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 adjusted to the desired position.
•Certain model Smith & Wesson Pistols are equipped with a 
rear sight adjustable for both elevation and windage.
ADJUSTING FOR ELEVATIONRotate the Adjusting Screw installed on the top of the Rear Sight
clockwise to lower the Rear Sight or counterclockwise to raise the
Rear Sight. (Raising Rear Sight will raise the group, etc.)
ADJUSTING FOR WINDAGERotate the Adjusting Screw installed in the right side of Rear
Sight clockwise to move the Rear Sight Blade to the right or
counterclockwise to move it to the left. (Moving Rear Sight to the
right will move the group to the right, etc.)
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT
UNLOADING
WARNING: ENSURE YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED
BEFORE ADJUSTING YOUR SIGHTS. AT ALL TIMESFOLLOW THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE GUN HANDLING.
WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PISTOL POINTED
IN A SAFE DIRECTION.ALWAYS KEEP YOUR
FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUTSIDE THE
TRIGGER GUARD.
• Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the  
trigger and out of the trigger guard. (Figure 12).
• Ensure that the hammer is fully rearward and then place the 
safety lever in the fully up “safe” position. (Figure 11)
• Depress the magazine release, and remove the magazine.
Place the safety lever into the down “fire” position. With the muzzle still pointing in a safe direction, and with your finger 
off the trigger and outside the trigger guard, grasp the 
serrated sides of the slide as shown in figure 13 and briskly 
draw the slide fully rearward in order to extract any cartridge 
from the barrel chamber and clear it from the pistol. Do not obstruct the ejection port because doing so can interfere with 
ejection of a cartridge and thereby creates the risk of explod
ing an unchambered cartridge and possible injury. (Figure 13).
Visually check the barrel chamber to be sure it is empty.
• Unload the magazine by holding it with the bullet end of the 
cartridge pointing away from you and pressing each cartridge 
forward and out of the magazine.
21     
						

							• 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 are free.
• Pull out the recoil retainer and spring.
• Fully cock the hammer.
22
FIELD STRIPPING
DISASSEMBLY
FIGURE 16
WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS BE
WORN DURING ALL OF OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS.
WARNING: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO VERIFY
THAT THE PISTOL IS EMPTY OF ALL LIVE ROUNDS
BEFORE DISASSEMBLY OR ASSEMBLY. SEE THE
UNLOADING SECTION.         
						

							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 
CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE HAMMER OR OTHER
INTERNAL PARTS.
FIGURE 22
FIGURE 18
FIGURE 19
23
WARNING: DO NOT ALTER, MODIFY OR REPLACE
ANY OF THE PARTS OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS
THIS WORK IS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED 
GUNSMITH USING GENUINE SMITH & WESSON PARTS AND
PROCEDURES. IF YOU DO OTHERWISE, IMPROPER FUNC
TIONING MAY OCCUR AND SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT.
FIGURE 23
                        
						

							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 THAT THEY DO NOT FLY OUT 
AND CAUSE INJURY.
• Insert the recoil spring guide rod into the recoil spring housing 
from the rear of the slide.
• Align the slide with the rails on the frame and gently push the 
slide onto the frame as shown in figure 24. Depress the firing 
pin safety lever into the down position. Do not squeeze the 
grip safety while putting the slide back onto the frame.
• Move the slide and barrel rearward together until the barrel link
hole is aligned with the slide stop hole.(Figure 25) Insert the slide stop pin into the slide stop hole making sure it passes 
through the barrel link hole. Align the take down notch on the 
slide with the rectangular cutout of the frame. Push the slide 
stop pin all the way in so that its rearward tab passes through 
the take down notch and is locked into place. (Figure 26)
• Place the slide in the fully forward position. Turn the barrel 
bushing clockwise and then insert the recoil spring (closed end first) and plug onto the recoil guide rod.Use the barrel bushing
wrench and turn the bushing counterclockwise until the recoil 
spring plug locks into place. (Figure 27)
24
WARNING: OTHER BRAND PARTS MUST NEVER
BE USED IN YOUR S&W 1911 EVEN THOUGH
THE PARTS MAY APPEAR TO BE SIMILAR. USE
OF ANY PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE S&W
1911 PARTS MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION
RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR  OTHERS.
FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY CONT’D.
            
						

							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 of the magazine tube (1).
MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY 
ASSEMBLY (see Figure 28)• Install magazine follower(3) in the bottom of the magazine 
tube (1) with the stepped edge of the magazine follower (3) 
toward the round side 
of the magazine 
tube (1).
• Install the magazine 
spring (2) and the 
buttplate catch (4) in the magazine tube (1).
•While holding 
buttplate catch (4) in 
the magazine tube (1), 
slide the magazine 
buttplate (5) onto the 
magazine tube (1) so that the circular projection of the 
buttplate catch (4) 
engages the 
magazine buttplate (5).
MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY 
WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS
BE WORN DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
WARNING:SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS
BE WORN DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
25
(3)
(4) (1)(2)
FIGURE 28(5)
FIELD STRIPPING ASSEMBLY CONT’D.
FIGURE 26FIGURE 27
            
						

							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 chamber (charge holes) with a good powderremovingsolvent and bore brush. Wipe the areas clean with patches or a
swab.
Using a small brush dipped in solvent, remove all deposits from
around the breech of the barrel, chamber (charge holes), extrac
tor and adjacent areas which have been subjected to the action
of powder or primer residue. Remove any residue on the framewith light brushing and a solvent.After cleaning the entire gun,
use a cloth to apply a light film of high quality gun oil to all exter
nal metal surfaces and wipe clean.
CAUTION:Always follow the instructions provided with your gun cleaner
and gun lubricant.
CAUTION:Some cleaners can cause damage to your handguns. You should
avoid prolonged solvent immersion and prolonged ultrasonic
cleaning of your firearm. Choice of solvent should be restricted
to those products specifically developed for firearms maintenance.Damage to a firearm’s finish may occur if these cautions
are ignored.Ammoniated solvents or other strong alkaline sol
vents, should not be used on any Smith & Wesson firearm. As a
rule of thumb, if you would be comfortable applying the solvent
of your choice to the finish of your automobile, it will probably be
safe for use on your firearm.
After the initial cleaning, there is usually some residue in both
the barrel and cylinder that works out and becomes apparent
within 2448 hours. This can be removed with a bristle brush
and a light reapplication of powder removing solvent after which
the oil film should be reestablished on all surfaces.
WARNING: FOR ANY MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE
NOT SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL, YOU MUST USE A
GUNSMITH QUALIFIED TO PERFORM SERVICE ON
SMITH & WESSON HANDGUNS.
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
26     
						

							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 to the section entitled “Service”.
MAINTENANCE BEFORE STORAGEWhen storing, do not encase your firearm in anything that will
attract or hold moisture, for example, leather or heavy cloth.
Also, do not store guns with a plug inserted in the barrel for thiscan be a contributing factor to moisture accumulation. If your
firearm is to be stored for an extended period, the bore, cham
bers and internal working mechanism should be oiled with acid
free lubricating oil or preservative, and the external working
mechanisms, frame, cylinder and barrel should be coated with
an antirust oil. Before using your firearm again, be sure to clean
it. Every time you clean your firearm, check it for signs of wear.
If wear is noted, do not use the firearm. Return it to Smith &
Wesson for service or have it checked by a qualified gunsmith.
MAINTENANCE BEFORE USEBefore using your firearm, it should be cleaned. (See Cleaning
Instructions)  Your firearm has been treated with either a preser
vative or oil to protect it against corrosion. Before using it, allexcess oil should be wiped from the bore, chambers (charge
holes), and exposed areas using a clean swab or patch. A light
coat of high quality gun oil should be applied to the outside sur
faces and mechanism. Care should be taken not to oil the
mechanism to the degree that dirt and powder residue may be
trapped by the oil.There are further instructions in the cleaning
sectionof this manual.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE CONT’D.     
						

							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 is
unloaded and packaged securely.
DO NOT SHIP ANY 
AMMUNITION.The package must NOT bear any markings
which indicate the identity of the contents. Enclose a letter which
includes your full name and address (no P.O. Boxes, please),
daytime telephone number, email address, the serial number of
the firearm, and details of the problem experienced (stating thebrand and type of ammunition used when the problem occurred)
or work desired. Record the serial number before shipping, incase you wish to check on the repair status of your firearm.
SHIPPINGWhen shipping a firearm, it is most important that you comply
with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The followingguidelines are meant to help, but you must seek assistance from
the appropriate authorities if necessary.
•Check magazines and chambers to ensure that they are 
unloaded. Do not ship ammunition.
•Do not attempt to ship a handgun via US Postal Service;
only federally licensed dealers may ship a firearm by 
USPostal Service.
•
If your firearm must be replaced, it may be necessary to ship 
the replacement to a dealer rather than directly to you.You 
will be requested to furnish a signed FFL (Federal Firearms 
License) from your dealer in such an instance.
•When returning a pistol, please include all magazines 
ensuring they are unloaded; they are important to the 
proper function of the handgun.
Ship Centerfire pistols and ALL
revolvers to:Customer Service,2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA  01104
Ship ALL .22 caliber pistols to:Customer Service, 19 Aviation Drive, Houlton, ME  04730
Please call the above telephone number or email the above
address before shipping!!
Customer Service
2100 Roosevelt Avenue
Springfield, MA  01104
Tel: 8003310852 • 4137818300 ext. 2905
Email: [email protected] 
						

							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.
ACCESSORIESAccessories for your Smith & Wesson firearm are available from
your local Smith & Wesson Stocking Dealer, or directly from
Smith & Wesson.
When ordering directly from the factory, please provide the
following information:
• Model Number
• Dash Number
• Serial Number
• Approximate date of purchase
• Complete Return Address
• VISA/Discover/MasterCard Number and
Expiration Date
• For Foreign Orders Only, Fax Number or Email 
Address
Please call 18003310852, ext.2905 for any questions
you have.
WARNING:YOU MAY PURCHASE ACCESSORIES
FOR YOUR SMITH & WESSON FIREARM. YOU MUST
HAVE SOME OF THESE PARTS INSTALLED BY A
GUNSMITH QUALIFIED TO PERFORM SERVICE ON
SMITH & WESSON PISTOLS. YOU MUST NEVER ATTEMPT
TO MODIFY YOUR FIREARM OR INSTALL REPLACEMENT
PARTS IN YOUR FIREARM. ALWAYS USE A QUALIFIED
SMITH &WESSON GUNSMITH EVEN IF THE REPAIR SEEMS
TO BE SIMPLE.   
						

							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 receives written notice within one year from the
date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by
Smith& Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after
such notification and delivery of the handgun as provided below.
If any unsafe and/or illegal condition is found during warranty
inspection, Smith & Wesson will return the handgun to its original
specification.
Warranty claims (in writing) and the handgun concerned should
be delivered to Smith & Wesson’s Customer Service Department
at the above address.In addition, a copy of the bill of sale in the
owner’s name, or a copy of ATF Form 4473 indicating date of
purchase must be included.
Warranty claims should state the model and serial number of the
handgun concerned and the description of the difficulty experienced.It is recommended that shipments be insured by the
owner, since Smith & Wesson will accept no responsibility for loss
or damage in transit. Transportation and insurance charges for
return to owner will be paid by Smith & Wesson if the claim is
covered by the warranty.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SMITH & WESSON BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM
AGES WITH RESPECT TO ECONOMIC LOSS, INJURY, DEATH
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF
BREACH OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY,NEGLI
GENCE OR OTHERWISE.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you in whole or in part.
Smith & Wesson will not be responsible for:
•Defects or malfunctions resulting from careless handling, 
unauthorized adjustments or modifications made or
attempted by anyone other than a qualified gunsmith follow
ing Smith & Wesson authorized procedures, or disassembly 
beyond the Field Stripping instructions in this manual.
• Use of defective or improper ammunition, corrosion, 
neglect, abuse, ordinary wear and tear, or unreasonable use.
• Criminal misuse, negligence, resale, use under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.