[Yunus]

Ok, someone please let me know what specific tools make field stripping/cleaning the 1911 easier. I have a basic gun cleaning kit, so I have brushes, oil and the required items to clean any given gun but I'm assuming there are specific tools that make breaking down a 1911 easier. My index finger and thumb will not forgive me for a while at this point, they are very sore from trying to hold the spring down while putting the thing back together. I'm sure I'm not the first to have these complaints and while I know I can google this answer I don't want to buy just any tool, I trust what you all say as far as "buy brand X because its the best" and I don't want to waste money buying cheap crap that I will end up replacing with your recommendations.

Thanks

[Dillinger]

LaRue Tactical .45 Opener LT-206

This is all you need, except for a small screwdriver to take the grips off should you deem that necessary.

I have 4 of these and have given plenty as stocking style stuffers. They are a big hit.

JD

[utf59]

The bushing wrench will solve the problem you mentioned. I really like the suggestion Dillinger made. And here's another choice: Caspian 1911 Pocketsmith 3 - MidwayUSA.

[Dzscubie]

COOL !!! JD, I've never seen one of those, I have just got to get one. Oh Linda????

[spittinfire]

Wouldn't it make a difference if he said what kind of 1911 he has? My Kimber, and a lot of others out there don't require such a tool.

[lonyaeger]

My Wilson and my Ed Brown don't require bushing tools, either.

Brownell's carries bushing tools that won't mar the finish if said 1911 is going to be a safe queen.

[Dillinger]

He has a full size Taurus, I believe it's the PT1911.

And if you take a look at what he is saying his post, his hands are beat up from trying to get the weapon broken down / .

Most likely the spring is under pressure and he is most likely trying to get the slide release out while the spring is still under pressure.

Having a take down tool will alleviate that problem.

The Larue is made out of soft aluminum, but Kimber makes a plastic version as well.

JD

[Yunus]

It is a full size Taurus PT1911. I didn't know that different brands used different tools, guess it makes sense. Yeah, depressing the spring to turn the bushing during takedown and reassembly is what is kicking my butt, I can make it work but I knew there had to be a better way. $10 seems like a good investment.

The other difficult part I have found is lining up the barrel link when reassembling the gun. I've been using a small allen wrench to make it line up better, and that seems to work.

[lonyaeger]

I didn't see the brand in the post. Yeah, you definitely want a bushing wrench, preferably coated or plastic so as not to scratch the finish, if that's important to you.

The barrel link can be a pain to line up, but I just use the slide stop to hold the barrel in place once I see the link. Then I position the slide, rotate the slide stop, push it straight in, and voila! No idiot scratch.

Practice makes perfect, as with anything

[canebrake]

Wheeler Engineering Bench Block

Wheeler Engineering Bench Block - MidwayUSA



Grip Bushing Driver (a must for slim grips!)

Smith & Alexander - "The Mag-Guide People"



Roto-Stand



Roto-Stand

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The Caspian Arms Pocket-Smith: Tools



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Pachmayr Widget Assembly Tool 1911 Polymer Blue - MidwayUSA



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