Smith & Wesson 1911 Instructions Manual

• Certain model Smith & Wesson pistols are equipped with a 
Fixed Rear Sight that is adjustable for windage only. To 
adjust, move the Rear Sight in the direction you wish the 
group to move on the target. For example, if the group 
should move to the right, move the Rear Sight to the right.
Use a brass or plastic drift or punch to prevent marring the 
Rear Sight.If the Rear Sight has a set screw, loosen the set 
screw prior to moving the Rear Sight. Tighten the set screw 
after the sight has been...

• Remove the magazine by depressing the magazine release 
button, clear the chamber and verify it is empty. (Refer to the Unloading Section)
• Firmly grasp the pistol as shown in Fig 16, use the wrench
provided and depress the recoil spring retainer.
WARNING: THE RECOIL SPRING IS UNDER PRES
SURE. YOU MUST CONTROL THE SPRING AND
PLUNGER TO PREVENT IT FROM FLYING OUT AND
CAUSING INJURY.
• Turn the wrench and barrel bushing clockwise, approximately 
1/4 turn until the recoil spring plug and recoil spring...

WARNING: NEVER
DISASSEMBLY YOUR
HANDGUN BEYOND
THE FIELD STRIPPING
PROCESS OUTLINED IN THIS
MANUAL. NEVER MANIPU
LATE ANY OF THE INTERNALCOMPONENTS BEYOND
WHAT YOU ARE SPECIFICAL
LY INSTRUCTED TO DO IN
THIS MANUAL SINCE THIS
MAY AFFECT THE RELIABILI
TY, FUNCTIONING AND SAFE
TY OF YOUR HANDGUN.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIELD
STRIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
EXACTLY.
FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY CONT’D.
FIGURE 17
FIGURE 20
FIGURE 21
WARNING: DO NOT DRY FIRE YOUR S&W 1911 SERIES 
PISTOL WHILE THE SLIDE IS REMOVED. DOING SO...

FIGURE 24FIGURE 25
FIELD STRIPPING
ASSEMBLY
WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS
BE WORN DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
•Verify that the hammer is in the fully cocked position.
• Ensure the barrel chamber is unloaded.
• Turn the slide bottom up, turn the barrel link forward and place
the barrel into the slide from the front.
• Insert the barrel bushing into the slide and rotate it clockwise to 
lock it into place.
WARNING: THE RECOIL SPRING IS UNDER PRES
SURE. YOU MUST CONTROL THE RECOIL SPRING
AND THE GUIDE SO...

DISASSEMBLY (see Figure 28)• Remove all cartridges from the magazine and your work area.
• Using a drift punch, depress the buttplate catch (4) through 
hole in the magazine buttplate. (5)
• Slide magazine buttplate (5) off of the magazine tube (1) 
while holding the buttplate catch (4) in the magazine tube (1).
•Remove the buttplate catch (4) and magazine spring (2) out 
through the bottom of magazine tube (1).
• Turn magazine tube (1) right side up and remove magazine 
follower (3) through the bottom...

WARNING: ENSURE YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED
BEFORE BEGINNING TO CLEAN IT (SEE UNLOADING
SECTION). ALWAYS FOLLOW THE RULES OF SAFE
GUN HANDLING.
Your firearm is a precision instrument. To ensure reliable 
function it is necessary to follow a routine maintenance 
procedure. After firing your handgun, be sure to unload it
following the procedure outlined in the section entitled“Unloading”before performing any cleaning or maintenance
procedure.
Your handgun should be cleaned by brushing the barrel bore
and...

27
WARNING: NEVER MODIFY OR PERMIT YOUR HAND
GUN TO BE MODIFIED UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
DIRECTED TO DO SO IN THIS MANUAL.
WARNING: DO NOT MANIPULATE OR ADJUST ANY
PART OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
DIRECTED TO DO SO IN THIS MANUAL.
If your firearm will be used or stored in a cold climate, be sure to
use an oil of an appropriate weight for that climate.
Cleaning is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your
handgun.
Additional maintenance must be performed by a qualified gun
smith. Please refer...

28
SERVICE & SHIPPING
For Owners Within The United States
SERVICE
Should your Smith & Wesson firearm require service, it should
be returned to the Smith & Wesson factory or to a Smith &
Wesson Warranty Center in its original case or in a similarly
secure container. It is not necessary to take the gun to a dealer
for shipment. However, before shipping your firearm, call or e
mail our Customer Service Dept. for authorization and shipping
instructions.
Before shipping your handgun, ensure that the firearm...

29
SERVICE & SHIPPING CONT’D.
Since we cannot assume responsibility for custom parts and
accessories, such as stocks, special sights, or holsters, please
remove these items before returning your firearm.
Warranty repair work will begin upon receipt and examination of
the firearm. In the case of repairs or work not covered by the
warranty, a quotation covering the cost of the work plus round trip
transportation charges will be sent to you. Repairs or
modification will begin upon receipt of payment....

30
WARRANTY
For Owners Within The United States
This warranty is granted by Smith & Wesson, 2100 Roosevelt
Avenue, Springfield, MA  01104. This warranty is effective from
the date of purchase after February 1, 1989 and applies to the
original owner of any handgun purchased after that date. With
respect to such handguns, this warranty supersedes any and all
other warranties.
Smith & Wesson handguns are warrantied to be free from defects
in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which
Smith & Wesson...