How to change triggers on a 1911?

[Accept]

I just received two lightweight aluminum triggers for my Springfield Mil-Spec and GI, can someone give me detailed instructions on how to swap them? Thank you.

[wichaka]

Look thru the tech section, I think there's detailed instructions on how to take all the parts out of the gun, including the trigger.

Once you put the new trigger in, tip the frame down and make sure the trigger goes up and down with ease. There should be nothing to hinder its travel.

Then make sure the grip safety works properly, as the trigger bow can effect the operation of it.

[Accept]

Look thru the tech section, I think there's detailed instructions on how to take all the parts out of the gun, including the trigger.

Once you put the new trigger in, tip the frame down and make sure the trigger goes up and down with ease. There should be nothing to hinder its travel.

Then make sure the grip safety works properly, as the trigger bow can effect the operation of it.


I checked there before I posted this but I looked again and haven't found any disassembly instructions.

[wichaka]

Hmmmmmm will have to fix that.......

Okay.........here we go........

Take the slide, barrel and related parts off the frame.......

Take the grips off.........save any scratches.
Cock the hammer, move the thumb safety to about the half on/off position and pull it out. Thumb the hammer forward, DO NOT allow it to fall forward.......you will either peen up some metal on the frame and/or damage your hammer. This takes the tension off the main spring.

Use a brass punch and drive out the main spring housing pin, from the cupped side. Slide the housing off, watching that the grip safety doesnt fall out. Remove the grip safety, remove the sear spring. Take out the hammer pin from right to left, as one end is flared.......they only fit one way.
Take out the hammer, then slide out the sear pin the same way.......watch out for the sear & disconnect.......they will come out together.

The last thing is the mag release. The screw is not something you unscrew.......push the mag release about half way in, you'll find the sweet spot where you will be able to turn the screw counter-clockwise about 1/4 turn..........but be easy. I put a little tension on the screw until the right spot is found, then it will turn with ease. Slide the mag release out.........then the trigger will come out easily.

Do the above slowly and inspect the parts and how they fit together, then you'll see the beauty of Brownings design.

If you run into any problems........call out.

[John]

I checked there before I posted this but I looked again and haven't found any disassembly instructions.

Go at M1911.ORG (http://www.m1911.org). Then go in our Home Page. There is a whole section on how to disassemble your gun, down to the frame.

[wichaka]

I knew there was one somewhere...........

[drach]

http://m1911.org/stripin1.htm

I just changed my trigger out for a short one (small hands) I guess I did ok because our local 1911 guru I said I did alright :)

[Accept]

Thank you all for the info but I finally decided to take it to my gunsmith and have the triggers professionally fitted and installed, I just didn't feel comfortable working with the triggers.

[wichaka]

Smart man!
Can't stress enough to folks, that if you're not 100% sure.......take it to a competent 'smith........or disaster can result.