dumb question about a compact 1911

[queen_stick]

Hey boys, I could use some assistance!

My friend asked me to clean their 1911. I brought it home, and cannot figure out how to remove the recoil spring and guide rod.

This is a compact (3.5" barrel) Rock Island GI model.
It does not have a barrel bushing.
It has a full length guide rod, which does not have a hole in it.

I would expect a hole in the guide rod like I've seen on many other 1911's, but I don't see one. How do you disassemble the slide if there's no hole for a paper clip?

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Pull the slide stop just like any 1911 and let the slide and everything come off the end like you had the bushing out of a normal one

 

[Uncle Grinch]

Like Dusty said…. That’s the way I break mine down.

 

[queen_stick]

I can pull the slide off the frame, but I'm trying to take the barrel, guide rod, and recoil spring out of the slide.

 

[243Lapua]

 

[queen_stick]

appreciate the vid, as this should help explain the problem I'm having.

The hole that he sticks the paper clip into in that video does not exist on this guide rod. Without that hole, I'm not sure how I can get it apart.

 

[243Lapua]

appreciate the vid, as this should help explain the problem I'm having.

The hole that he sticks the paper clip into in that video does not exist on this guide rod. Without that hole, I'm not sure how I can get it apart.

There are a couple of videos on YouTube. Maybe if you post a pic of the Slide, Barrel, Spring setup, someone will help out.

 

[Bc'z]

Lightly depress spring and lift base up past the shackle the slide stop passes through, guide rod will come out.

 

[queen_stick]

Lightly depress spring and lift base up past the shackle the slide stop passes through, guide rod will come out.

This kinda worked. I had to get my fingernails under the spring retaining bushing und pull it back out of the end of the slide, hold it there, then lift the base of the guide rod up past the shackle. Broke a fingernail in the process haha!

Now that I see how it's done, I should be able to find an efficient process that's less shitty.

I can tell you that I have no desire for a 1911 without a bushing. The bushing really does simplify disassembly compared to what I'm working with right now.

 

[queen_stick]

I've just run through the process a few times. It's not so bad now that I've done it a few times. Not as big of a deal as I thought. I was just frustrated lol!

big thanks! @Bc'z, and to everyone with quick replies!

 

[Bc'z]

I've just run through the process a few times. It's not so bad now that I've done it a few times. Not as big of a deal as I thought. I was just frustrated lol!

big thanks! @Bc'z, and to everyone with quick replies!

I've never had the guide rod go flying and wind up buried behind boxes in the corner. Nope never...

 

[queen_stick]

I've never had the guide rod go flying and wind up buried behind boxes in the corner. Nope never...

haha! It definitely requires safety glasses, or at least safety squints if the glasses are out of reach.

 

[ragsflh]

my 10 mm rock island like that

 

[David Milisock]

The owner of a local store that I've used for 35 years tells me the Rock Island 45's are rock solid (pun intended) for his clients. He's never had one come back.

True? False?

 

[queen_stick]

The owner of a local store that I've used for 35 years tells me the Rock Island 45's are rock solid (pun intended) for his clients. He's never had one come back.

True? False?

I don't have much experience with them, but they're well regarded in my circle. General consensus is that they're hard to beat for the money, as long as you know going into it that it's a basic/no-frills 1911. I'm a CZ guy, so I'm only relaying what I've heard around the bon fire.

edit. I almost forgot this part... A friend of mine bought one of their top tier match 1911's, which I have not handled or shot, and he absolutely loves it. They're priced accordingly too. I just wanted to clarify that their base models are what I was referring to when I said no-frills basic 1911. RIA seems to offer a 1911 in all price ranges, and they seem to be pretty darn good for the money in every price range. (again, not my own experience; just relaying here, since you asked)

 

[Dusty Stevens]

RIA are just fine if you dont mind a floorboard or toolbox finish. They are like the worktruck version and get the job done

 

[std7mag]

RIA are just fine if you dont mind a floorboard or toolbox finish. They are like the worktruck version and get the job done

We can't all own Cabots!

That being said, mine is a Springfield Armory that has been changed over from their system to use an Ed Brown bushing.

 

[DirtySteve]

While you have it apart you can drill a hole in the guide rod..

 

[David Milisock]

I carried a Para Ordinance P14-45 loaded for 45 Super for decades. It's heavy but it's a gun for heavy work, I appreciate working guns.

Thanks for the information it looks like the RIA might find a few places to be stashed Island around my home.

 

[rwj]

While you have it apart you can drill a hole in the guide rod..

Check the material hardness… I installed one made from tungsten carbide in mine…