How To Clean A 1911 Magazine

So, there I was, at my grandpa's attic, sifting through decades of memories. I stumbled upon his old 1911, tucked away in a corner, gathering dust. It was like finding a time capsule. I remembered his words, "Son, always take care of your tools." I thought, "Well, Grandpa, let's start with cleaning this beauty." And that's how I found myself, a city slicker, learning how to clean a 1911 magazine.

Now, before we dive in, let me say, I'm no gunsmith. I'm just a guy who loves a good story and respects the past. But I figured, if I can do this, so can you. So, grab your 1911 magazine, let's roll up our sleeves, and give it the cleaning it deserves.

First Things First: Disassembly

Alright, listen up. Safety first, right? Make sure your magazine is unloaded. I mean, you don't want any surprises. Then, find a clean, well-lit workspace. I used my kitchen table. My wife wasn't thrilled, but she understands my... hobbies.

Now, let's get this baby disassembled. The 1911 is a classic for a reason. It's simple. You just need to push out the follower, remove the spring, and voila! You're looking at a disassembled magazine. Easy peasy, right?

Time for a Bath

Now that we've got our magazine in pieces, it's time for a bath. I'm talking about a warm, soapy bath. Not too hot, we don't want to warp the metal. I used some mild dish soap and warm water. You can use a soft brush to scrub, but be gentle. We're not trying to scrub off the patina of history here.

Once you've given it a good scrub, rinse it off. I used a soft cloth to wipe away any excess water. Then, let it air dry. I left mine on a towel in the sun. It's like a little beach vacation for your magazine.

Lubrication Station

Alright, now that our magazine is clean and dry, it's time for some lubrication. I know, I know, it sounds like a bad pick-up line. But trust me, your magazine will thank you.

Free Video: Rock Island 1911 - Cleaning, Disassembly and Reassembly

I used some good old-fashioned gun oil. A little goes a long way. Just a few drops on the spring and follower should do the trick. Then, wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. We don't want it swimming in oil.

Reassembly: The Easy Part

Now comes the easy part. Reassembly. Just reverse the disassembly process. Put the spring back in, then the follower. Push it all the way in. And there you have it. A clean, lubricated 1911 magazine.

And that, my friends, is how you clean a 1911 magazine. It's not rocket science, but it's a labor of love. It's about respecting the past and preserving it for the future. So, the next time you're at the range, you can shoot with confidence, knowing your magazine is in tip-top shape.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some more of Grandpa's attic to explore. Who knows what stories I'll find next? Until then, happy cleaning!