Dan Wesson 1911 Instructions Manual

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual 
• Read through the entire disassembly procedure before attempting to disassemble any of the DAN 
WESSON FIREARMS model handguns. 
• The following disassembly procedure requires manual dexterity and specific tools. Seek the service of a 
qualified gunsmith for assistance if you are uncertain of your ability to perform the following disassembly 
process. 
• Contact DAN WESSON FIREARMS for further clarification or instructions should any of the parts or 
assemblies shown in the disassembly process of this manual appear different from those found on your 
DAN WESSON FIREARMS model. 
 
Tools and supplies: 
Your DAN WESSON FIREARMS handgun is a precision assembly. Only high-quality tools and 
supplies should be used when working on it. 
Safety goggles 
5/32” Hex wrench 
1/8” dia. Steel punch 
Lint-free cloths 
Small non-marring hammer (optional) 
 
 
Two-piece Outer Guide Rod Removal 
1. Remove the magazine by pushing the magazine catch located on the left side of the frame. 
2. Clear the chamber by pulling the slide to the rear. 
3. Inspect the chamber and assure that any cartridge ejected and the chamber is empty. 
4. Insert Hex wrench into the hex head of Outer Guide Rod below 
the muzzle. Loosen the Guide Rod by turning counter-clockwise. 
5. Remove Outer Guide Rod from the handgun by pulling the Rod out of the handgun towards the 
muzzle end. 
6. With the use of fingers or barrel bushing wrench, turn barrel bushing clockwise approximately 30 
degrees, CAUTION: Recoil spring under tension, once pressure is felt under end cap, slowly move 
barrel wrench forward relaxing tension on end cap.  
7. Remove main spring and cap by pulling forward. 
8. Further disassembly requires removal of slide.  
 
  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual 
 
 
One-piece Guide Rod Removal 
 
Note: Most DAN WESSON FIREARMS models have a one-piece guide rod assembly. To remove:  
1.  Depress the recoil spring plug by placing the bushing wrench over the barrel bushing.  
2.  Rotate the bushing clockwise until it stops. , CAUTION: Recoil spring under tension, once 
pressure is felt under end cap, slowly move barrel wrench forward relaxing tension on end 
cap.  
3.  Allow the plug to come out slowly and remove it with the recoil spring. If the recoil spring does not 
come out easily, just remove the plug and leave the spring for later removal. 
4.  Further disassembly requires removal of slide.  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual 
 
Slide stop removal 
1. Cock the hammer and pull the slide back. Be careful not to release pressure on the slide or allow 
the handgun to slip from your grasp. Pull the slide back until the disassembly notch on the slide 
(the second notch from the muzzle end) aligns with the rear of the slide stop on the left-hand side of the 
handgun. 
2. While maintaining the slide disassembly notch alignment with the slide stop, remove the slide stop by 
pushing against the extended portion of the stop, located on the right-hand side of the handgun. 
TIP: Maintain a firm grasp on both the slide and frame to prevent any movement. Pressure can be 
released from the slide once the slide tops has been removed. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Slide Assembly Removal 
 
NOTE: At this time slide should be free from recoil spring tension.  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual  1. 
Remove the slide assembly from the handgun frame by sliding forward off frame rails while 
maintaining a firm grip on the handgun. 
 
Spring and Guide Rod Removal from Slide Assembly 
1. Turn the slide assembly upside down, Lift the guide rod assembly from the slide assembly. Pull 
towards the back of the slide to remove it from the handgun. 
NOTE: For 1-piece guide rod, barrel link must be in upright position. 
 
Barrel Removal 
1. Hold the slide assembly upside down and rotate the barrel link to the forward position. 
Note: The barrel cannot be removed from the slide assembly without the barrel link in the forward 
position Always do this procedure before attempting to remove the barrel, to prevent damage to the slide. 
2. Continue holding the slide assembly upside down. Gently lift the barrel with a finger through the 
ejection port and slide the barrel out of the muzzle end. 
 
Firing Pin Removal 
 
Wear eye protection! This step requires the removal of a spring under compression. Before 
removing the firing pin and stop, position the slide with the firing pin pointing in a safe direction. 
The firing pin can eject from the slide unexpectedly and cause injury. 
 
1. Firmly grasp the rear end of the slide and depress the end of the firing pin with a 1/8” punch tool. Push 
down on the firing pin sufficiently to release it from the hole in the firing pin stop. Place a finger of the 
hand holding the slide over the firing pin to retain the firing pin while removing the firing pin stop, to 
prevent the firing pin from ejecting from the slide. 
TIP: This can be done in one motion by rotating the punch tool within the hole of the firing pin 
stop, using it to move the hole away from the firing pin. 
2. Remove the firing pin stop by sliding the stop off the slide rails, which retain it. 
3. Slowly release pressure on the firing pin. The firing pin can be removed, once all the pressure has 
been released. 
4. Remove the firing pin spring from the firing pin by turning the firing pin clockwise and pulling off the 
spring. 
 
Note: Firing pin and stop must be removed prior to removal of the extractor 
 
Internal Extractor Removal 
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 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.  
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.  
 
External Extractor Removal (Patriot Series of 1911s) 
1. Firmly grasp the slide and with a 5/64 pin punch drift out the 5/64 extractor retaining pin. Once the 
pin is free from the slide the external extractor will lift out of its slot and then the  extractor spring can be 
removed. 
 
 
 
  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual 
 
 
 
 
HANDGUN MAINTENANCE   
GENERAL CARE 
The DAN WESSON FIREARMS semi-automatic model handguns must be clean and properly 
lubricated to function reliably and maintain optimum performance and accuracy. Proper maintenance can 
provide smooth operation, minimize the wear of parts, and prevent malfunctions. Periodic maintenance 
of this family of DAN WESSON FIREARMS handguns involve cleaning and lubrication whenever any of 
the following conditions exist: 
1. Before firing you DAN WESSON FIREARMS handgun for the first time. 
2. After disassembling the firearm. Disassembly removes lubrication from the moving parts and requires 
that you properly apply a high quality lubricant intended for semi-automatic handguns upon reassembly. 
3. After shooting the firearm. Clean and lubricate the handgun to prevent corrosion and reduce friction on 
moving parts caused by powder deposits that accumulate during shooting. 
4. Before and after storing the handgun for more that a month. Firearms, which have been stored for 
long periods of time, accumulate deposits of dust, dirt and sometimes rust and other corrosive actions 
caused by the environment. 
5. After the handgun becomes wet or dirty. Excessive moisture of dirt within the firearm and around it 
can create obstructions, causing an unsafe shooting condition. 
 
CLEANING 
 
Always empty a firearm before cleaning. Be certain to remove the magazine and any ammunition 
in the firearm’s chamber before cleaning. Note: DAN WESSON FIREARMS model handguns must 
be checked first by removing that magazine from the firearm to prevent a round from entering 
the chamber. 
 
Properly cleaning and lubricating firearms requires a basic set of tools and supplies. Your DAN 
WESSON FIREARMS handgun is a precision assembly. Only high quality tools and supplies should be 
used when working on it. 
Tools: 
• Bronze Bore-Cleaning Brush to remove heavy bore deposits from the barrel 
• Handgun Bore Cleaning Rod with Threaded End to receive Cleaning Accessories 
• Slotted Tip to hold Cleaning Patches 
• Nylon Bristle Brush 
Supplies: 
• Cleaning Patches - 100% Cotton Flannel Cloth 
• Cleaning Rags - 100% Cotton Flannel Cloth 
• High-Quality Cleaning Solvent 
• High-Quality Gun Oil * (available through DAN WESSON FIREARMS International) 
* Also required before shooting the handgun for the first time. 
Procedure: 
Cleaning your DAN WESSON FIREARMS handgun should be done in the following manner. 
1. Disassemble your DAN WESSON FIREARMS handgun (Pages 22 through 30) 
2. Clean and lubricate (Page 33) 
3. Reassemble the handgun by reversing the disassembly procedure 
(Pages 22 through 30) 
 
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS 
  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual 
Note: Always keep the bore brush saturated with cleaning solvent to prevent damage to the bore 
and/or compensator, and make each pass through the barrel a complete pass starting at the 
breach end of the barrel and continuing until the entire bristle section of the bore brush is 
outside the barrel or compensator – do not change directions when the brush is inside the barrel 
or compensator. Once the bore is free of residues, attach a clean cotton pad to the bore cleaning 
rod, saturate it with cleaning solvent and make several passes though the bore. Continue 
changing pads until the pad emerges clean. Finally, dry the bore with a clean cotton pad, apply a 
very small amount of high quality lubricant to a clean cotton pad and make several passes 
through the barrel to lubricate it. 
 
1. Clean slide using nylon brush and cleaning solvent; scrub away any powder residue, particularly on 
the slide rails. Wipe slide clean with a lint-free cotton cloth. Inspect the slide for damage or signs of 
unusual wear. 
2. Clean frame with nylon brush and cleaning solvent; scrub away any powder residue, particularly on 
the frame rails. Wipe frame clean with a lint-free cotton cloth. Inspect the frame for damage or signs of 
unusual wear. 
 
3. Saturate a cotton pad with cleaning solvent and attach it to the bore cleaning rod; make several 
passes through the bore with the pad to saturate and loosen metallic and powder residues. Allow the 
barrel to soak for a few moments, then attach the bore brush to the bore cleaning rod, saturate the 
bristles with cleaning solvent, and make several passes through the bore with the bore brush. Inspect the 
bore for residues and repeat cleaning with the bore brush as necessary. 
 
4. Clean all springs, pins and other components with cleaning solvent and wipe them dry with a lint-free 
cotton cloth. Inspect each part for damage or signs of unusual wear.  
5. Apply a light coating of high-quality lubricating oil to all moving parts and reassemble the handgun. To 
reduce the possibility of corrosion, apply a very light coating of lubricating oil to all external steel parts. 
 
Note: If any handgun components show signs of damage or unusual or excessive wear, stop using the 
firearm immediately and contact your gunsmith or DAN WESSON FIREARMS for assistance. 
 
FACTORY SERVICE 
 
Always unload any firearm before packaging the firearm for repairs or service. Note: DAN 
WESSON handguns must be checked by first removing the ammunition magazine from the 
firearm to prevent a round from entering the chamber. Never ship ammunition with any firearm. 
 
Requesting factory service… 
Should your DAN WESSON handgun require service by the factory technicians, please contact DAN 
WESSON and discuss that problem you’re having. In the event you must return your handgun to the 
factory for service, follow these shipping instructions. 
1. Provide a written statement in as much detail as possible; describe the apparent problem or need for 
which you wish to have service rendered. 
2. Carefully package your DAN WESSON handgun, the written statement, and an empty ammunition 
magazine inside a sturdy, plain cardboard carton. Use quality protective packing as required to prevent 
damage to the handgun and magazine from movement during shipping. 
3. Tape the carton shut securely using quality shipping tape, or use another acceptable method of 
sealing the carton, to prevent accidental opening during shipment. 
4. Be certain to address that package clearly and include a return address that can receive packages. 
5. Insure the package to protect the contents from damage, loss or theft. DAN WESSON FIREARMS 
cannot be held responsible for damage or loss incurred during shipment.  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual  6. 
Ship the package via a reputable carrier with package tracking. DO NOT SHIP ANY FIREARM via US 
MAIL unless you are an FFL dealer. 
 
Limited Warranty 
This “limited warranty” has been drafted to comply with the Mangnuson-Moss Warranty Federal Trade 
Commission Improvement Act, which is effective for goods manufactured on or after December31, 1995. 
Dan Wesson Corp. firearms are warranted to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for five 
(5) years after the date of the original gun retail purchase. The manufacturer agrees to correct by repair 
or replacement (with the same or comparable quality model) your firearm, without charge, if returned 
prepaid with a copy of the bill of sale and a copy of ATF form 4473.   
 
Dan Wesson Corp. assumes no responsibility for product malfunction or for physical injury or 
property damage resulting in whole or in part from criminal or negligent use of the product, improper 
or careless handling, unauthorized modifications, use of defective, improper, hand-loaded 
ammunition, customer abuse or neglect of the product, or other Influences beyond Dan Wesson 
Corp.s control. This warranty does apply to normal wear of any parts, including metal, wood, plastic, 
rubber and other materials, surface finish or if unauthorized repair and/ or alteration has been 
performed. This warranty does not cover repairs related to unreasonable use, corrosion, and failure 
to provide proper maintenance, damage by an obstructed bore or guns damaged in shipment due to 
improper packing and handling 
 
Dan Wesson Corp. reserves the right to inspect any product before making any adjustment covered 
by this warranty. Under no circumstances shall Dan Wesson Corp. be liable for incidental or 
consequential damages with respect to economic loss or injury or property damage whether the 
result of breach of express or implied warranty. Some states do not allow the exclusion of 
consequential or incidental damages so the limitation may not apply to you. This warranty gives only 
the original retail purchaser specific legal rights. Other rights may also be available which may vary 
from state to state. The terms of the warranty can only be changed in writing by an officer of Dan 
Wesson Corp. 
Use only genuine Dan Wesson Firearms spare parts. Use of inferior after market parts can create 
unsafe conditions. Use of after market parts voids all guaranties and warranties. Modifications and 
alterations of the pistol or its parts void all guarantees and warranties. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

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Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual 
Typical Parts Breakdown - DAN 
WESSON FIREARMS “1911” 
Series 
1 Barrel 
2 Barrel Bushing 
3 Barrel Link 
4  Barrel Link Pin 
5 Disconnector 
6 Ejector 
7 Ejector Pin 
8 Extractor, External 
8a   Extractor Pin 
8b Extractor Spring 
8c Extractor, Internal 
9 Firing Pin 
10  Firing Pin Spring 
11  Firing Pin Stop 
12 Front Sight 
13 Grip Safety 
14 Hammer 
15 Hammer Pin 
16 Hammer Strut 
17  Hammer Strut Pin 
18 Magazine 
19 Magazine Catch 
20  Magazine Catch Lock 
21  Magazine Catch Spring 
22 Extractor Spring 
23 Extractor Pin 
24 Main Spring 
25  Main Spring Cap 
26  Main Spring Cap Pin 
27  Main Spring Housing (MSH) 
28 (MSH) Pin 
29  (MSH) Pin Retainer 
30  Recoil Spring Plug 
31 Plunger Spring 
32 Plunger Tube 
33  Rear Sight (Fixed Shown) 
34 Frame 
35  Recoil Spring Plug 
36  Recoil Sring Guide  
37 Thumb Safety 
38  Thumb Safety Lock Plunger 
39 Sear 
40 Sear Pin 
41  Sear Pin Spring 
42 Slide 
43 Slide Stop 
44  Slide Stop Plunger 
45 Grip Panel 
46 Grip Panel 
47 Grip Screw (4) 
48  Grip Screw Bushing (4) 
49 Trigger Assembly   
DAN WESSON FIREARMS  
5169 Rt 12 South, Norwich, NY  USA 
Telephone (607) 336-1174, Fax (607) 336-2730 
Website: danwessonfirearms.com  
Email: [email protected]