s&w 1911 User Guide
Owner’s Manual
1911 Series
Read the instructions and
warnings in this manual
CAREFULLY BEFORE using
this firearm.
2100 Roosevelt Avenue • Springfield, MA 01104
1-800-331-0852 • Fax: 413-747-3317
.smith-wesson.com
www
WARNING
READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS
AND WARNINGS CAREFULLY. BE
SURE YOU UNDERSTAND THESE
INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
BEFORE USING THIS FIREARM.
FAILURE TO READ THESE
INSTRUCTIONS AND TO FOLLOW
THESE WARNINGS MAY RESULT
IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH
TO YOU AND OTHERS
This SAFETY & INSTRUCTION
MANUAL should always
accompany this firearm and be
transferred with it upon change of
ownership or when presented to
another person. A copy of the
SAFETY & INSTRUCTION
MANUAL is available FREE
upon request from:
SMITH & WESSON
CUSTOMER SUPPORT CENTER
2100 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104
TEL.: 1-800-331-0852
E-mail: qa@smith-wesson.com
2
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6
SAFE STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8
NOMENCLATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
PREPARATION FOR FIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
AMMUNITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-13
MODEL NUMBER IDENTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
INSPECTION YOUR PISTOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
LOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16-17
LOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-18
FIRING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
DECOCKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19-20
CLEARING MISFIRES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
UNLOADING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
SIGHT ADJUSTMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-24
FIELD STRIPPING ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-25
MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26-27
SERVICE & SHIPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31
EXTENDED SERVICE POLICY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
WARNINGS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
WARRANTY CENTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .BACK COVER
YOUR SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITIES
SAFETY IS YOUR NUMBER ONE
RESPONSIBILITY!!!!
At home, in the field, at the range, or anywhere, the first concern of
every firearm owner should be safety. Apply the following safety
rules in every situation, with any kind of firearm. If you feel uncertain about an
Smith
operation.
Wesson at 1-800-331-0852 before proceeding with its
&
WARNING: YOU MUST FOLLOW ALL OF THESE
SAFETY RULES TO ENSURE THE SAFE USE OF
OUR FIREARM. THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
Y
ASIC FIREARM SAFETY R
B
UNINTENDED DISCHARGE WHICH COULD CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU
OR OTHERS.
ational aspects of y
y oper
our handgun, please contact
ULES MA
Y RESUL
T IN AN
3
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D.
•ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FIREARM POINTED IN A
SAFE DIRECTION. Never point a firearm at anyone
or anything you do not intend to shoot whether or not
it is loaded. This is particularly important when loading,
unloading, or fieldstripping the gun. ALWAYS control the
direction of the firearm.
•ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS
LOADED AND WILL FIRE IF THE TRIGGER IS
PULLED. Do not take anyone’s word that the firearm is
unloaded – always check for yourself. Never pass your
firearm to another person until the cylinder or action is open
and you visually check that it is unloaded. Keep your
firearm unloaded and safely stored when not in use.
• NEVER PLACE YOUR FINGER INSIDE THE
TRIGGER GUARD OR ON THE TRIGGER UNLESS
YOU INTEND TO FIRE. Ensure that other objects do
not touch the trigger.
WAYS BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT
• AL
• NEVER CROSS OBSTACLES SUCH AS FENCES
OND IT.
IS BEY
will strike and shoot only where there is a safe back
stop free of obstructions, water or other surfaces
which can cause ricochets. Do not fire into the sky.
OR STREAMS WITH A LOADED FIREARM.
Always be sure of where the bullet
• SAFE GUN HANDLING IS YOUR PERSONAL
RESPONSIBILITY at all times. Firearms are dangerous
and can cause serious injury or death if they are misused
or used inappropriately. Safety must be the prime
consideration of anyone who owns or handles firearms.
Accidents are the result of violating the rules of safe gun
handling and common sense. Firearm safety training is
available. Contact your dealer, law enforcement agency,
local sportsman’s club, etc. for availability.
•YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIREARM AT
ALL TIMES. In owning a firearm, you must under-
take full-time responsibility for your firearm’s safety
and security. You must protect yourself and all others
against injury or death from misuse of the firearm
24 hours a day.
• FIREARM SECURITY IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
You must secure firearms safely from children and/or
unauthorized users. Your firearm should always be
kept unloaded and locked when not in use. A lock has
been provided for this purpose. Never assume that the
use of this loc
firearm. You must always evaluate your personal
situation and employ the security system(s) that meets
your needs and prevents children and unauthorized
users from gaining access to your firearm.
k is sufficient to safely secure your
4
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D.
• APPROPRIATE USE FOR YOUR FIREARM MEANS
USING YOUR FIREARM FOR LEGAL PURPOSES.
For example - target shooting and lawful resistance of
deadly criminal force. It is your responsibility to ensure
that you are in compliance with all applicable laws and
ordinances regarding the use of your firearm.
• NEVER RELY ON MECHANICAL FEATURES ALONE.
Only your safe gun-handling habits will ensure the
safe use of your firearm. This is your responsibility.
•ALWAYS SAFELY STORE AND SECURE YOUR
FIREARM. Safe and secure storage of your firearm is
one of your most important responsibilities. It is a full-time
responsibility. You must always secure your firearm and
ammunition separately so that they are not accessible to
children and/or other unauthorized persons.
• NEVER KEEP AMMUNITION IN THE SAME LOCATION AS
THE HANDGUN. Store each in a separate and secure
place.
•ALWAYS WEAR EYE AND EAR PROTECTORS THAT
ARE SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE every time you
discharge your firearm. Make sure others in the vicinity
of where you will be shooting do so as well.
• NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR
WHILE SHOOTING. Do not use your firearm if you are
on any medication which impairs, even slightly, your
mental or physical ability.
•ALWAYS HAVE ADEQUATE VENTILATION.
Discharging firearms in poorly ventilated areas, cleaning
firearms, or handling ammunition may result in exposure to
lead and other substances known to cause birth defects,
reproductive harm, and other serious physical injury. Review
the warnings and labels for all ammunition and cleaning
products carefully. Wash hands thoroughly after exposure.
• BEFORE HANDLING ANY FIREARM, UNDERSTAND ITS
• NEVER ALLOW A FIREARM TO BE USED BY
•ALWAYS USE THE CORRECT AMMUNITION FOR
TION.
OPERA
yourself with the mechanical features of any firearm you
intend to use. If you feel uncertain about any operational
aspects of your handgun, please contact Smith & Wesson at
1-800-331-0852 before proceeding with its operation.
INDIVIDUALS WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND ITS SAFE
OPERATION OR HAVE NOT READ THESE FIREARM
SAFETY RULES.
YOUR PARTICULAR FIREARM as indicated by the
marking on the barrel. Never use non-standard,
reloaded, or “handloaded” ammunition which has not
been subjected to inter
Not all firearms are the same. Familiarize
nal ballistic pressure testing.
5
YOUR SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES CONT’D.
• BE SURE ALL ACCESSORIES, SUCH AS HOLSTERS
AND GRIPS, ARE COMPATIBLE with the handgun and that
the accessories do not interfere with safe operation.
• NEVER DISASSEMBLE YOUR HANDGUN beyond the field
stripping procedure outlined in this manual. Improper
disassembly or reassembly of your handgun may be
dangerous and can lead to serious injury or death.
• NEVER MANIPULATE, ADJUST OR CHANGE ANY
OF THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS OF YOUR
FIREARM including the firing pin, sear, or drawbar.
Improper manipulation of any internal component may
affect the safety and reliability of your firearm and may
cause serious injury or death.
• NEVER ALLOW ANY ALTERATION OR REPLACMENT OF PARTS IN YOUR SMITH & WESSON
FIREARM UNLESS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED
GUNSMITH using genuine Smith & Wesson parts. If
you do otherwise, improper functioning of your firearm
may occur and serious injury or death may result.
WARNING: SAFE USE OF A FIREARM IS YOUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THE FAILURE TO
MAY RESULT IN SEVERE PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO
YOU OR OTHERS. YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY
DEVICE WHEN IT COMES TO THE USE OF YOUR FIREARM
AND SMITH & WESSON WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR
ANY PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE
THAT RESULTS FROM: (1) THE CRIMINAL OR NEGLIGENT
USE OF THIS HANDGUN; (2) A DISREGARD OF THESE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS; (3) IMPROPER OR
CARELESS HANDLING OF THIS FIREARM; (4) THE USE OF
NON-STANDARD, DEFECTIVE, IMPROPER OR RELOADED
AMMUNITION; OR (5) IMPROPER OR NEGLIGENT MODIFICATIONS OR REPAIRS TO THE HANDGUN.
FOLLOW ALL OF THESE BASIC SAFETY RULES
6
SAFE STORAGE &
TRANSPORTATION
WARNING: FIREARMS ARE DANGEROUS AND WHEN
USED AND STORED IMPROPERLY THEY POSE A RISK
ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE
STORED IN AN IRRESPONSIBLE AND UNSAFE MANNER. FOR
YOUR SAFETY AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, IT IS IMPERATIVE
THAT YOU KEEP YOUR FIREARM LOCKED AND UNLOADED IN A
SECURE PLACE. THE AMMUNITION SHOULD BE STORED IN A
SEPARATE, SECURE LOCATION WHEN IT IS NOT IN USE. SAFE
AND SECURE STORAGE OF YOUR FIREARM IS ONE OF THE
MOST IMPORTANT RULES OF FIREARM SAFETY. YOUR FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS
INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.
• ALWAYS SECURE YOUR FIREARM IN A MANNER
•
OF SERIOUS OR FATAL INJURIES. FIREARMS CAN BE
THAT WILL PREVENT UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS.
Whenever your firearm is not in use, keep it unloaded
and locked. Your safety and the safety of others requires
that you always secure and store your firearm in a
manner that will prevent unauthorized access. Never
leave a firearm unattended unless it is locked, unloaded
and secured.
ALWAYS USE THE LOCK PROVIDED BY SMITH &
WESSON TO SECURE YOUR FIREARM. Please read
and follow the instructions packaged separately for the use
of this lock. A lock, when properly used, can be an
effective tool in preventing unauthorized access to your
firearm. There are other alternative locks and safe storage
containers available in the marketplace which may also be
appropriate for your particular needs. Consult your local
gunshop, hardware store, or local police department for
guidance on the variety of other safe storage devices or
practices which may be appropriate for your particular
needs. By purchasing this firearm you have accepted the
responsibility of safely securing the firearm at all times and
preventing its unauthorized use. Never assume that the
use of this lock alone is sufficient to safely secure your
firearm. It is your personal responsibility to select and use
whatever measures or practices that will enable you to be
absolutely certain that your firearm is secure at all times.
WARNING: NEVER LOCK A LOADED FIREARM AND
NEVER LOAD A LOCKED FIREARM!!
• ALWAYS STORE YOUR FIREARM AND AMMUNITION
SEPARATELY so that they are not accessible to children
or other unauthorized persons. Safe and secure storage
of your firearm and ammunition are your responsibility. It
is a full-time responsibility
.
7
SAFE STORAGE & TRANSPORTATION CONT’D.
• NEVER ASSUME THAT A “HIDING” PLACE IS A SECURE
STORAGE METHOD. Others may be aware of your storage
location or come upon it by chance. It is your personal responsibility to use common sense when storing your firearm and
ammunition and to always make sure they are not accessible to
children or other unauthorized persons.
NEVER TRANSPORT A LOADED FIREARM.
•
When transporting your firearm, be sure it is unloaded and
locked. Safe and secure transportation of your firearm is
your responsibility.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE LAW! Many jurisdictions have
•
laws that make it a crime to keep a firearm unlocked and
in an area accessible to children or others. Keeping a
firearm locked and unloaded when not in use is not only
common sense safety practice... IT IS THE LAW. You
must be familiar with all local, state, and federal laws
regarding the safe storage and transportation of your
firearm. Failure to know and follow the law may result in
unauthorized access or use of your firearm by another.
Obey all laws relating to the storage and transportation of
firearms. Your local police department or gunshop can
furnish you with available information on storing and/or
transporting a firearm safely and legally.
OUR FIREARM IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.
Y
•
You must prevent your firearm from being stolen or from
being used by untrained or unqualified individuals. Keep it
locked, unloaded and secured when not in use.
8
NOMENCLATURE
Smith & Wesson handguns are reliable and safe to use when the
firearm safety rules are followed. There are a number of internal
safety mechanisms within the lockwork of the handgun which
ensure that the firearm will not discharge unless the trigger of the
handgun is pulled. That is one reason why it is important to
never modify or alter your firearm. Before you use your handgun,
you should be fully familiar with its operation.
Here is a list of basic firearms terminology.
AMMUNITION - CENTERFIRE - Ammunition which contains the
primer in the center of the base of the case. Among the most
common centerfire handgun cartridges are the .32, .38 Special,
.380, 9mm, .357 Magnum®, .40 S&W®, .45 ACP and the .44
Magnum®.
AMMUNITION - RIMFIRE - Ammunition which contains the
primer material in the rim. Among the most common rimfire
handgun cartridges are the .22 Short, .22 Long, .22 LR, and
.22 Magnum.
CALIBER - The diameter of a bullet, designated in hundredths or
thousandths of an inch (.357) or in millimeters (9mm).
DECOCK - The process by which the hammer or striker is safely
lowered.
DOUBLE A
ger draws the hammer or striker to the rear then releases it, firing
the handgun.
DOUBLE ACTION ONLY - A firearm that can only be fired in
double action (cannot be fired in single action).
PISTOL - A handgun that contains multiple cartridges in a magazine.
REVOLVER - A handgun that contains multiple cartridges in a
cylinder that revolves at the rear of the barrel.
SINGLE ACTION - A firing action where the hammer or striker is
released from the cocked position by pulling the trigger.
TRADITIONAL DOUBLE ACTION - A firearm that can be fired
either in double action or single action.
The operation of your handgun will be explained in greater detail
in the pages that follow, as well as a greater description of key
component parts.
CTION
- A firing action where a single pull of the trig-
9
PREPARATION FOR
FIRING
WARNING:THE FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
FIREARM SAFETY REQUIREMENTS WILL CAUSE
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU
OR OTHERS.
WAYS TREAT ALL HANDGUNS AS IF THEY WERE
• AL
LOADED.
• ALWAYS BE SURE THAT ALL CYLINDERS AND
ACTIONS OF FIREARMS ARE OPEN; THAT CHAMBERS
ARE CLEAR OF CARTRIDGES; MAGAZINES ARE
REMOVED; AND THAT FIREARMS ARE POINTING IN A
SAFE DIRECTION.
• ALWAYS KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER PARTS OF YOUR
BODY AWAY FROM THE MUZZLE, AWAY FROM THE
GAP BETWEEN
DER, AND AWAY FROM THE PISTOL SLIDE AND
EJECTION PORT.
• ALWAYS WEAR ADEQUATE AND PROPER EAR PRO-
TECTION SPECIFIED FOR FIREARM USE to prevent
permanent damage to your hearing. Make sure others who
are nearby are wearing ear protection as well.
WAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES SPECIFIED FOR
• AL
FIREARM USE, whether indoors or out. Safety glasses
should protect your eyes from the firing flash and particles
associated with the discharge of ammunition. Failure to do
so creates a risk of personal injury from particle or debris
spitting or ricochets.
THE REVOLVER BARREL AND CYLIN-
WAYS BE ALERT AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE
• AL
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS OF THE RANGE OFFICER.
Never shoot if you are tired, cold or impaired in any way.
• ALWAYS BE AWARE OF OTHER PEOPLE so that persons
cannot accidentally walk into the line of fire.
• THE SHOOTER (AND ALL OTHERS IN THE SHOOTING
AREA) MUST ALWAYS BE IN A POSITION THAT IS OUT
THE LINE OF FIRE
OF
they may be struck by ricochets, particles spitting from a
revolver, or by ejected cases from other types of
firearms.
NEVER SHOO
•
INTO THE SKY. Alw
safe backstop and is free from obstructions and water
surfaces which cause ricochets.
• NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR DRUGS BEFORE OR
WHILE SHOOTING.
10
T AT HARD SURFACES, WATER OR UP
and are not within an area where
ays select a place to shoot that has a
AMMUNITION
GENERAL PRINCIPLES
• A firearm and ammunition are a system and must work
together. Their performance is closely related. There are
different types of ammunition for different types of firearms.
Your firearm has been designed for ammunition of a
specific type and a specific caliber. It is important to select
the proper ammunition for your firearm.
Different combinations of bullet velocity, bullet weight and firearm
weight can have major impact on felt recoil.
For example:
• Gun Weight: lower gun weight increases felt recoil.
• Bullet Weight: higher bullet weight increases felt recoil.
• Bullet Velocity: higher bullet velocity increases felt recoil.
To acclimate yourself to higher levels of felt recoil, consider the
following:
• Use a firm two-hand hold on the grip when firing.
• Always start your shooting experience with the lowest bullet
velocity and lowest bullet weight available for your firearm.
Some examples are as follows:
- Use .38 S&W Special in place of .357 Magnum
- Use .44 Special in place of .44 Magnum®loads.
- Use “mid-range” or “target” loads rather than loads
designated “high power”.
®
loads.
• Ask your firearm dealer to suggest the lowest power,
lowest velocity, lightest bullet weight for your firearm.
• You can also consider changing your firearm’s grip
configuration/composition to better fit your hand’s
specific size and shape.
WARNING: NEVER USE AMMUNITION NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNATED FOR USE IN YOUR FIREARM.
FAILURE TO USE THE CORRECT TYPE OR CALIBER
JAM, FAIL TO FIRE OR EVEN GENERATE EXCESSIVE PRESSURE WHICH CAN DAMAGE OR EVEN RUPTURE YOUR
FIREARM, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
OF AMMUNITION MAY CAUSE THE FIREARM TO
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