1911 Question...

[Bsandoc40]

Last friday I picked up a Kimber Raptor 2. When I got home I immediately started to field strip it so I can clean and lube the 1911.

My question to those more experienced with 1911s, as this is my first one is..

Is the disassembly notch for the release lever suppose to be nearly impossible to push? Because it took me forever to lossen the lever to free up the slide.

Sorry to sound like a noob, but technically I am a noob since it is my first 1911. Any insight would be greatly appreciated...

[C3nt3rMa55]

Should come out with hardly any effort

[E92335i]

Should come out easily

[lt05deluxe]

It should be easy just be careful putting it back

[morrcarr67]

Did you remove recoil spring plug before or after the disassemble lever?

[redcliff]

Is the disassembly notch for the release lever suppose to be nearly impossible to push? Because it took me forever to lossen the lever to free up the slide.

Hmm not sure I know what you mean by "Is the disassembly notch for the release lever (slide stop?) suppose to be nearly impossible to push?"

There is no disassembly notch to "push". You remove the magazine first, then retract the slide till the disassembly notch lines up with the lug on the slide stop then push with your finger on the protruding shaft of the slide stop on the right side of the frame while assisting with your other hand on the slide stop to pull it straight out and past the notch.

You can hold the slide in the proper position with your right hand if you use your right thumb down by the grip safety and stick your index finger into the ejection port and use your right hand ring finger to push on the slide stop shaft.

Try to be very careful when reassembling so you don't get a "reassembly scratch" on your new gun.

[Twiggz]

Once the slide is back to line up the disasembly notch with the slide stop, it should come right out with very little force. Putting it back in can be tough on some 1911's. So be careful of the "idiot scratch".

Also check some videos on youtube for tight 1911's.

[Foxsweep]

Should be easy... Look out for that dreadful scratch!

[trigger945]

Maybe the notch is not lined up? There are 2 notches, 1 for the actual slide stop and the other to remove the slide stop. I have a Raptor II myself and it's not difficult to field strip.

And yes, be careful putting it back. You dont want want "that" mark!

[Bsandoc40]

What I did was...

1. Removed the recoil spring plug. (nearly lost an eye. Lesson learned!!)
2. Moved the slide to the first notch on the left side. then Tried the push the disassembly notch on the right side. - Thumb was raw trying to push the notch thru. Then almost giving up hope I tried again and the damn thing just went thru.

At this point, it might just be my inexperience with a 1911. Dad said I'm babying the gun too much..

As for reassembly, I did have some difficulities mating up the slide with the frame but both eventually slid in place. I was in "Paraniod Mode" with putting back the slide release lever. As I didn't want to be "An Idiot".

[madjack956]

Watch a youtube video to get an idea about procedure... sometimes its easier to see it done than to try and follow instructions.

[Bsandoc40]

Watch a youtube video to get an idea about procedure... sometimes its easier to see it done than to try and follow instructions.

Watched Hickok45, TheArmoryChannel, etc... I think I'm just inexperienced with the disassembly. Just wanted to know if it was normal. And I guess it isn't. More practice!!!

[trigger945]

You'll get the hang of it. Sometimes it looks like the notch is lined up when in fact it is not completely lined up. Might have to play with it a little. And oh, careful with the plug

Welcome to 1911 world!

[razr]

When they are new, yes they are hard to take off and put back in. Gets better once you shoot it. Enjoy your new gun!

[Fishslayer]

That little half moon can be a bugger to line up exactly.

I'm a spring plug out disassembler/reassembler. Tried the other method & it just didn't work for me.