I need a good 1911 book
 

I'm looking for a good, basic book so I can better understand the parts and operation of the 1911 in its various configurations (70's, 80's, etc.). I know there is some expensive book that folks refer to as the bible but I'd rather start with something more basic ... but useful and informative.

I'd like one that will walk me through complete breakdown, maintenance & cleaning and explain things like extractor adjustments and basic parts replacements and dehorning, stuff I should know that need not require a trip to the gunsmith. I've heard stories of folks doing 'hack jobs' at their kitchen table and I don't want to be that guy :D

Some historical info is fine and even welcomed but I don't need to know the whole backstory of the gun, nor do I need to know all the makers and models and production runs. (Does that make sense?) I'm not looking to become a gunsmith so some uber-technical manual teaching me how to completely rebuild/restore one isn't what I seek and would be wasted on me at this stage. A book with clear and comprehensive illustrations is a must.

I've attached a link to the 1911 section from Amazon as 'my' starting point but I'm sure some of y'all can give some suggestions that may or may not be listed.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...k%3A1911+books

Thank you kindly!

Interested in this as well.

Here you go,

http://i1032.photobucket.com/albums/...utz/001-28.jpg

^^^^^this!!!

What they said.:D

Kuhnhausen for the win!

OK, so that's unanimous, thank you! Which one of the two should I start with?

Those, and Bill Wilson wrote some good ones too

You must first learn to read, grasshopper.

How about a basic tool kit...
 

Is something like this worth buying for the basics or unnecessary? FWIW, I don't have too much in the way of small screwdrivers and I have no punches.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...ade%20in%20USA

I can't be *entirely* certain, but the screwdrivers in the photo appear to be cabinet tipped rather than proper hollow ground tips which should be used for smith work. I'm surprised that Brownells would do that. Do yourself a favor and get the right kind of screwdriver to work on your firearms.

Randall

Thank you, I'm glad I asked. To the point of getting the right tools, how do I determine what's, what? Any brands you recommend as good to go?

It has pictures don't it? I'm all good then.

Just ordered JK's Volume One! Thanks again for the book recommendation.

Snap-on. If your mechanically inclined the internals are very basic, robust and easy to understand. I'd rather rebuild 1911's all day if I could. :D

I agree...snap on and craftsman are what I use for home tools...HOWEVER get a screwdrivers for gunsmithing, there is a differnce between common screw drivers and gunsmithing ones...you may not know the differnce but they make a difference when using them!!!

Of this I have no doubt and I thought that's what I was asking about when seeking best brands to buy :D

any recommendations for GUNSMITHING tools?

You can get nice sets from brownells, just dont buy the cheap priced ones.

Yup. Hollow ground gunsmith screwdrivers...brass punches. Brownells or Midway

Would one of you be kind enough to provide me with a link for a good basic set?

The one I posted earlier in this thread was rejected in the $100 price range. Clearly I don't know how much I should be spending or what to spend it on - thanks!

PS, I have no designs of opening a shop so I don't need the best, just a solid basic set.

This looks like a decent set of "Hollow Ground" Screwdrivers. That makes all the difference, hollow ground fits the screws best.
http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-to...Filters_1=Made in USA

Thanks, it's in my cart now!

I am sure they'll serve you well. Glad to assist my Friend.

I just ordered this
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=4...TIP-Add-On-Pak

and this just to have.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=5...crewdriver-Set

While I can't tell for sure it seems one was designed with room for the other!

Apparantly so.

Get both it will help you out Alot.


Clyde

If I may, I would suggest you go online and download/print a copy of FM 25-35. This is the Army Field Manual for the 1911/1911A1. The download is free and it's everything you want as far as parts, theory of operation, etc.

I've been working and messing with 1911s for over thirty years and still have a copy on my Bench.

Thanks Dave!

This is a GREAT thread for a newbie - to 1911's in general and to this forum in particular - like me.

This one thread is worth the price of admission!

1911's can be disassembled without additional tools if you know how. Tools make it easier.

This Gentleman is a COTEP Member and I have both editions autographed,


http://www.amazon.com/M1911-Complete...rds=1911+books


Clyde