1911 handbook... whats a good one?

[Animal]

Since I'm new to the 1911, I could probably blow up any one of the forums on this site asking questions about the weapon. I'd like to know what handbooks are considered to be the best?

I'd like something that can give troubleshooting flow charts, complete tear down and reassembly, cool historical facts, detailed pictures, discussion of upgrades and their 'pros/cons', why some magazines work better than others with various types of ammo and so on.

If it makes any difference, mine is a 70 series RIA bare bones mil-spec .45acp. Also, if there are any theraputic practices to cure an abnormally itchy trigger finger caused by going more than a day without shooting... that would be a bonus. :-D

[Silver Jack Hammer]

"The Model 1911 and Model 1911A1 Military and Commercial Pistols" Book by Joe Poyer. Available through Midway USA for about $28.00. This is the one.

[Silver Jack Hammer]

The only cure for itchy finger is practicing therapeutic dispensing of lead 200 - 230 gr with the appropriate dollop of powder and repeat as needed.

[Dale53]

I have been using 1911's for over half a century. Unfortunately, when I started, there was a scarcity of books on the subject. On the plus side, I had some old timers (one, a horse cavalryman) that used them in the service and were more than willing to share. My own service experience was pretty light on good training with the 1911 (I knew considerably more than my trainers:roll:).

My IPSC years (late Seventies and early eighties) I was again fortunate to get to know many knowledgeable gentlemen and competed side by side with them. I was priviledged to meet several first class pistol smiths who were also willing to share. The upshot is I don't have concrete book recommendations for the original poster. However, I did google Amazon -

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=book%20on%20the%201911%20.45%20auto

Here are some more worthy of checking out:

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Gun+Digest+book+on+the+1911+.45+auto&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3AGun+Digest+book+on+the+1911+.45+a uto

I live in SW Ohio and am further privileged to know a fine pistol smith - Jack Basham, who can certainly solve 1911 problems (everything from minor to major) and is quite reasonable in cost. Jack is a really nice guy, too. If you live close, he can answer those questions...

FWIW
Dale53

[bhn22]

The Kuhnhausen books are your best starting points.

[2shot]

The Kuhnhausen books are your best starting points.

What he said.

If your going to work on your 1911 the Kuhnhausen book is THEE BIBLE for getting it done right.

[seagiant]

What he said.

If your going to work on your 1911 the Kuhnhausen book is THEE BIBLE for getting it done right.

Hi,
++++1

[PbHurler]

As stated many times above,

These are great books

9108591086

[Jupiter7]

I think that's a +4 for the Kuhnhausen manuals.

[wcp4570]

You can view both manuals listed in post #8 on Scribd.com, here are the links:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/131746427/The-Colt-45-Automatic-A-Shop-Manual-Vol-1-by-Kuhnhausen
and the link for vol 2
http://www.scribd.com/doc/44617734/The-US-M1911-M1911A1-Pistols-A-Shop-Manual-Vol-2-by-Kuhnhausen

You can download them if you create an account on scribd. You may have to upload a pdf document before the site will allow you to download the manuals. Normally any pdf document will do even one you may have created or downloaded from some other place. Scribd has some interesting documents on it, use the search function. Enjoy.

wcp

[Animal]

This might sound like a dumb question, but will there be any difference between my Rock Island and the 'Colt .45 Automatic' as far as anything technical?

[ultramag]

This might sound like a dumb question, but will there be any difference between my Rock Island and the 'Colt .45 Automatic' as far as anything technical?

Little to nothing really, depending on which RIA 1911 model you have. Any differences would be for example yours may have an ambi safety vs. standard issue. All the RIA's I've played with are pretty standard issue Series 70 type guns.

[gray wolf]

The Kuhnhausen books are your best starting points.
1911 pattern pistol and a 1911-A1 series 70 series 80 The books should get err done for you.

[bobthenailer]

i have Hollicks , Wilsons, Kuhnhausen's and Lane Simpsons book on the 1911 all excellent ! if you only want to know a how to repair & modify 1911s Kuhnhausen,s is the best .

[35remington]

Kuhnhausen's book is a good one, but not enough explanation for the reason for JMB's original tapered lip magazine design is given, and magazine follower types are discussed that are not particularly reliable for standard or heavier loads.

Other than that, a very good book.