How to Clean a 1911 Kimber: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

Safety First: Your Primary Consideration

Before you even think about reaching for your cleaning supplies, the most critical aspect of any firearm maintenance is safety. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s an absolute requirement. Your well-being and the safety of everyone around you depend on it.

Begin by always treating every firearm as if it were loaded. This means following a strict protocol to confirm the weapon is unloaded. First, remove the magazine. Then, rack the slide fully rearward and visually inspect the chamber to ensure that there isn’t a live round present. Next, physically inspect the chamber by inserting a finger into the chamber to feel and ensure that it is empty. This three-step confirmation is a fundamental safety practice.

Once you’ve positively confirmed the firearm is unloaded, make sure you are in a well-lit, uncluttered, and ventilated workspace. Consider wearing eye protection, such as safety glasses or shooting glasses, to protect your eyes from any potential debris or cleaning solvents. While optional, wearing gloves can also protect your hands from solvents and prevent any unnecessary skin contact. Remember, the safety precautions you take are directly proportional to your well-being and the safety of others.

Gathering Your Essential Cleaning Arsenal

Now that safety is confirmed, it’s time to gather the necessary tools and supplies for the cleaning process. Having everything on hand before you start will streamline the process and keep you focused. The following list covers everything you will need:

Cleaning Rod: You need a cleaning rod of the correct caliber for your Kimber 1911 (typically .45 ACP or 9mm). Choose a rod with a rotating handle for ease of use and to avoid damaging the barrel rifling.
Bore Brush: A quality bore brush is essential for removing fouling and debris from the barrel. Make sure the bore brush is of the appropriate caliber for your specific Kimber 1911. Nylon or bronze brushes are both suitable options.
Cleaning Patches: Cotton cleaning patches are a must-have. They are used to wipe away residue and apply oil. Purchase cleaning patches in the correct size to fit the bore of your 1911.
Gun Cleaning Solvent: A good-quality gun cleaning solvent is crucial for dissolving carbon buildup, powder residue, and other contaminants. Choose a solvent specifically designed for firearms. Consider a solvent that is safe for all types of metal.
Gun Oil or Lubricant: After cleaning, you’ll need gun oil or a quality firearm lubricant to protect the metal components from corrosion and ensure smooth operation. Select a lubricant designed for firearms that will withstand varying temperatures.
Gun Grease (Optional): In certain areas, like the slide rails or barrel, a light application of gun grease can provide added protection and lubrication.
Toothbrush or Cleaning Picks: These tools are invaluable for cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as the frame rails, the extractor, and other intricate parts.
Rag or Cleaning Mat: To protect your work surface and to wipe down parts as you clean them, a clean rag or a dedicated gun cleaning mat is ideal.

These supplies can be found at any gun store, or many online retailers that specialize in firearms and accessories. Having the right tools is the first step toward a successful cleaning process.

Disassembling Your Kimber 1911: Careful Steps

Now, let’s move on to the process of disassembling your Kimber 1911. This is where the proper attention to detail becomes essential. Always refer to your Kimber 1911 owner’s manual for specific disassembly instructions for your particular model. While many 1911s share a similar design, there may be minor variations.

The typical field stripping procedure involves the following steps:

Remove the Slide Stop: This pin runs through the frame and holds the slide in place. You can typically push the slide stop out from one side. The method of removing it might vary slightly depending on the Kimber model. Pay attention to the orientation of the slide stop during removal to ensure you replace it correctly.
Separate the Slide from the Frame: With the slide stop removed, carefully slide the slide forward off the frame. Be cautious to avoid any binding or forcing.
Remove the Recoil Spring and Guide Rod: Once the slide is off the frame, the recoil spring and guide rod can be removed. The recoil spring is under tension, so use caution when releasing it. There can be different guide rod styles – full-length or short – which may affect the method of removal, so pay attention to your model.
Remove the Barrel Bushing and Barrel: The barrel bushing is the part that surrounds the barrel at the front of the slide. Depending on your Kimber model, you may need to rotate or twist the barrel bushing to unlock it. Once unlocked, the bushing can be removed, followed by the barrel.

Taking a series of photos during disassembly can also be a great help, particularly if this is your first time cleaning a 1911. They can serve as a visual reference to assist with reassembly.

Cleaning the Components: A Detailed Approach

With your Kimber 1911 disassembled, you can now start the cleaning process. Each component requires specific attention.

Cleaning the Barrel

Apply Solvent to the Bore Brush: Apply a small amount of gun cleaning solvent to the bore brush.
Run the Brush Through the Barrel: Insert the bore brush into the chamber end of the barrel and push it all the way through to the muzzle end. Avoid pushing the brush back and forth within the barrel, as this can cause the bristles to fold back on themselves. Instead, use one-way strokes.
Wipe with Cleaning Patches: Attach a clean patch to your cleaning rod and run it through the barrel from the chamber to the muzzle until the patch comes out clean. Repeat as needed, using fresh patches.
Inspect the Bore: Carefully inspect the bore for any stubborn fouling or residue. If necessary, use a copper solvent to remove any stubborn copper buildup.

Cleaning the Slide and Frame

Wipe Down the Slide and Frame: Using a solvent-soaked patch or rag, wipe down the slide and frame, paying attention to all surfaces.
Use Tools for Tight Areas: Use a toothbrush or cleaning picks to remove debris from hard-to-reach areas, such as the rails on the frame and slide, the extractor, and other internal parts.
Focus on Key Areas: Pay particular attention to the feed ramp (the angled surface where the bullet is fed into the chamber), the firing pin, and the extractor. These components are crucial for proper firearm function.

Cleaning the Magazine

The magazine is often overlooked, but it is essential for reliable feeding.

Disassemble the Magazine (If Possible): Some magazines are designed for easy disassembly. If possible, carefully disassemble the magazine to clean the internal components.
Wipe Down the Body and Follower: Wipe down the magazine body and follower with a clean rag or cleaning patch.
Ensure Spring Functionality: Ensure the magazine spring is clean and functional.

Lubrication: The Key to Smooth Operation

After cleaning, lubrication is an absolute necessity. It protects the metal parts from corrosion and ensures smooth operation. It’s important to use the proper type of lubricant and apply it correctly.

Types of Lubricants: Gun oil and grease are common options. Grease is best used in areas with high friction and pressure, while oil is suitable for general lubrication.
Lubrication Points:
- Slide Rails on the Frame: Apply a light coat of grease or oil to the slide rails on the frame.
- Barrel Bushing: Lightly grease the barrel bushing where it contacts the slide.
- Slide Contact Points: Apply oil where the slide slides on the frame.
- Recoil Spring and Guide Rod: Apply a thin coat of oil to the recoil spring and guide rod.
- Pivot Points on the Slide and Frame: Lightly lubricate any pivot points.
- Trigger Components: Use oil very sparingly on the trigger components.
Application: Apply lubricants sparingly. Over-lubrication can attract dirt and lead to malfunctions.
Remove Excess Lubricant: After applying lubricant, wipe away any excess with a clean rag.

Reassembling Your Kimber 1911: Carefully Putting It Back Together

With all the parts cleaned and lubricated, you’re now ready to reassemble your Kimber 1911. This is a reverse of the disassembly steps.

Reverse the Disassembly Steps: Carefully reassemble the pistol, following the steps in reverse. The photographs you took during the disassembly process may prove invaluable here.
Ensure Correct Placement: Pay close attention to the orientation of all parts during reassembly. Make sure the slide stop, recoil spring, barrel bushing, and other components are correctly positioned.
Function Check: Once the pistol is reassembled, perform a complete function check.
- Rack the Slide: Rack the slide to make sure it cycles smoothly.
- Engage and Disengage the Safety: Ensure the safety mechanism is functioning correctly.
- Dry-Fire the Pistol: If you are comfortable, dry-fire the pistol to ensure the trigger functions as expected. Always make absolutely sure the firearm is unloaded before doing this!
(Optional) Oil the Recoil Spring: You can consider adding a small amount of oil to the recoil spring and guide rod during reassembly.

Post-Cleaning and Storage: Long-Term Care

Once you’ve successfully cleaned and reassembled your Kimber 1911, some final steps are required to ensure its longevity.

Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a clean rag to wipe down the exterior of the pistol, removing any excess lubricant.
Safe Storage: Store the firearm in a safe, dry location. A gun safe or locking case is recommended to prevent unauthorized access.
Regular Cleaning: Clean your Kimber 1911 regularly. Cleaning frequency will depend on how often you use the pistol, but a good rule of thumb is to clean it after each shooting session or after several hundred rounds have been fired.

Troubleshooting and Addressing Common Issues

Even with the most careful cleaning, issues can still arise. Knowing how to address these problems can save you time and effort.

Stuck Barrel: If the barrel becomes stuck during disassembly, try tapping it gently with a non-marring tool to loosen it. Avoid excessive force.
Malfunctions due to Over-Lubrication: If your pistol malfunctions after cleaning, it may be due to over-lubrication. Disassemble the pistol and remove any excess lubricant.
Failure to Cycle: If your pistol fails to cycle properly, check for any obstructions in the barrel or slide, make sure the recoil spring is installed correctly, and that the magazine is clean and functions properly.

Conclusion

Cleaning your Kimber 1911 is not a difficult task, but it is a necessary one. By following this guide, you can properly clean your pistol and ensure its continued reliability, accuracy, and longevity. Proper cleaning goes hand-in-hand with responsible firearm ownership. Remember, the more you practice, the easier and faster the process will become. Regular maintenance is not just about keeping your firearm looking good; it’s about guaranteeing that it performs safely and reliably when you need it most. Take pride in maintaining your Kimber 1911 and enjoy the experience of owning a truly exceptional firearm. Consider searching for additional resources online, such as Kimber’s official website or reliable gun forums, for even more detailed information and insights into the specifics of your model.