The Gun Digest Book of Tactical Weapons Assembly/Disassembly. J B Wood
AMT Skipper
Data: | Colt Model 1911 |
Origin: | United States |
Manufacturer: | Colt’s ManufacturingCompany, LLCHartford, Connecticut |
Cartridge: | 45 ACP, 38 Super,9mm Luger |
Magazine capacity: | 45—7 rounds 38/9mm—9 rounds |
Overall length: |
8 |
Height: |
5 |
Barrel length: | 5 inches (Commander—4½ inches) |
Weight: | 40 ounces |
Our standard military pistol from 1911 to 1985, the Colt 45 Auto is so well known that it really needs no comment or background data here. The target model, the Gold Cup, has one or two small differences in the internal mechanism. The Series 80 versions have an added firing pin block safety system, consisting of a lever in the frame and a plunger and spring in the slide. These are not complicated, and should cause no takedown problems. The old Government Model has also been copied many times over the years, and the instructions will generally apply to all of these.
Field Strip:
1. With the magazine removed and the hammer down, depress the checkered button below the barrel and turn the barrel bushing toward the right side of the gun until the plug and recoil spring are free to come out. CAUTION: The recoil spring is under tension, so keep strong pressure on the checkered end of the plug and ease it out. The barrel bushing can ordinarily be turned easily with the fingers, but on some tight older guns, and especially on the new Mark IV Series 70 guns with the barrel-gripping bushing, a special wrench may be necessary.
2. After easing out the plug, remove it from the end of the spring. In rare cases, it may be locked on by an internal tab, and a slight turn will be necessary to free it.
3. Cock the hammer, and move the slide back until the small semi-circular cut at its lower edge aligns with the top