How to take apart a kimber 1911?

How to Take Apart a Kimber 1911: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Kimber 1911 is a legendary semi-automatic pistol that has been a favorite among shooters for decades. With its iconic design and reputation for reliability, it’s no wonder that many enthusiasts want to take apart their Kimber 1911 to clean, maintain, and customize their firearm. In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to take apart a Kimber 1911, covering the tools and parts you’ll need, and the process of disassembly and reassembly.

Tools and Parts Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools and parts:

• Kimber 1911 manual: Having a copy of the manual can be helpful, especially for new shooters or those who are not familiar with the pistol’s disassembly procedure.
• Allen wrench: A #6 Allen wrench is required to remove the grip screws and disassemble the trigger group.
• Phillips screwdriver: A Phillips screwdriver is used to remove the magazine release and slide stop levers.
• Torx screwdriver: A Torx screwdriver is used to remove the recoil spring plug and barrel bushing.
• Gunsmithing kit: A gunsmithing kit can be useful for cleaning and maintaining the pistol’s internal parts.
• Kimber 1911 parts list: Having a parts list can help you identify the different components and their functions.

Disassembly Process

Disassembling the Kimber 1911 involves several steps, which are outlined below:

Step 1: Remove the Magazine

• Insert the magazine release lever: Locate the magazine release lever on the right side of the grip. Press the lever down to release the magazine.
• Remove the magazine: With the magazine release lever depressed, pull the magazine out of the pistol.

Step 2: Remove the Slide Stop Lever

• Locate the slide stop lever: The slide stop lever is located on the left side of the slide, just above the grip.
• Press the slide stop lever down: Use a Phillips screwdriver to press the slide stop lever down.
• Remove the slide stop lever: With the lever pressed down, pull it out of the slide.

Step 3: Remove the Recoil Spring

• Locate the recoil spring plug: The recoil spring plug is located at the rear of the slide, just above the grip.
• Remove the recoil spring plug: Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the recoil spring plug.
• Remove the recoil spring: With the plug removed, pull the recoil spring out of the slide.

Step 4: Remove the Barrel Bushing

• Locate the barrel bushing: The barrel bushing is located at the front of the slide, just above the grip.
• Remove the barrel bushing: Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the barrel bushing.
• Remove the barrel: With the bushing removed, pull the barrel out of the slide.

Step 5: Remove the Trigger Group

• Locate the trigger group: The trigger group is located at the rear of the grip, just above the magazine well.
• Remove the grip screws: Use an Allen wrench to remove the grip screws.
• Remove the trigger group: With the grip screws removed, pull the trigger group out of the grip.

Step 6: Remove the Slide

• Locate the slide: The slide is located at the top of the pistol, just above the grip.
• Remove the slide: With the trigger group removed, pull the slide out of the grip.

Reassembly Process

Reassembling the Kimber 1911 involves reversing the disassembly process. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Install the Slide

• Insert the slide: Place the slide back into the grip, making sure it is properly aligned.
• Reinstall the trigger group: Place the trigger group back into the grip, making sure it is properly seated.

Step 2: Install the Barrel and Barrel Bushing

• Install the barrel bushing: Place the barrel bushing back onto the barrel, making sure it is properly seated.
• Install the barrel: Place the barrel back into the slide, making sure it is properly aligned.

Step 3: Install the Recoil Spring and Recoil Spring Plug

• Install the recoil spring plug: Place the recoil spring plug back into the slide, making sure it is properly seated.
• Install the recoil spring: Place the recoil spring back into the slide, making sure it is properly seated.

Step 4: Install the Slide Stop Lever and Magazine Release Lever

• Install the slide stop lever: Place the slide stop lever back into the slide, making sure it is properly seated.
• Install the magazine release lever: Place the magazine release lever back into the grip, making sure it is properly seated.

Step 5: Install the Magazine

• Insert the magazine: Place the magazine back into the pistol, making sure it is properly seated.

Tips and Considerations

• Always follow proper safety procedures: When disassembling and reassembling your Kimber 1911, make sure you follow proper safety procedures to avoid accidents and injuries.
• Use the correct tools: Using the correct tools can help prevent damage to your pistol and ensure proper function.
• Keep your pistol clean and well-maintained: Regular cleaning and maintenance can help extend the life of your pistol and ensure proper function.

Conclusion

Disassembling and reassembling your Kimber 1911 requires patience, attention to detail, and the right tools. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently take apart and reassemble your pistol, ensuring that it remains in top working condition. Remember to always follow proper safety procedures, use the correct tools, and keep your pistol clean and well-maintained to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Table: Kimber 1911 Parts and Functions

Bullets List: Kimber 1911 Disassembly and Reassembly

• Remove the magazine and slide stop lever
• Remove the recoil spring and recoil spring plug
• Remove the barrel bushing and barrel
• Remove the trigger group
• Remove the slide
• Reinstall the slide and trigger group
• Reinstall the barrel and barrel bushing
• Reinstall the recoil spring and recoil spring plug
• Reinstall the slide stop lever and magazine release lever
• Reinstall the magazine