Smith & Wesson 1911 Instructions Manual

							Read the instructions and
warnings in this manual
CAREFULLY BEFORE using
this firearm.
2100 Roosevelt Avenue • Springfield, MA  01104
18003310852  •  Fax: 4137473317
www.smithwesson.com
Owner’s Manual
1911 Series       
						

							READ THESE  INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS  CAREFULLY. BE
SURE YOU  UNDERSTAND THESE
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM.
FAILURE TO  READ THESE
INSTRUCTIONS AND TO FOLLOW
THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
TO YOU AND OTHERS
This SAFETY & INSTRUCTION
MANUAL should always
accompany this firearm and be
transferred with it upon change of
ownership or when presented to
another person. A copy of the
SAFETY & INSTRUCTION
MANUAL is available FREE
upon request from:
SMITH & WESSON
CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
2100 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
SPRINGFIELD, MA  01104
TEL.: 18003310852
Email: [email protected]
WARNING
2     
						

							3
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
SAFE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
NOMENCLATURE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
PREPARATION FOR FIRING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
AMMUNITION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1113
MODEL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
INSPECTION YOUR PISTOL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1516
LOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1617
LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1718
FIRING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
DECOCKING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1920
CLEARING MISFIRES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
UNLOADING  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2224
FIELD STRIPPING ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2425
MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25CLEANING & MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2627
SERVICE & SHIPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2829
WARRANTY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3031
EXTENDED SERVICE POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31WARNINGS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
WARRANTY CENTERS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BACK COVER
YOUR SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITIES
SAFETY IS YOUR NUMBER ONE
RESPONSIBILITY!!!!
At home, in the field, at the range, or anywhere, the first concern of
every firearm owner should be safety. Apply the following safety
rules in every situation, with any kind of firearm. If you feel uncer
tain about any operational aspects of your handgun, please contact
Smith&Wesson  at 18003310852 before proceeding with its
operation.
WARNING: YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL OF THESE
SAFETY RULES TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF
YOUR FIREARM. THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
BASIC FIREARM SAFETY RULES MAY RESULT IN AN
UNINTENDED DISCHARGE WHICH COULD CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU 
OR OTHERS.   
						

							•ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION.Never point a firearm at anyone 
or anything you do not intend to shoot whether or not 
it is loaded. This is particularly important when loading, 
unloading, or fieldstripping the gun. ALWAYS control the 
direction of the firearm.
•ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED AND WILL FIRE IF THE TRIGGER IS PULLED.Do not take anyone’s word that the firearm is 
unloaded – always check for yourself. Never pass your 
firearm to another person until the cylinder or action is open 
and you visually check that it is unloaded. Keep your 
firearm unloaded and safely stored when not in use.
• NEVERPLACEYOURFINGER INSIDE THE TRIGGER GUARD OR ON THE TRIGGER UNLESS YOU INTEND TO FIRE.Ensure that other objects do 
not touch the trigger.
•ALWAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT.Always be sure of where the bullet 
will strike and shoot only where there is a safe backstop free of obstructions, water or other surfaces 
which can cause ricochets. Do not fire into the sky.
• NEVER CROSS OBSTACLES SUCH AS FENCES OR STREAMS WITH A LOADED FIREARM.
• SAFE GUN HANDLING IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITYat all times.Firearms are dangerous 
and can cause serious injury or death if they are misused 
or used inappropriately. Safety must be the prime 
consideration of anyone who owns or handles firearms.
Accidents are the result of violating the rules of safe gun 
handling and common sense.Firearm safety training is 
available. Contact your dealer, law enforcement agency, 
local sportsman’s club, etc. for availability.
•YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIREARM AT ALL TIMES.In owning a firearm, you must under
take fulltime responsibility for your firearm’s safety 
and security.You must protect yourself and all others 
against injury or death from misuse of the firearm
24 hours a day.
• FIREARM SECURITY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.You must secure firearms safely from children and/or 
unauthorized users. Your firearm should always be 
kept unloaded and locked when not in use. A lock has 
been provided for this purpose. Never assume that the 
use of this lock is sufficient to safely secure your 
firearm. You must always evaluate your personal 
situation and employ the security system(s) that meets 
your needs and prevents children and unauthorized 
users from gaining access to your firearm.
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D.
4 
						

							YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D.
• APPROPRIATE USE FOR YOUR FIREARM MEANS USING YOUR FIREARM FOR LEGAL PURPOSES.For example  target shooting and lawful resistance of 
deadly criminal force. It is your responsibility to ensure 
that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and 
ordinances regarding the use of your firearm.
• NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL FEATURES ALONE.Only your safe gunhandling habits will ensure the 
safe use of your firearm. This is your responsibility.
•ALWAYS SAFELY STORE AND SECURE YOUR FIREARM.Safe and secure storage of your firearm is 
one of your most important responsibilities. It is a fulltime 
responsibility. You must always secure your firearm and 
ammunition separately so that they are not accessible to 
children and/or other unauthorized persons.
• NEVER KEEP AMMUNITION IN THE SAME LOCATION AS THE HANDGUN.Store each in a separate and secure 
place.
•ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTORS THAT ARE  SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USEevery time you 
discharge your firearm. Make sure others in the vicinity 
of where you will be shooting do so as well.
• NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING.Do not use your firearm if you are 
on any medication which impairs, even slightly, your 
mental or physical ability.
•ALWAYS HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning 
firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to 
lead and other substances known to cause birth defects, 
reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Review 
the warnings and labels for all ammunition and cleaning 
products carefully. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
• BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM,UNDERSTAND ITS OPERATION.Not all firearms are the same.Familiarize 
yourself with the mechanical features of any firearm you 
intend to use. If you feel uncertain about any operational 
aspects of your handgun, please contact Smith & Wesson at 18003310852 before proceeding with its operation.
• NEVER ALLOW A FIREARM TO BE USED BY INDIVIDUALS WHO DONOTUNDERSTAND ITS SAFE OPERATION OR HAVE NOT READ  THESE FIREARM SAFETY RULES.
•ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT AMMUNITION FOR YOUR PARTICULAR FIREARMas indicated by the 
marking on the barrel. Never use nonstandard, 
reloaded, or “handloaded” ammunition which has not 
been subjected to internal ballistic pressure testing.
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							6
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D.
• BE SURE ALL ACCESSORIES,SUCH AS HOLSTERS AND GRIPS,ARE COMPATIBLEwith the handgun and that 
the accessories do not interfere with safe operation.
• NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR HANDGUNbeyond the field 
stripping procedure outlined in this manual. Improper 
disassembly or reassembly of your handgun may be 
dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.
• NEVER MANIPULATE,ADJUST OR CHANGE ANY OF THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR FIREARMincluding the firing pin, sear, or drawbar.
Improper manipulation of any internal component may 
affect the safety and reliability of your firearm and may 
cause serious injury or death.
• NEVER ALLOW ANY ALTERATION OR REPLACMENT OF PARTS IN YOUR SMITH & WESSON FIREARM UNLESS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED GUNSMITHusing genuine Smith & Wesson parts. If 
you do otherwise, improper functioning of your firearm 
may occur and serious injury or death may result.
WARNING: SAFE USE OF A FIREARM IS YOUR PER
SONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FAILURE TO
FOLLOW ALL OF THESE BASIC SAFETY RULES
MAY RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO
YOU OROTHERS. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY
DEVICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE USE OF YOUR FIREARM
AND SMITH & WESSON WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
THAT RESULTS FROM: (1) THE CRIMINAL OR NEGLIGENT
USE OF THIS HANDGUN; (2) A DISREGARD OF THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS; (3) IMPROPER OR
CARELESS HANDLING OF THIS FIREARM;(4) THE USE OF
NONSTANDARD,DEFECTIVE,IMPROPER OR RELOADED
AMMUNITION; OR (5) IMPROPER OR NEGLIGENT MODIFICA
TIONS OR REPAIRS TO THE HANDGUN.   
						

							7
WARNING: FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS AND WHEN
USED AND STORED IMPROPERLY THEY POSE A RISK
OF SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. FIREARMS CAN BE
ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE
STORED IN AN IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNSAFE MANNER. FOR
YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE
THAT YOU KEEP YOUR FIREARM LOCKED AND UNLOADED IN A
SECURE PLACE. THE AMMUNITION SHOULD BE STORED IN A
SEPARATE, SECURE LOCATION WHEN IT IS NOT IN USE. SAFE
AND SECURE STORAGE OF YOUR FIREARM IS ONE OF THE
MOST IMPORTANT RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY. YOUR FAIL
URE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.
•ALWAYS SECURE YOUR FIREARM IN A MANNER THAT WILL PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS.Whenever your firearm is not in use, keep it unloaded 
and locked. Your safety and the safety of others requires 
that you always secure and store your firearm in a 
manner that will prevent unauthorized access. Never leave a firearm unattended unless it is locked, unloaded 
and secured.
•
ALWAYS USE THE LOCK PROVIDED BY SMITH & WESSON TO SECURE YOUR FIREARM.Please read 
and follow the instructions packaged separately for the use 
of this lock. A lock, when properly used, can be an 
effective tool in preventing unauthorized access to your 
firearm. There are other alternative locks and safe storage 
containers available in the marketplace which may also be 
appropriate for your particular needs. Consult your local 
gunshop, hardware store, or local police department for
guidance on the variety of other safe storage devices or 
practices which may be appropriate for your particular 
needs.By purchasing this firearm you have accepted the 
responsibility of safely securing the firearm at all times and 
preventing its unauthorized use. Never assume that the use of this lock alone is sufficient to safely secure your 
firearm. It is your personal responsibility to select and use 
whatever measures or practices that will enable you to be 
absolutely certain that your firearm is secure at all times.
WARNING: NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM AND
NEVER LOAD A LOCKED FIREARM!!
•ALWAYS STORE YOUR FIREARM AND AMMUNITION SEPARATELYso that they are not accessible to children 
or other unauthorized persons. Safe and secure storage 
of your firearm and ammunition are your responsibility. It is a fulltime responsibility.
SAFE STORAGE &
TRANSPORTATION     
						

							8
SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION  CONT’D.
•NEVER ASSUME THAT A “HIDING”PLACE IS A SECURE STORAGE METHOD.Others may be aware of your storage 
location or come upon it by chance. It is your personal responsi
bility to use common sense when storing your firearm and 
ammunition and to always make sure they are not accessible to 
children or other unauthorized persons.
•
NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM.When transporting your firearm, be sure it is unloaded and 
locked. Safe and secure transportation of your firearm is 
your responsibility.
•
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LAW!Many jurisdictions have 
laws that make it a crime to keep a firearm unlocked and 
in an area accessible to children or others. Keeping a 
firearm locked and unloaded when not in use is not only 
common sense safety practice... IT IS THE LAW. You 
must be familiar with all local, state, and federal laws 
regarding the safe storage and transportation of your 
firearm. Failure to know and follow the law may result in 
unauthorized access or use of your firearm by another.
Obey all laws relating to the storage and transportation of 
firearms. Your local police department or gunshop can 
furnish you with available information on storing and/or 
transporting a firearm safely and legally.
•
YOUR FIREARM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.You must prevent your firearm from being stolen or from 
being used by untrained or unqualified individuals. Keep it locked, unloaded and secured when not in use.
  
						

							9
NOMENCLATURE
Smith & Wesson handguns are reliable and safe to use when the
firearm safety rules are followed. There are a number of internal
safety mechanisms within the lockwork of the handgun which
ensure that the firearm will not discharge unless the trigger of the
handgun is pulled. That is one reason why it is important to
never modify or alter your firearm. Before you use your handgun,
you should be fully familiar with its operation.
Here is a list of basic firearms terminology.
AMMUNITION  CENTERFIRE Ammunition which contains the
primer in the center of the base of the case. Among the most
common centerfire handgun cartridges are the .32, .38 Special,
.380, 9mm, .357 Magnum®, .40 S&W®, .45 ACP and the .44Magnum®.
AMMUNITION  RIMFIRE Ammunition which contains the
primer material in the rim. Among the most common rimfire
handgun cartridges are the .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, and 
.22 Magnum.
CALIBER The diameter of a bullet, designated in hundredths or
thousandths of an inch (.357) or in millimeters (9mm).
DECOCK The process by which the hammer or striker is safely
lowered.
DOUBLE ACTIONA firing action where a single pull of the trig
ger draws the hammer or striker to the rear then releases it, firing
the handgun.
DOUBLE ACTION ONLY A firearm that can only be fired in
double action (cannot be fired in single action).
PISTOL A handgun that contains multiple cartridges in a maga
zine.
REVOLVER A handgun that contains multiple cartridges in a
cylinder that revolves at the rear of the barrel.
SINGLE ACTION A firing action where the hammer or striker is
released from the cocked position by pulling the trigger.
TRADITIONAL DOUBLE ACTION A firearm that can be fired
either in double action or single action.
The operation of your handgun will be explained in greater detail
in the pages that follow, as well as a greater description of key
component parts.
  
						

							10
WARNING: THE FAILURE TO  FOLLOW THESE
FIREARM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU
OR OTHERS.
•AL
WAYS TREAT ALL HANDGUNS AS IF THEY WERE LOADED.
•ALWAYS BE SURE THAT ALL CYLINDERS AND ACTIONS OF FIREARMS ARE OPEN;THAT CHAMBERS ARE CLEAR OF CARTRIDGES;MAGAZINES ARE REMOVED;AND THAT FIREARMS ARE POINTING IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
•ALWAYS KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER PARTS OF YOUR BODY AWAY FROM THE MUZZLE,AWAY FROM THE GAP BETWEEN THE REVOLVER BARREL AND CYLINDER,AND AWAY FROM THE PISTOL SLIDE ANDEJECTION PORT.
•ALWAYS WEAR ADEQUATE AND PROPER EAR PROTECTION SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USEto prevent 
permanent damage to your hearing. Make sure others who 
are nearby are wearing ear protection as well.
•ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE,whether indoors or out.Safety glasses 
should protect your eyes from the firing flash and particles 
associated with the discharge of ammunition. Failure to do 
so creates a risk of personal injury from particle or debris spitting or ricochets.
•ALWAYS BE ALERT AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OF THE RANGE OFFICER.Never shoot if you are tired, cold or impaired in any way.
•ALWAYS BE AWARE OF OTHER PEOPLEso that persons 
cannot accidentally walk into the line of fire.
•THE SHOOTER (AND ALL OTHERS IN THE SHOOTING AREA) MUST ALWAYS BE IN A POSITION THAT IS OUT OF THE LINE OF FIREand are not within an area where 
they may be struck by ricochets, particles spitting from a 
revolver, or by ejected cases from other types of 
firearms.
•NEVER SHOOT AT HARD SURFACES,WATER OR UP INTO THE SKY.Always select a place to shoot that has a 
safe backstop and is free from obstructions and water
surfaces which cause ricochets.
•NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR WHILE SHOOTING.
PREPARATION FOR
FIRING