Field Stripping my 1911

[Garb]

So I finally did a complete field strip of my Springfield Armory 1911, but I have one issue. I can't get the mainspring completely depressed and the cap all the way in. It looks like it requires some kind of tool, but it looks like it might just be a standard allen wrench. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[K9stang]

I usually try to find a you tube video to help with things like that. I haven't done it so I'm really not much help.

 

[JetGirl]

I use YouTube for lots of helpful info, too.
See if this helps you out at all...

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn6r2jgaWsA]YouTube - 1911 mainspring housing & magwell installation[/ame]

 

[Jtgarner]

I use YouTube for lots of helpful info, too.
See if this helps you out at all...

Wow I was going to recommend that same video, I watched it last night and thought it was great.

 

[JetGirl]

Wow I was going to recommend that same video, I watched it last night and thought it was great.

God bless YouTube. Yeah, I've got a folder full of links to videos like that...the pertinent part of this one for the OP should start somewhere around the 10 minute mark - give or take a few seconds.

 

[Garb]

Thanks for the video JetGirl. I did figure out that my 1911 is missing the mainspring cap pin, so the mainspring cap flew out of the housing as soon as I took it off. The video I was watching didn't show anything about disassembling the mainspring housing, so until I started putting it back together and had an extra part, I didn't realize what was going on.

 

[JetGirl]

Glad you figured it out. Brownell's and Midway both have that part for a few bucks if you can't find it locally anywhere.
You might be able to find yours with a good magnet...

 

[NHT3]

I've got the pin you need but you're a little far away. I usually keep most of that stuff around, just in case.