Dan Wesson 1911 Instructions Manual
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1 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual Model and Serial Number Information.................................................................................................2 SAFE OWNERSHIP...................................................................................................................................3 THE NEED FOR INSTRUCTION.........................................................................................................3 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS..................................................................................................................3 THE BASIC RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY.....................................................................................4 YOUR NEW DAN WESSON FIREARMS HANDGUN..........................................................................4 GENERAL DESCRIPTION....................................................................................................................4 Overview…..........................................................................................................................................4 Safety Mechanisms….......................................................................................................................4 BASIC COMPONENTS.........................................................................................................................5 PREPARING TO FIRE...............................................................................................................................6 GUN HANDLING & PREPARATION..................................................................................................6 LOADING THE MAGAZINE..................................................................................................................6 INSERTING THE MAGAZINE..............................................................................................................7 LOADING THE CHAMBER...................................................................................................................8 FIRING THE HANDGUN...........................................................................................................................8 GENERAL PRECAUTIONS..................................................................................................................8 IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION..............................................................................................................8 IN CASE OF MISFIRE...........................................................................................................................8 CLEARING THE HANDGUN....................................................................................................................9 REMOVING THE MAGAZINE..............................................................................................................9 CARRY AND TRANSPORT....................................................................................................................10 STORAGE..................................................................................................................................................10 Before storing or leaving this firearm unattended….................................................................10 HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - DISASSEMBLY..................................................................................10 General preparations….....................................................................................................................10 Tools and supplies:............................................................................................................................11 Two-piece Outer Guide Rod Removal...........................................................................................11 One-piece Guide Rod Removal.......................................................................................................12 Slide stop removal..............................................................................................................................13 Slide Assembly Removal..................................................................................................................13 Spring and Guide Rod Removal from Slide Assembly.............................................................14 Barrel Removal....................................................................................................................................14 Firing Pin Removal.............................................................................................................................14 Internal Extractor Removal...............................................................................................................14 1. Firmly grasp the back of the slide with the muzzle end towards you and the underside of the slide facing up. Press firmly against the front of the extractor using a 1/8” punch tool. Push
2 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual the tip of the extractor towards the side of the breech while depressing the extractor tip, until the extractor passes the extractor hold location at the back of the breech face.........................14 2. Turn the slide around so that the rear of the slide faces up, exposing the back end of the partially removed extractor. Pull the extractor from the back of the slide. Use the punch tool as required to assist in releasing the extractor from it’s position........................................................14 HANDGUN MAINTENANCE...................................................................................................................15 GENERAL CARE..................................................................................................................................15 CLEANING.............................................................................................................................................15 the chamber..........................................................................................................................................15 CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS..............................................................................................................15 FACTORY SERVICE............................................................................................................................16 Requesting factory service….......................................................................................................16 Model and Serial Number Information For your convenience, please record the following information. DAN WESSON FIREARMS Handgun Model: _____________________________ Serial Number: _____________________________________________ Barrel Length: ____________ Caliber: __________________________ Date of Purchase: ___________________________________________ Purchased From: ____________________________________________ Receipt or Invoice Number: ___________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________________ State: ___________________________ Zip: ______________________
3 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual SAFE OWNERSHIP THE NEED FOR INSTRUCTION • Possession of this or any firearm indicates your acceptance of responsibility to comply with the law and prevent consequences of danger, which can result from improper handling. • DAN WESSON FIREARMS strongly recommends that every person receive complete and thorough instruction on the safe and proper use of firearms from a competent instructor before handling this or any other firearm. • Those unfamiliar with firearms should not remove this DAN WESSON FIREARMS product from its packaging until successfully completing a full course of instruction by a competent instructor on the safe use and handling of firearms with an emphasis on semi-automatic type handgun safety. • Information on qualified instructors in your area may be obtained by consulting your local law enforcement authorities, a firearms retailer or through local gun clubs. • Additional sources on firearms safety and instruction can be obtained by writing to national organizations, such as the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA - 903-A Metcalf Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284, or the National Rifle Association (NRA - 11250 Waples Mill Road, Washington, DC 22030, (703) 267-1430). GENERAL PRECAUTIONS • Protect your hearing - Firearms produce high noise levels when discharged. Protect your hearing from potentially harmful exposure with an adequate sound attenuation product, such as earplugs and/or earmuffs. Unprotected exposure to loud noises can cause a loss of hearing known to have a cumulative effect and can cause permanent hearing loss. • Protect your eyes - Firearms as well as environmental conditions can affect your eyes if not properly protected. Always protect your eyes with impact-resistant glasses. Use corrective lenses if necessary to clearly see your firearm and your target. Tinted lenses should only be used under proper lighting conditions. Eye protection should provide adequate protection against airborne debris, hot gases, powder blowback, ejected shell cartridges, dust, wind, sun glare, low limbs or any other condition that could endanger yourself or others nearby. • Protect your body - Wear adequate clothing to help protect your body from injury. Your body should be protected from firearm discharge and ejected shell cartridges, which are hot and could cause burns. Be certain to wear comfortable, well-fit clothing appropriate to the season. Do not wear clothing that causes discomfort or could impair the safe handling of a firearm. • Be responsible - Firearm safety depends on you. A responsible owner respects the right and privilege of gun ownership. A responsible firearms owner learns and obeys all firearm safety practices, and always considers every firearm to be loaded. Stay aware of the fact that you have a responsibility for your own safety and the safety of others around the firearm.
4 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual THE BASIC RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY 1. Do not rely on your firearm’s safety mechanism. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, and ready to fire, at all times. 2. Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Always keep the muzzle pointed away from other people, and in a safe direction. 3. Always check the barrel for obstructions. Use only ammunition of the proper type for the firearm you are using. 4. Do not shoot unless you are absolutely sure of your target and what exists beyond it. 5. Never shoot at a hard surface or the surface of the water. Make sure you have a safe backstop. 6. Never drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs before or during shooting. 7. Never leave your firearm unattended until you have unloaded it and secured it from unauthorized handling and use. 8. Never carry a loaded firearm when you climb a tree, cross a fence, jump over an obstacle, or go across area where you are likely to trip, slip, stumble or fall. 9. Carry only empty firearms when traveling between destinations. 10. Store firearms and ammunition separately, out of sight of and beyond the reach of children, minors, and adolescents. YOUR NEW DAN WESSON FIREARMS HANDGUN GENERAL DESCRIPTION Overview… A DAN WESSON FIREARMS handgun functions as a single-action, blowback recoil, automatic loading firearm - more commonly referred to as ‘semi-automatic.’ A semi-automatic firearm will fire a single ammunition round and automatically reload another round into the chamber with each pull of the trigger. DAN WESSON FIREARMS 1911 model handguns will continue this reloading operation until all ammunition rounds have been emptied from the magazine and there is no remaining supply from which to chamber a new round. The slide will remain open after the last round has been fired from the handgun. Safety Mechanisms… DAN WESSON FIREARMS handguns have a mechanical Grip Safety and a Thumb Safety device to assist you in the safe handling of the firearm. These features, when engaged, provide additional protection against Accidental Discharge by preventing the trigger from releasing the hammer and striking the firing pin. The Grip Safety assists in preventing the handgun from firing without the Grip Safety being depressed. The thumb Safety locks the slide and restricts movement. The thumb safety also prevents the sear from disengaging the hammer allowing the hammer to strike the firing pin. On some DAN WESSON FIREARMS models, the Thumb Safety can be operated from both sides of the handgun, and is referred to as an ambidextrous safety. The Thumb Safety can only be engaged with the hammer in the cocked position ready to fire.
5 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual Note: Safety systems provide only a limited amount of protection, and like any mechanical system – can malfunction unexpectedly. Do not load the DAN WESSON FIREARMS “1911” model handguns with ammunition before reading all the Safety Instructions and Basic Rules of Firearm Safety (page tbd of this owner’s manual). Before Loading this Firearm… • Learn to recognize and identify each of the functional components of this DAN WESSON FIREARMS firearm. • Understand how to safely operate this firearm by carefully reading the instructions on the following pages. • Follow each step for operating this firearm as described in this manual with the chamber empty, the magazine removed, and the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. • Practice operating the firearm with it unloaded. Continue your practice until you have become familiar with the firearm functions and can comfortably handle the firearm in a safe manner. • Repeat these steps frequently to assure safe shooting conditions. • Review this manual of operation and safety instructions periodically. If you have not handled this or any other firearm recently, be certain to review this manual before you load this firearm with live ammunition. • Check your ammunition to be certain that the caliber matches the caliber of your firearm. Commercially manufactured ammunition has the caliber number clearly stamped around the rim at each end of the cartridge. DAN WESSON handguns have the firearm’s caliber (or a generic marking) engraved on the slide or barrel. BASIC COMPONENTS Basic Components (DAN WESSON FIREARMS Pointman Shown) 1 – Hammer 2 – Rear Sight 3 – Safety (Left Side) 4 – Beavertail Grip Safety 5 – Frame (Magazine Port Area) 6 – Slide (Ejection Port on opposite side) 7 – Slide Stop 8 – Magazine Release 9 – Trigger 10 – Trigger Guard 11 – Front Sight 12 –Barrel (Muzzle End)
6 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual • The use of reloaded, remanufactured, hand-loaded, or other non-standard ammunition voids all warranties. Reloading is a science and improperly loaded ammunition can be extremely dangerous. Severe damage to the firearm and serious injury to the shooter or to others may result. Always use ammunition that complies with the industry performance standards established by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers Institute, Inc. of the United States (SAAMI). For best results, we recommend the use of jacketed round nose BALL ammunition. • Always keep ammunition away from heat and flame. DAN WESSON handguns can be safely fired using factory specification standard velocity ammunition. DAN WESSON FIREARMS accepts no responsibility for claims brought against the company due to any other loads or any loads, which do not meet the safety tolerances endorsed, by the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). • Do not shoot this firearm if you question the compatibility of the ammunition you are using. Do not use unmarked or hand-loaded rounds of unknown origin. Use only clean, dry, original high quality commercially manufactured ammunition in good condition. • Do not use ammunition with split, crushed, or dented casings or bullets, which show sign of damage. • Remove unfired ammunition from firearms immediately after use and return to proper storage containers. PREPARING TO FIRE GUN HANDLING & PREPARATION Do not rely on your firearm’s safety mechanism. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, and ready to fire, at all times. Note: DAN WESSON handguns must be checked by first removing the ammunition magazine from the firearm to prevent a round from entering the chamber. Before Shooting any Firearm… • Check the condition of the firearm. Check the firearm for cleanliness and smooth operation. Do not use a dirty or wet firearm, or one that has been excessively oiled or greased. An unclean firearm can become dangerous hazard when fired. • Check your backstop. LOADING THE MAGAZINE Preparing the handgun for firing is composed of three basic steps: • Loading the magazine • Inserting the magazine • Loading the Handgun Chamber. Load magazines carefully. Avoid dropping the magazine or the ammunition, as damage or an accidental discharge can occur. Load magazines in a work area where accidentally dropped round can be found easily, above a work surface that is of a comfortable height and located in an area free from distractions. 1. Hold the magazine with the feed lips up, and the loading opening pointing outward, as shown below. 2. With your shooting hand, carefully insert a round through the loading relief, pressing down and to the rear of the magazine until the round is properly positioned. The primer end of the case should be in contact with the rear wall of the magazine. Repeat until the magazine is full.
7 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual INSERTING THE MAGAZINE Keep the muzzle pointed away from you and in a safe direction. Do not use magazines that show signs of damage, cracking or excessive wear. Consult a qualified gunsmith if the magazine binds, fails to seat fully and securely, fails to release smoothly, or loads ammunition into the chamber of the handgun erratically. 1. Check for dirt and debris in the magazine port, and clean or clear as needed. 2. Securely hold the handgun with your shooting hand, with the magazine port pointing down as shown. 3. Insert the tip of the magazine into the magazine port of the handgun, with the ammunition feed opening pointing to the front of the handgun and the body of the magazine angled to match the angle of the grip as shown above. 4. Push the magazine into the magazine port until it is firmly seated and the magazine retainer locks into place.
8 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual LOADING THE CHAMBER Keep the muzzle of the handgun pointed away from anyone and in a safe direction. For this operation, the Thumb Safety must be in the READY or FIRE position and the handgun will be capable of firing a round. Your finger must be off the Trigger and outside of the Trigger Guard unless directed to do otherwise by these instructions. 1. Pull the slide fully back and inspect the chamber for dirt or debris. If the chamber needs cleaning or clearing, push the Slide Lock UP to hold the slide open. 2. Load the chamber by releasing the Slide Lock and allowing the slide to snap back into position on its own. Do not interfere with its forward movement. 3. Set the Thumb Safety to the SAFE position until you have chosen a target and are prepared to fire the handgun. FIRING THE HANDGUN GENERAL PRECAUTIONS Don’t shoot unless you are absolutely sure of your target and what exists beyond it. Always keep the muzzle pointed away from you and in a safe direction. Until you have chosen a target and are prepared to fire the handgun, keep the Thumb Safety in the SAFE position. Before firing your DAN WESSON handgun for the first time… To assure safe, trouble-free performance beginning with the first time you fire your DAN WESSON handgun, follow the cleaning and lubricating instructions on page (TBD) of this manual. IN CASE OF MALFUNCTION Never attempt to remedy a malfunction yourself before completing a course of training by a qualified instructor. • Malfunctions occur from improper firearm handling, defective ammunition, or from damaged parts. A malfunction can be recognized by the improper feeding or ejection of a round of ammunition, a condition known as a “jam”. • The remedy of malfunctions requires specialized training and should not be attempted without first completing a full course of instruction by a person qualified in the safe use of semi-automatic handguns. • DAN WESSON FIREARMS assumes no responsibility for malfunctions, which occur, from user abuse, neglect, or failure to follow the warnings and instructions in this manual. • Never attempt to remove the ammunition round or casing from the chamber or ejection port with your finger. • Never use excessive force to remedy a jam or attempt to remove a stuck round with a tool or object, which can damage a firearm or set off a live round of ammunition. Always have any firearm that malfunctions examined by a qualified gunsmith. IN CASE OF MISFIRE Never point your firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot. Always keep the muzzle pointed away from people and in a safe direction.
9 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual If a firearm fails to fire: • Always keep the muzzle pointed in the direction of your target. An ammunition round can have delayed ignition, called a “hang fire”, and can fire unexpectedly - up to a minute - after being struck by the firing pin. • Always remove the ammunition magazine first, before attempting to determine the cause of misfire. Check the ammunition for proper type; inspect the primer for firing indentation, to determine whether or not the firing pin engaged the primer, or if the firing pin hit the primer firmly. • Never re-chamber damaged or misfired ammunition. Keep them separate from other rounds. • Never shoot any firearm if it continually misfires or malfunctions. A firearm that consistently misfires or malfunctions should be examined by a qualified gunsmith. WARNING! Always check the barrel for obstructions. Use only ammunition of the proper type for the firearm you are using. CLEARING THE HANDGUN REMOVING THE MAGAZINE Clearing the handgun is composed of two basic steps: removing the magazine and unloading the chamber. Until you pull the slide back and check for a remaining round in the chamber, the handgun is LOADED and capable of firing a round. Keep the muzzle pointed away from you and in a safe direction. Your finger must be off the trigger and outside the trigger guard. 1. Make sure that the Thumb Safety is in the SAFE position. 2. Hold the handgun in your shooting hand, and place your other hand underneath the grip area to receive the magazine as shown below. 3. Fully depress the magazine release. The magazine should slide out of the handgun freely. CLEARING THE HANDGUN Keep the muzzle of the handgun pointed away from anyone and in a safe direction. The Thumb Safety must be in the READY or FIRE position and the handgun is capable of firing a round. Your finger must be off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until you confirm the ammunition magazine is removed and the chamber is empty. 1. With the muzzle pointed away from yourself and in a safe direction, release and remove the ammunition magazine, pull the slide back and move the slide stop UP to keep the chamber open. If there was a round in the chamber it should eject with the opening of the slide. 2. Inspect the chamber. If there is a round in the chamber, carefully remove it and place it in an appropriate storage container. 3. Release the slide stop and slowly close the slide only after confirming the ammunition magazine is removed and the chamber is empty. 4. With the muzzle pointed away from you and in a safe direction, depress the trigger to release the hammer. 5. If you are finished shooting, have confirmed the ammunition magazine is removed and the chamber is empty, remove any remaining ammunition from the magazine. 6. Store the ammunition, the handgun, and the magazine in appropriate storage containers.
10 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual Until the magazine is removed and the chamber is empty, the handgun is LOADED and capable of firing a round. Keep the muzzle pointed away from you and in a safe direction. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard and OFF the trigger. CARRY AND TRANSPORT Carry only empty firearms when traveling between destinations. Before carrying or transporting any firearm… • Always remove the magazine and check the firearm for an empty chamber before carrying or transporting. Note: DAN WESSON FIREARMS model handguns must be checked by first removing the ammunition magazine from the firearm to prevent a round from entering the chamber. • Never carry any firearm with the hammer in the cocked or half-cocked position. Keep the hammer forward, with the chamber empty, until you are ready to shoot. • Always carry firearms in a case or holster specifically made for the type of firearm you are using until you are ready to fire. • Never carry any firearm with your finger on the trigger or inside the trigger guard. • Never carry any firearm by the muzzle end. • Always keep any firearm’s muzzle pointing in a safe direction when carrying it or preparing to shoot. Remain alert at all times. Be aware of how you could prevent an accident in the event of a stumble or fall by keeping the muzzle pointing away from any person or object that could be endangered. • Avoid dropping your firearm under any circumstances. Never carry a loaded firearm when you climb a tree, cross a fence, jump over an obstacle, or go across areas where you are likely to trip, slip, stumble or fall. STORAGE Never leave your firearm unattended until you have unloaded it and secured it from unauthorized handling and use. Before storing or leaving this firearm unattended… • Immediately remove the ammunition magazine from the firearm and check for an empty chamber. • Remove all unfired ammunition from the firearm, the magazine, clothing, and from around the shooting area. Place unfired ammunition in a safe and separate location from the firearms. • Place the unloaded firearm in an appropriate storage case or holster. • Keep this and all firearms securely locked up and out of sight, away from any possibility of unauthorized access or unexpected discovery, until ready to use. • Always remain aware of the danger of firearms, even when stored. • Check firearm storage frequently, to be certain the location remains secure and has not been violated in any way. WARNING! Store firearms and ammunition separately, under lock and out of the sight of and beyond reach of children, minors, or adolescents. HANDGUN MAINTENANCE - DISASSEMBLY Always remove the magazine and any ammunition in the firearm’s chamber before disassembly. Always wear safety goggles during disassembly and reassembly to protect your eyes while handling spring-loaded parts. General preparations… • Choose a clean, stable surface at which to comfortably disassemble the firearm. Allow sufficient room to place the parts removed from the firearm without interfering with the disassembly process. To prevent damage to the firearm, disassemble the firearm on a clean, lint-free cloth.