Automatic Pistols Assembly/Disassembly. J B Wood
11. The recoil spring system can be dismantled by removal of a small split-ring clip at its forward end (arrow). CAUTION:Springs are under tension, so remove carefully. Note the arrangement of the springs and attendant parts before disassembly, to be sure they are replaced in the same order.
12. After the grips are removed, move the safety down past the off-safe position and lift it off the frame to the left.
13. Pull the slide latch straight out to the left and remove it. The slide latch spring will slip out of its slot as the latch is removed. The spring is retained on the side of the frame by a single screw.
14. Driving out a small cross-pin at lower rear of the trigger will free the magazine safety and its spring. The trigger is also held by a cross-pin, and after this is removed, the trigger is taken out toward the rear, along with its connector bar.
15. After the slide latch is taken off, the removal of five rolled-steel pins will free the sub-frame, which is then taken out upward from the grip frame. Note that the five sub-frame pins are not all the same size or length. Lay them out in order when they are removed, and be sure that each is returned to its original location. One pin passes through the trigger pivot, another is just to the rear of the trigger pivot. A smaller pin is at the top, in the lower edge of the sub-frame at its center. The last two are located on each side of the safety slot in the grip frame. The sub-frame may be tightly fitted, and should be pried gently upward at the front, in the area between the rear portion of the barrel and the top of the grip frame, then at the rear as soon as there is space to insert a tool. The hammer must be cocked for removal. After the sub-frame is clear of the grip frame, it is advisable to lower the hammer by pressing the sear, because the sear spring is mounted in the grip frame, and the sear is easily tripped. Do not let the hammer fall freely—ease it down.
16. A split-end cross-pin holds the trigger spring inside the trigger, and also retains the trigger bar on the right side. The trigger and sear are held by hollow pivot pins, while the hammer has a solid pivot pin at the rear of the sub-frame. All three of these must be pushed out from right to left. Before removing the hammer pin, turn off the hammer spring nut and remove the spring and its collar from the hammer tail, along with the compression plate at the top. A small roll pin near the center pin of the sub-frame holds the ejector. The sear spring is not in the sub-frame, it is mounted in the grip frame.
17. At the lower rear of the grip frame, the upper pin retains the sear spring, the lower one holds an end plug piece. At the upper rear of the grip frame there is a rubber buffer which cushions the hammer during recoil, and this buffer is easily pried from its recess. The magazine release is retained by a splitring spring clip on the right side. When this clip is forced off its groove in the end of the magazine catch crosspiece, the round, curved, catch-spring comes off to the right, and the catch is removed to the left.
Reassembly Tips:
1. When replacing the sub-frame unit in the grip frame, cock the hammer, setting the sear in place (forward) by hand. Push the trigger bar down to disengage it from the sear, and pull trigger all the way to the rear, holding it there. Insert the hammer spring assembly into the grip frame, being sure that the sear spring engages properly behind the sear. Press the sub-frame down at the rear, then at the front, fitting it to its steps in the grip frame. Make final adjustments by tapping it gently into place with a nylon or plastic hammer, but use no extreme force.
Although the barrel is removable by unscrewing with a metric wrench of the proper size, taking it out of the sub-frame is not advisable. If it has been removed, take care that it is turned back into the proper depth, precisely aligning the extractor recess at the top with the matching recess in the barrel block on the sub-frame.
When replacing the slide latch, cock the hammer to clear the trigger top from the slide latch tunnel in the frame.
2. To insure that the sear spring properly engages the sear, insert a small tool through the safety-lever opening in the grip frame, and pry the spring slightly toward the rear while pushing the sub-frame into place.
Beretta 1915
Similar/Identical Pattern Guns
The same basic assembly/disassembly steps for the Beretta 1915 also apply to the following gun:
Beretta 1917
| Data: | Beretta Model 1915 |
| Origin: | Italy |
| Manufacturer: | Armi Beretta, |
| Gardone (Brescia) | |
| Cartridge: | 9mm Glisenti |
| Magazine Capacity: | 8 rounds |
| Overall Length: | 6.57 inches |
| Height: | 5.06 inches |
| Barrel Length: | 3.74 inches |
| Weight: | 34.12 ounces |
The 9mm Glisenti cartridge, military standard for Italy at the time, was essentially a 9x19mm Luger round with a very light load. Firing full power Luger cartridges in a Model 1915 can damage the gun. In 1917, a version in 32 Auto was introduced. It lacks the rear safety and the ejector, but otherwise is mechanically the same.
Field Strip:
1. Remove the magazine, turn the safety to on-safe position, and pull the slide rearward until it looks open. Lift the barrel straight upward for removal.
2. Restrain the slide, turn the safety to off-safe position, and ease the slide forward off the frame. The recoil spring assembly is easily detached.