenance section yesterday showing how to detail strip the 1911. It just so happens that the Springfield GI with ILS was the demo gun. Have a look:
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=24515

[Jurgey]

gottripletsNC;

Four VERY valid points! Thank You again for the help Sir!

garrettwc;
A day late and a dollar short I believe they say! On my part of course! That is exactly what I would have needed. Those are some really informational vids for a 1911 Newbie such as myself! Thank You as well!

[Vic S]

Jurgey, I posted a link to some videos in the maintenance section yesterday showing how to detail strip the 1911. It just so happens that the Springfield GI with ILS was the demo gun. Have a look:
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=24515

That was a great video. Wish I had it the first time I did a detail strip and cleaning.

[garrettwc]

You're welcome guys. I'm glad it is of some use to folks.

[EdP]

Why do you find the ILS to be such a problem?

It is unnecessary as far as I'm concerned and really is only there to placate the morons that run my states legislature. If I don't need it, why have an extra mechanical component that may or may not break at an inopportune time. If you don't have some sort of safe or you are more concerned about little hands reaching it, then by all means keep it and use it, I don't have those concerns.

[Jurgey]

Im pretty set on keeping this one completely stock. Although the one on order is going to be for experimenting!

Thanks For All The Info!