What kind of skills/tools are needed for full 1911 disassembly?

[Last Resort]

I have a rock island 1911 (compact model/commander) that I'm interested in tinkering with. I'm not a terribly handy guy, but have become pretty proficient at field stripping/cleaning all my handguns, Yugo M70, and GSG MP5. At this point I don't really have any gunsmithing tools, although I do plan to purchase a brass punch set soon. I would like to install a skeletonized hammer/trigger on my 1911, as well as install a flaired beavertail. What kind of tools/skills will I need for this kind of project? I've never fully diassembled a gun before, so I'm not sure what I'm getting into. Will I need any special kind of metalworking skills?

[CHEMICAL]

I'm thinking: Punches, small pliers, a tutorial/schematic and a prayer. I'm sure you could find good videos on youtube or a 1911 forum.

[Last Resort]

Thanks for all the great info/links, all I need now is the prayer!

P.S. I'd rep you again if my button wasn't broke.

[Curmudgeon]

A good forum to check out...

http://forums.1911forum.com/index.php

.

[mrnyman]

Also dont forget that a series 80 Gun is a lot more difficult to reassemble than a series 70 , series 80 has 4 more tiny parts 2 in the slide and 2 in the frame that are difficult to get back together, but is some good help on the net on how to do it . I just went through the drama with my brand new Para LTC.

[Xpertz]

When you replace the Hammer, the hammer -sear relationship changes, therefore the trigger pull will most likely change. Also, Complete safety function check after any parts change is a good idea. Search on 1911auto forums. They all have pinned references to proper safety checks.

[Xringshooter]

If you are going to work on your own 1911, get this book first, read it and then see how far you want to go.

JERRY KUHNHAUSEN THE COLT .45 AUTOMATIC

Putting on new pieces isn't plug and play, many need to be handfitted to have them work correctly and safely. Adding a beavertail grip safety to a gun that doesn't have one will require reshaping the frame (additional tools needed above basic disassembly tools). This is why I say to get the book first. If you decide not to DIY, you can always sell the book, but I wouldn't, it a great wealth of information on the 1911.

[gold cup abuser]

To take a 1911 down to the bare frame and slide all you need is:

Issued Slide Stop to remove the pin that holds in the mainspring pin.

A PROPERLY sized screwdriver to remove the grip screw panels.

On a Series 70, just a jewelers screwdriver to remove the firing pin stop and firing pin. A stiff q tip without the tip can work in a pinch here too

On a Series 80 an extra hand to hold down the plunger in the slide as you remove the firing pin stop and pin lol.

As far as doing anything else in the way of mods to the 1911 the need for tools go up and up and up depending on what you are thinking of changing.

As Xringshooter said if you want to go past this part get the Kunhausen book FIRST then decide what is at your pay level and what is not.

It looks easy to do but much can and will go wrong if you do not know what you are doing to a 1911.

[steviesterno]

see my "I did it" post... all you need is a way to get your grips off, and all damn day.

[gold cup abuser]

To take down to the frame you don't need much in the way of tools, but to do the mods the OP is thinking about you need both tools and knowledge. The Kunhausen book is a good place to start

The OP can call Rock Island to see what they would charge for the mods that he is thinking about. They have a great team of smiths there and their turn around time is pretty fast as well.

If the OP changes the grip safety, and the trigger also think about having them change the sights as well. GI type sights can be a PITA to pick up at speed, esp if you have any type of eye isssue....like I do now :|