Safety First: Essential Precautions
Confirm It’s Unloaded
The absolute first step. Remove the magazine from the firearm. Visually inspect the chamber to ensure it is empty. Open the slide and physically check the chamber and barrel, looking for any ammunition. *Never* assume a gun is unloaded; always verify. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, such as a berm or a safe area in your home.
Protect Your Eyes and Workspace
Wear appropriate eye protection, such as safety glasses, to protect your eyes from potential debris or flying parts. Work in a clean, well-lit area with a clear workspace. This allows you to see all the components and prevent the loss of any small parts. Avoid any distractions that could compromise your focus.
Organize Your Tools and Environment
Have all the necessary tools and materials at hand before you start. Keep ammunition separate from your work area to avoid any accidental mix-ups. A clean workspace will also help to keep parts from being lost. A parts tray or container is highly recommended to keep everything organized.
Careful Handling
Handle all parts with care. Some components, like springs, can be under tension, and others are delicate. Do not force any part during disassembly or reassembly. If something doesn’t seem to fit, stop and re-evaluate the situation.
Gathering the Necessities
Before you take your Kimber 1911 apart, gather the required tools and supplies. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more efficient.
Essential Tools
You may not need all these, but it is a good idea to have them ready. You will most likely only need a few to successfully **disassemble a Kimber 1911**.
- A flat-head screwdriver (may not be needed for all Kimber 1911 models, depending on the grip screws).
- A gun cleaning rod or dowel (optional, helpful for removing stuck casings or other obstructions in the barrel)
- Cleaning patches or cotton swabs for cleaning the interior components.
- Gun cleaning solvent and lubricant, specifically designed for firearms. This will help to remove residue and protect the metal from corrosion.
- A clean working surface or a gun mat will protect your firearm from scratches and prevent parts from rolling away.
- A parts tray or container to keep small parts organized. This is absolutely crucial for preventing loss and confusion.
With all these in place, you are ready to begin the process of disassembly.
Field Stripping: The Initial Breakdown
Field stripping refers to the basic disassembly necessary for routine cleaning and maintenance. This process is usually sufficient for general upkeep and does not involve taking apart the more intricate internal mechanisms. Here is how to begin and successfully **disassemble a Kimber 1911**:
Empty the Magazine
Make absolutely sure the magazine is removed from the firearm. You will want to confirm this once, and then recheck it before each step.
Double-Check the Chamber
As always, verify the chamber is clear and the weapon is unloaded. This is critical. Point the firearm in a safe direction, and double-check the chamber and barrel to ensure they are empty.
Retract the Slide
Grasp the slide firmly and pull it all the way to the rear, against the resistance of the recoil spring.
Remove the Slide Stop
The slide stop is the lever you use to lock the slide back. Line up the notch in the slide with the slide stop lever. With a little pressure, push the slide stop lever from the opposite side of the frame. The lever should slide out.
Separate the Slide from the Frame
With the slide stop removed, you can slide the slide forward off the frame. The slide will now move freely along the frame rails. Slide the slide assembly forward and off the frame.
Remove the Recoil Spring and Guide Rod
The recoil spring and guide rod help with cycling.
Compress the recoil spring slightly, then carefully remove the recoil spring plug, and then carefully remove the recoil spring and guide rod. Be aware that the recoil spring is under tension, so control its release carefully.
Remove the Barrel Bushing (if applicable)
The barrel bushing is located at the front of the slide. Kimber 1911s may have a bushing, and it might need to be rotated. Some will have a small slot to use a special tool. Consult your Kimber 1911 manual if you aren’t sure. Rotate it to align it with the slot.
Remove the Barrel
With the bushing removed (if present), you can now lift the barrel straight out of the slide.
You have now field stripped your Kimber 1911! These are the basic steps involved in how to **disassemble a Kimber 1911** for basic maintenance.
Cleaning and Lubrication: The Heart of Maintenance
After the firearm is disassembled, proper cleaning and lubrication are essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. Here’s a detailed approach:
Cleaning the Slide
Use a solvent suitable for firearms and a brush to remove carbon buildup and debris from the interior of the slide. Pay attention to the firing pin channel, the extractor, and the slide rails. Wipe down the exterior of the slide to remove any fingerprints or smudges.
Cleaning the Frame
Use the same solvent and a brush to clean the frame rails, feed ramp, and other crucial areas. These are the areas where the slide interfaces with the frame and where reliable operation is critical. Wipe down the exterior of the frame.
Cleaning the Barrel
Run cleaning patches soaked in solvent through the barrel from the chamber end to the muzzle. Use a brass brush to scrub the bore, removing any lead or copper fouling. Then, run dry patches through the barrel until they come out clean.
Lubricating the Components
Apply gun oil or a suitable lubricant to the appropriate components, such as the slide rails, barrel, barrel bushing, and other friction points. A small amount of lubrication goes a long way; avoid excessive use, as it can attract dirt and grime. Apply lubricant to the slide and rails, as well as the other components that rub against one another.
Reassembly: Putting It All Back Together
Reassembling the Kimber 1911 is the reverse process of disassembly. Take care with each step.
Reassemble the Barrel
Insert the barrel back into the slide. Make sure it is seated correctly.
Reassemble the Barrel Bushing (if applicable)
Reinstall the bushing, rotating it to the correct position.
Reinstall the Recoil Spring and Guide Rod
Carefully reinsert the recoil spring and guide rod assembly. Make sure the guide rod is correctly aligned. Replace the recoil spring plug, compressing the spring slightly.
Reattach the Slide to the Frame
Align the slide with the frame rails and slide it back onto the frame.
Install the Slide Stop
Align the slide stop with the frame. Insert it and push it into place.
Function Test: Final Checks
Rack the slide several times to ensure smooth operation. Check that the slide locks back on an empty magazine. Confirm the trigger mechanism functions correctly.
Deeper Disassembly: Beyond the Field Strip
If a more thorough cleaning is needed, you might consider a deeper disassembly. Note that for many owners, the steps mentioned above are sufficient for routine maintenance. However, for a more comprehensive clean, you might choose to take apart a few more components. Remember that with more advanced disassembly comes a greater chance of error, and more parts to keep track of.
Removing the Grips
Depending on your Kimber 1911 model, you might need to remove the grips to thoroughly clean the frame. Loosen the grip screws with the appropriate screwdriver and remove the grips.
Removing the Mainspring Housing
Removing the mainspring housing allows you to clean the mainspring and related components.
Removing the Firing Pin and Firing Pin Stop
Handle the firing pin and firing pin stop with extreme care. There is typically a spring under tension, so make sure you are being careful.
Removing the Extractor
Removing the extractor is often required for a very thorough cleaning but is also a more advanced task. The extractor is responsible for removing spent casings.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common issues that you may encounter while attempting to **disassemble a Kimber 1911**:
Slide Issues
Getting the slide off the frame or back on can sometimes be tricky. Make sure the slide stop is correctly positioned. Take your time and ensure everything is aligned.
Spring Binding
Be cautious when handling springs during reassembly. Make sure they are properly seated and not binding against other components.
If you encounter any problems that you’re unable to resolve, or feel uncomfortable proceeding, consult with a qualified gunsmith. It is always better to seek professional help rather than risk damaging your firearm or, most importantly, causing an injury.
Conclusion: Ensuring Continued Performance
Understanding how to **disassemble a Kimber 1911**, along with proper cleaning and reassembly, is essential for keeping your firearm running smoothly and safely. Regular maintenance ensures that your Kimber 1911 will continue to perform reliably for many years to come. Remember to always prioritize safety, handle your firearm with care, and seek professional assistance when needed.
Disclaimer and Important Legal Considerations
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional gunsmithing advice. Always handle firearms responsibly and follow all applicable local, state, and federal laws. Improper handling can result in serious injury or death. Always verify that the firearm is unloaded before attempting any disassembly or maintenance. Be sure to know your local gun laws. Failure to do so could result in legal trouble.
