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: [phone]

.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.: [phone]

E-mail: [e-mail]

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

11

AMMUNITION CONT’D.

• You are responsible for selecting ammunition that meets
industry standards and is appropriate in type and caliber for
this firearm.

• Locate the caliber designation
marked on the handgun. This
information indicates the ammunition
caliber that should be used in this
firearm. (See figure #1).

HANDLOADED OR RELOADED AMMUNITION

WARNING: NEVER USE NON-STANDARD, RELOADED

OR “HANDLOADED” AMMUNITION WHICH HAS NOT
BEEN SUBJECTED TO INTERNAL BALLISTIC PRESSURE
TESTING. RELOADED OR HANDLOADED AMMUNITION,
MAY HAVE MANY MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY VARI­ABLES (SUCH AS THE TYPE AND AMOUNT OF GUN POW­DER). ANY AMMUNITION THAT IS IMPROPERLY MANUFAC­TURED, EVEN IN THE SLIGHTEST DEGREE, MAY FAIL TO
FIRE OR MAY GENERATE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRES­SURES WHICH CAN DAMAGE OR EVEN RUPTURE THE
FIREARM, CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH TO THE
SHOOTER OR THOSE IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY.

Use only commercially manufactured ammunition with

•

internal ballistic pressures which are in strict accordance
with the specifications of the Sporting Arms and
Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI). If you are
uncertain, contact your ammunition supplier for verification.

FIGURE 1

AMMUNITION SPECIFICS

• Use only ammunition specifically recommended by

Smith & Wesson for your firearm.

• Never mix ammunition.

• Never use a cartridge not specifically designated for use in

your firearm. Pressure from the wrong type of ammunition
may exceed the capability of your firearm and may damage
or even rupture your firearm.

• Whenever rimless pistol cartridges are used in the cylinder

of a Smith & Wesson revolver, (except M547) full or
half-moon clips MUST be used to both position and
extract such cartridges. Failure to use ammunition clips

imless cartridges may result in malfunction of the

r

with
revolver.

12

AMMUNITION CONT’D.

• Additional ammunition calibers can be fired from the
following list of select calibers.

Caliber on Barrel
.45 Colt .45 Schofield, .45 S&W,
.45 S&W .45 Schofield
.45 ACP .45 Auto Rim (in revolvers only)
.44 Magnum .44 Special
.357 Magnum .38 Special, .38 Special +P
.22LR .22L, .22 Short, .22CB, .22BB

• In some cases, a round of ammunition not specified on your
handgun may fit into the chamber or cylinder. Firing
ammunition not specified on your handgun may cause it to
rupture and cause serious injury or death to you or others.

• Always inspect your ammunition before using it. Never use
dirty, corroded or damaged ammunition which can lead to a
burst cartridge which may cause damage to the handgun
and personal injury or death.

• “Plus-P” (+P) ammunition generates pressures in excess of
the pressures associated with standard ammunition. Such
pressures may affect the wear characteristics or exceed the
margin of safety built into some revolvers and could
therefore be DANGEROUS. This ammunition should not be
used in Smith & Wesson medium (K frame) revolvers
manufactured prior to 1958. Such pre-1958 medium
(K-frame) revolvers can be identified by the absence of a
model number stamped inside the yoke cut of the frame.
(i.e., the area of the frame exposed when the cylinder is in
the open position.

• “Plus-P-Plus (+P+) ammunition is not recommended for use
in Smith & Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammuni­tion designates that it exceeds established industry
standards, but the designation does not represent defined
pressure limits and therefore such ammunition may vary
significantly as to the pressures generated.

• In the Model 940 revolver, some brands of 9mm parabellum
ammunition may cause difficulty in extracting spent
cartridge cases from the cylinder. If this situation occurs,
thoroughly clean the cylinder charge holes with solvent. If
this condition persists, we recommend changing to another
brand of 9mm parabellum ammunition.

• Smith & Wesson has found wide variations in primer
sensitivity between some brands and types of .22LR
ammunition. Smith & Wesson recommends that before you
put your .22LR handgun into regular use, that you fire

v

se
deter
different types of brands of .22LR ammunition until a
reliable loading is found.

es of your brand of ammunition through it to

x

al bo

er

mine reliability of ignition.

Can also Fire

(in revolvers only)

ailure to fire” occurs, try

“f

If

13

MODEL NUMBER
IDENTIFICATION

The serial number and the model number appear here on your
pistol.

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3a

Rear Sight

FIGURE 3c

Front Sight

Frame

rigger Guard

T

Slide

Stop Pin

Slide Stop
Notch

Slide

Trigger

Ejection

Port

Take Down

Notch

Slide Stop

FIGURE 3b

Front Sight

Barrel

Barrel
Bushing

Recoil
Spring
Guide Rod

Recoil Spring
Retainer

Safety Lever

Hammer

Grip
Safety

Grip

14

Magazine

Release

Magazine

INSPECTING YOUR

PISTOL

When you inspect your pistol, you should first check for yourself
to ensure that it is unloaded. To do this, grasp the pistol with
your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard. Point
the muzzle in a safe direction and depress the magazine release
and remove the magazine (Figure 5). Depress the safety lever
into the fully down “fire” position (Figure 6).

SAFE POSITION

FIGURE 4

With the muzzle still pointing in
a safe direction, grasp the
serrated sides of the slide from
the rear with the thumb and
fingers as shown in Figure 7,
and briskly draw the slide fully
rearward in order to extract any
cartridge from the barrel
chamber and clear it from the
pistol. Do not obstruct the
ejection port because doing so
can interfere with ejection of a
cartridge and thereby creates
the risk of exploding an
unchambered cartridge and
causing possible injury or death.
Lock the slide in the open
position by allowing the slide to
move slightly forward from the
rearmost position while pressing
the slide stop upward. You must
verify the barrel chamber and
bore are free of any live rounds
or obstructions. You must follow
this procedure every time your
firearm is inspected, cleaned,
handed to another person, transported or stored. Unload the
magazine by holding it with the bullet end of the cartridge point­ing away from you and pressing each cartridge forward and out
of the magazine. Pick up and secure all live rounds.

ize yourself with the safety lever on your pistol. When the

amiliar

F
safety lever is fully down as shown in figure 6 (notice NO
engagement betw
Notch), it is in the "fire" position;
as shown in Figure 4 (notice FULL engagement between safety

er and Saf

v

le
It can only be placed in the “safe” position when the hammer is
fully cocked (Figure 4).

SAFETY
ENGAGEMENT
NOTCH

FIGURE 5

FIRE

POSITION

FIGURE 6

DO NOT BLOCK EJECTION PORT!!!

een saf

ety lever and Safety Engagement

when the safety lever is fully up,

ety Engagement Notch), it is in the "saf

SAFETY
ENGAGEMENT
NOTCH

FIGURE 7

e" position.

15

INSPECTING YOUR PISTOL CONT’D.

When it is in the “safe” position, the slide is also locked in place
and cannot be moved rearward. Notice how the safety lever
looks and feels in each of the two positions of its extreme travel

- fully up for "safe" and fully down for "fire".

WARNING: IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT WITH THE
HAMMER IN THE AT REST (FULLY FORWARD) POSI­TION, THAT THE SAFETY LEVER CAN BE PRESSED
UP SLIGHTLY. NEVER CONFUSE THIS WITH THE
FULLY UP “SAFE” POSITION AS THE SAFETY HAS
NOT BEEN ENGAGED.

There are three hammer positions on your 1911 Series pistol:
AT REST(fully forward), FULLY COCKED(fully rearward), and
HALF COCK position.

AT REST(FULLY FORWARD) position is when the face of the
hammer is resting on the firing pin.

FULLY COCKED (FULLY REARWARD) is when the hammer is
pulled to the second click point. This is the fire position.

HALF-COCKED POSITION of the hammer functions as an
automatic safety position. It will prevent the hammer from falling
fully forward unintentionally. Never attempt to fire the pistol from
the half-cocked position. To remove the hammer from the half­cocked position, keep your finger off the trigger and out of the
trigger guard, then draw the hammer to the fully-cocked position.
From this position, the pistol may be fired or decocked. The
half-cocked position is not a manual safety. The hammer should
never be left in this position. Never carry the pistol in the half­cocked position.

WARNING:TO PLACE THE SAFETY IN THE FULLY UP
“SAFE” POSITION,THE SLIDE MUST BE FORWARD
AND THE HAMMER MUST BE IN THE FULLY COCKED

POSITION. ATTEMPTING TO PLACE THE SAFETY IN
THE UP POSITION WHILE THE HAMMER IS NOT FULLY
COCKED WILL ALLOW ONLY PARTIAL MOVEMENT OF THE
LEVER AND WILL NOT ENGAGE THE SAFETY. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THIS WARNING MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY
OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

LOADED CHAMBER

INDICAT O R

WARNING: NEVER RELY UPON THE LOADED

16

CHAMBER INDICATOR ALONE TO VERIFY THE
PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A R
CHAMBER. THE SUREST METHOD TO DETERMINE
THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF A ROUND IN THE
CHAMBER IS
OF YOUR FIREARM BY PULLING AND LOCKING THE
SLIDE TO THE REAR.

VISU

O

T

Y CHECK THE CHAMBER

ALL

OUND IN

THE

LOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR CONT’D.

Smith & Wesson 1911 Series pistols
come with a loaded chamber indica­tor. This indicator can be observed at
the top of the slide/ejection port
by observing an opening at the rear
of the barrel hood (Figure 8). By
looking into this opening, you can
observe whether or not a round is in the firearm’s chamber. If a
round is in the chamber, you should see the actual brass or sil­ver colored rim through this opening. Never rely on the loaded
chamber indicator alone to verify the presence or absence of a
round in the chamber. The proper method to verify the presence
of a round in the chamber is to follow the directions in the
“Inspecting Your Pistol” section of this manual.

WARNING: ALWAYS TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF
IT WERE LOADED AND WILL FIRE IF THE TRIGGER IS
PULLED. A LOADED CHAMBER INDICATOR MAY HELP

DETERMINE WHETHER THE CHAMBER IS LOADED OR
UNLOADED. THE AMOUNT OF LIGHT, CLEANLINESS OF THE
PISTOL, DISCOLORATION OF THE AMMUNITION AND OTHER
FACTORS MAY LIMIT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LOADED
CHAMBER INDICATOR.

FIGURE 8

LOADING

WARNING: SMITH & WESSON 1911 SERIES PISTOLS
WILL FIRE WITH THE MAGAZINE REMOVED. KEEP
YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUTSIDE OF
THE TRIGGER GUARD UNTIL YOU HAVE MADE THE
COMMITMENT TO FIRE.

• Do not load the pistol until you are ready to fire. Keep your

finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you
are ready to fire.

• Only use Smith & Wesson magazines specifically

manufactured for your particular model of pistol. Do not
interchange magazines from one model pistol into another
model pistol.

• Smith & Wesson has provided you with a magazine

designed to operate in your specific model of pistol. While
your magazine may be able to be inserted into another
model pistol, it will only function properly in the specific
model for which it was designed.

• Follow instructions in this manual and any other specific

instructions which may be marked onto, or accompany, a
magazine. Failure to use the particular type of Smith &

esson magazine specified for your model and caliber of

W
pistol may result in a malfunction.
Load the magazine by pressing a cartridge head (rear of

•

idge) downward on the forward portion of the magazine

tr

car

er (or downward on the case of the previously loaded

w

ollo

f
cartridge) and sliding the cartridge fully under the lips of the
magazine until the cartridge head is against the rear wall of
the magazine. (Figure 9) Repeat the procedure for the

umber of car

n
capacity. Do not attempt to load your magazine with more
than the specified number of cartridges because doing
so can cause a feeding failure.

idges you wish to load, up to the magazine

tr

17

LOADING CONT’D.

• Hold the pistol in one hand with the muzzle pointing in a safe
direction and with your finger off the trigger and outside the
trigger guard. Insert the loaded magazine into the magazine
well of the pistol until it is locked in place.

WARNING: DO NOT USE EXCESSIVE UPWARD FORCE
WHEN INSERTING A LOADED MAGAZINE INTO THE
PISTOL. EXCESSIVE UPWARD FORCE COULD CAUSE
THE SLIDE TO MOVE FORWARD, CHAMBERING A
ROUND AND MAKING THE PISTOL READY TO FIRE.

FIGURE 9

• To make sure that the magazine is fully and securely
inserted, apply some removal pressure to the exposed
portion of the magazine butt plate.

WARNING: UPON RELEASING THE SLIDE FROM THE
SLIDE STOP, THE SLIDE MOVES FORWARD WITH
SIGNIFICANT FORCE AND SPEED. TO AVOID
INJURY BE SURE NO PART OF YOUR BODY IS IN
THE PATH OF THE SLIDE’S TRAVEL.

• With the muzzle still pointing in a safe direction, grasp the
serrated sides of the slide from the rear with the thumb and
fingers as shown in figure 10, and briskly draw the slide fully
rearward and release it. This strips a cartridge from the
magazine and seats it in the chamber of the barrel and at the
same time, fully cocks the hammer.

WARNING: THE PISTOL WILL FIRE IF THE TRIGGER
IS PULLED!

• With the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and your finger
outside the trigger guard, place the safety lever in the fully up
“safe” position (Figure 11).

FIGURE 10

SAFE
POSITION

FIGURE 11

18

FIRING

WARNING: NEVER ATTEMPT TO CARRY YOUR
PISTOL WITH THE HAMMER DOWN ON A LIVE
CARTRIDGE. THIS WOULD REQUIRE YOU TO
DECOCK THE PISTOL WITH A LIVE ROUND IN THE
CHAMBER. DECOCKING THE HAMMER OVER A
LIVE ROUND SHOULD NEVER BE ATTEMPTED. TO
DO SO COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY OR

• With the pistol pointed in a safe direction and your finger

• To ensure proper firing control and to fully depress the grip

• Squeeze the trigger fully to the rear. This releases the

• The slide then returns forward feeding the next car tridge

DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

off the trigger and outside the trigger guard, depress the
safety lever fully down into the "fire" position. Check to make
sure that the hammer is fully cocked. If it is not, cock it by
drawing it fully back with the thumb of the shooting hand.

safety, the pistol should now be gripped firmly with the
shooting hand.

hammer and fires the gun. Upon firing, the slide moves
rearward thereby extracting and ejecting the spent
cartridge case and returns the hammer to the fully cocked
position.

from the magazine into the barrel chamber and the hammer
has been recocked. This sequence can be repeated until
the last round has been fired at which time the magazine
follower exerts upward pressure on the slide stop causing it
hold the slide in the "open" position.

WARNING: UPON FIRING THE PISTOL, THE SLIDE
MOVES REARWARD OR FORWARD WITH SIGNIFI­CANT FORCE AND SPEED. TO AVOID INJURY BE
SURE NO PART OF YOUR BODY IS IN THE PATH OF
THE SLIDE’S TRAVEL.

DECOCKING

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP THE PISTOL POINTED
IN A SAFE DIRECTION.

WARNING: YOU MUST BE CERTAIN THAT THE
CHAMBER IS UNLOADED. FAILURE TO VERIFY
THE CHAMBER IS UNLOADED COULD RESULT
IN THE PISTOL ACCIDENTALLY FIRING IF THE
HAMMER SLIPS DURING DECOCKING.

If you decide not to fire and your handgun is in the fully cocked
position, you must follow these instructions to safely decock the
handgun.

our finger from the trigger and the trigger guard.

e y

v

Remo

•
(Figure 12).

19

DECOCKING CONT’D.

• Place the safety lever in the fully up “safe” position.

• Remove the magazine from the firearm.

• Place the safety lever in the fully down “fire” position.

• Draw the slide back and eject any chambered round. You
must verify the barrel chamber is free of any live rounds or
obstructions (Figure 13). Release the slide allowing it to
move fully forward.

• Place your finger on the trigger and place the thumb of
your opposite hand on the hammer. (Figure 14)

• Pull the trigger to the rear and hold it while lowering the
hammer to the forward position with your thumb and then
release the trigger. (Figure 15)

FIGURE 12 FIGURE 13

DO NOT BLOCK EJECTION PORT!!!

FIGURE 14 FIGURE 15

CLEARING MISFIRES

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PISTOL POINTED
IN A SAFE DIRECTION. ALWAYS KEEP YOUR
FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUTSIDE THE
TRIGGER GUARD.

• If during firing, a cartridge fails to fire, the chamber must be

manually cleared. Always keep the handgun pointed in a safe
direction. Wait ten seconds. Keep your finger off the trigger
and out of the trigger guard. Release the magazine and
remove it from the pistol. Grasp the serrated sides of the slide

wn in figure 13 and br

as sho
to eject the misfired round. Do not obstruct the ejection port,
and do not attempt to catch the round b
over the ejection port (Figure 13). Lock the slide back by
applying upward pressure on the slide stop and visually

k to make sure the chamber is empty. Remember that

chec
an
cartridges is in the pistol, you will have reloaded the
chamber. Pick up and secure all live rounds.

ou release the slide while a magazine containing

y time y

20

iskly pull the slide fully rearward

y placing y

our hand

UNLOADING

WARNING: ALWAYS KEEP YOUR PISTOL POINTED
IN A SAFE DIRECTION.
FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER AND OUTSIDE THE
TRIGGER GUARD.

• Point the muzzle in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the
trigger and out of the trigger guard. (Figure 12).

• Ensure that the hammer is fully rearward and then place the
safety lever in the fully up “safe” position. (Figure 11)

• Depress the magazine release, and remove the magazine.
Place the safety lever into the down “fire” position. With the
muzzle still pointing in a safe direction, and with your finger
off the trigger and outside the trigger guard, grasp the
serrated sides of the slide as shown in figure 13 and briskly
draw the slide fully rearward in order to extract any cartridge
from the barrel chamber and clear it from the pistol. Do not
obstruct the ejection port because doing so can interfere with
ejection of a cartridge and thereby creates the risk of explod­ing an unchambered cartridge and possible injury. (Figure 13).
Visually check the barrel chamber to be sure it is empty.

• Unload the magazine by holding it with the bullet end of the
cartridge pointing away from you and pressing each cartridge
forward and out of the magazine.

ALWAYS KEEP YOUR

SIGHT ADJUSTMENT

WARNING: ENSURE YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED
BEFORE ADJUSTING YOUR SIGHTS. AT ALL TIMES
FOLLOW THE BASIC RULES OF SAFE GUN HANDLING.

• Certain model Smith & Wesson pistols are equipped with a
Fixed Rear Sight that is adjustable for windage only. To
adjust, move the Rear Sight in the direction you wish the
group to move on the target. For example, if the group
should move to the right, move the Rear Sight to the right.
Use a brass or plastic drift or punch to prevent marring the
Rear Sight. If the Rear Sight has a set screw, loosen the set
screw prior to moving the Rear Sight. Tighten the set screw
after the sight has been adjusted to the desired position.

• Certain model Smith & Wesson Pistols are equipped with a
rear sight adjustable for both elevation and windage.

ADJUSTING FOR ELEVATION

Rotate the Adjusting Screw installed on the top of the Rear Sight
clockwise to lower the Rear Sight or counterclockwise to raise the
Rear Sight. (Raising Rear Sight will raise the group, etc.)

ADJUSTING FOR

Rotate the Adjusting Screw installed in the right side of Rear
Sight clockwise to move the Rear Sight Blade to the right or
counterclockwise to move it to the left. (Moving Rear Sight to the
right will move the group to the right, etc.)

WIND

GE

A

21

FIELD STRIPPING

DISASSEMBLY

WARNING: IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO VERIFY
THAT THE PISTOL IS EMPTY OF ALL LIVE ROUNDS
BEFORE DISASSEMBLY OR ASSEMBLY. SEE THE
UNLOADING SECTION.

WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS BE
WORN DURING ALL OF OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS.

• Remove the magazine by depressing the magazine release
button, clear the chamber and verify it is empty. (Refer to the
Unloading Section)

• Firmly grasp the pistol as shown in Fig 16, use the wrench
provided and depress the recoil spring retainer.

WARNING: THE RECOIL SPRING IS UNDER PRES­SURE. YOU MUST CONTROL THE SPRING AND
PLUNGER TO PREVENT IT FROM FLYING OUT AND
CAUSING INJURY.

• Turn the wrench and barrel bushing clockwise, approximately
1/4 turn until the recoil spring plug and recoil spring are free.

• Pull out the recoil retainer and spring.

• Fully cock the hammer.

• Apply rearward pressure on the
slide and move it back until the
takedown notch in the left side of
the slide is aligned with the rear
portion of the slide stop as
shown in figure 17.

• Press inward on the slide stop pin
from the opposite side of
the frame and remove the slide stop.
(Figure 18)

• Position your hands so that the grip safety is not activated
and move the slide forward off the frame. (Figure 19)

• Turn the slide bottom up and remove the recoil spring guide
rod. Move the guide rod upwards away from the barrel
towards the rear of the slide. Rotate the barrel link into the up
position to give the guide rod adequate clearance for
removal. (Figure 20)

• Rotate the barrel bushing counterclockwise until the bushing
lug is aligned with the opening between the barrel and recoil
spring holes. (Figure 21) Pull the barrel bushing out of the
front of the slide.
Rotate the barrel link to the f

•
barrel through the front of the slide. (Figure 22)

• Figure 23 shows the parts you will have after field stripping.

ard position and remo

orw

FIGURE 16

ve the

The pistol is no
sembly is not recommended and should only be undertaken by a
Smith & Wesson Certified Armorer or the Factory Service Center.

w ready f

or cleaning and lubr

ication. Further disas-

22

FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY CONT’D.

WARNING: DO NOT DRY FIRE YOUR S&W 1911 SERIES
PISTOL WHILE THE SLIDE IS REMOVED. DOING SO
CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE HAMMER OR OTHER
INTERNAL PARTS.

FIGURE 17

FIGURE 19

FIGURE 21

WARNING: DO NOT ALTER, MODIFY OR REPLACE
ANY OF THE PARTS OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS

THIS WORK IS PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED
GUNSMITH USING GENUINE SMITH & WESSON PARTS AND
PROCEDURES. IF YOU DO OTHERWISE, IMPROPER FUNC­TIONING MAY OCCUR AND SERIOUS INJURY MAY RESULT.

FIGURE 18

FIGURE 20

FIGURE 22

WARNING: NEVER

DISASSEMBLY YOUR

THE FIELD STRIPPING
PROCESS OUTLINED IN THIS
MANUAL. NEVER MANIPU­LATE ANY OF THE INTERNAL
COMPONENTS BEY
WHAT YOU ARE SPECIFICAL­LY INSTRUCTED TO DO IN
THIS MANU
MAY AFFECT THE RELIABILI­TY, FUNCTIONING AND SAFE­TY OF YOUR HANDGUN.
ALWAYS FOLLOW THE FIELD
STRIPPING INSTRUCTIONS
EXACTLY.

HANDGUN BEYOND

OND

AL SINCE

THIS

FIGURE 23

23

FIELD STRIPPING DISASSEMBLY CONT’D.

WARNING: OTHER BRAND PARTS MUST NEVER
BE USED IN YOUR S&W 1911 EVEN THOUGH
THE PARTS MAY APPEAR TO BE SIMILAR. USE

1911 PARTS MAY CAUSE A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION
RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH TO YOU OR OTHERS.

OF ANY PARTS OTHER THAN GENUINE S&W

FIELD STRIPPING

ASSEMBLY

WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS
BE WORN DURING THIS PROCEDURE.

• Verify that the hammer is in the fully cocked position.

• Ensure the barrel chamber is unloaded.

• Turn the slide bottom up, turn the barrel link forward and place
the barrel into the slide from the front.

• Insert the barrel bushing into the slide and rotate it clockwise to
lock it into place.

WARNING:THE RECOIL SPRING IS UNDER PRES­SURE. YOU MUST CONTROL THE RECOIL SPRING
AND THE GUIDE SO THAT THEY DO NOT FLY OUT
AND CAUSE INJURY.

• Insert the recoil spring guide rod into the recoil spring housing
from the rear of the slide.

• Align the slide with the rails on the frame and gently push the
slide onto the frame as shown in figure 24. Depress the firing
pin safety lever into the down position. Do not squeeze the
grip safety while putting the slide back onto the frame.

• Move the slide and barrel rearward together until the barrel link
hole is aligned with the slide stop hole.(Figure 25) Insert the
slide stop pin into the slide stop hole making sure it passes
through the barrel link hole. Align the take down notch on the
slide with the rectangular cutout of the frame. Push the slide
stop pin all the way in so that its rearward tab passes through
the take down notch and is locked into place. (Figure 26)

• Place the slide in the fully forward position. Turn the barrel
bushing clockwise and then insert the recoil spring (closed end
first) and plug onto the recoil guide rod. Use the barrel bushing
wrench and turn the bushing counter-clockwise until the recoil

ing plug locks into place. (Figure 27)

spr

24

FIGURE 24

FIGURE 25

FIELD STRIPPING ASSEMBLY CONT’D.

FIGURE 26

FIGURE 27

MAGAZINE DISASSEMBLY

WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS
BE WORN DURING THIS PROCEDURE.

DISASSEMBLY (see Figure 28)

• Remove all cartridges from the magazine and your work area.

• Using a drift punch, depress the buttplate catch (4) through
hole in the magazine buttplate. (5)

• Slide magazine buttplate (5) off of the magazine tube (1)
while holding the buttplate catch (4) in the magazine tube (1).

• Remove the buttplate catch (4) and magazine spring (2) out
through the bottom of magazine tube (1).

• Turn magazine tube (1) right side up and remove magazine
follower (3) through the bottom of the magazine tube (1).

MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY

WARNING: SAFETY GLASSES SHOULD ALWAYS
BE WORN DURING THIS PROCEDURE.

ASSEMBLY (see Figure 28)

• Install magazine follower(3) in the bottom of the magazine
tube (1) with the stepped edge of the magazine follower (3)
toward the round side
of the magazine
tube (1).

• Install the magazine
spring (2) and the
buttplate catch (4) in
the magazine tube (1).

• While holding
buttplate catch (4) in
the magazine tube (1),
slide the magazine
buttplate (5) onto the
magazine tube (1)
so that the circular
projection of the
buttplate catch (4)
engages the
magazine buttplate (5).

(1)

FIGURE 28

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

25

CLEANING AND

MAINTENANCE

WARNING: ENSURE YOUR FIREARM IS UNLOADED
BEFORE BEGINNING TO CLEAN IT (SEE UNLOADING
SECTION). ALWAYS FOLLOW THE RULES OF SAFE
GUN HANDLING.

Your firearm is a precision instrument. To ensure reliable
function it is necessary to follow a routine maintenance
procedure. After firing your handgun, be sure to unload it
following the procedure outlined in the section entitled
“Unloading” before performing any cleaning or maintenance
procedure.

Your handgun should be cleaned by brushing the barrel bore
and chamber (charge holes) with a good powder-removing
solvent and bore brush. Wipe the areas clean with patches or a
swab.

Using a small brush dipped in solvent, remove all deposits from
around the breech of the barrel, chamber (charge holes), extrac­tor and adjacent areas which have been subjected to the action
of powder or primer residue. Remove any residue on the frame
with light brushing and a solvent. After cleaning the entire gun,
use a cloth to apply a light film of high quality gun oil to all exter­nal metal surfaces and wipe clean.

CAUTION:

Always follow the instructions provided with your gun cleaner
and gun lubricant.

CAUTION:

Some cleaners can cause damage to your handguns. You should
avoid prolonged solvent immersion and prolonged ultrasonic
cleaning of your firearm. Choice of solvent should be restricted
to those products specifically developed for firearms mainte­nance. Damage to a firearm’s finish may occur if these cautions
are ignored. Ammoniated solvents or other strong alkaline sol­vents, should not be used on any Smith & Wesson firearm. As a
rule of thumb, if you would be comfortable applying the solvent
of your choice to the finish of your automobile, it will probably be
safe for use on your firearm.

After the initial cleaning, there is usually some residue in both
the barrel and cylinder that works out and becomes apparent
within 24-48 hours. This can be removed with a bristle brush
and a light re-application of powder removing solvent after which
the oil film should be re-established on all surfaces.

WARNING: FOR ANY MAINTENANCE OR SERVICE
NOT SPECIFIED IN THIS MANUAL, YOU MUST USE A
GUNSMITH QUALIFIED TO PERFORM SERVICE ON
SMITH & WESSON HANDGUNS.

26

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE CONT’D.

WARNING: NEVER MODIFY OR PERMIT YOUR HAND­GUN TO BE MODIFIED UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
DIRECTED TO DO SO IN THIS MANUAL.

WARNING: DO NOT MANIPULATE OR ADJUST ANY
PART OF YOUR FIREARM UNLESS SPECIFICALLY
DIRECTED TO DO SO IN THIS MANUAL.

If your firearm will be used or stored in a cold climate, be sure to
use an oil of an appropriate weight for that climate.

Cleaning is essential to ensure the proper functioning of your
handgun.

Additional maintenance must be performed by a qualified gun­smith. Please refer to the section entitled “Service”.

When storing, do not encase your firearm in anything that will
attract or hold moisture, for example, leather or heavy cloth.
Also, do not store guns with a plug inserted in the barrel for this
can be a contributing factor to moisture accumulation. If your
firearm is to be stored for an extended period, the bore, cham­bers and internal working mechanism should be oiled with acid­free lubricating oil or preservative, and the external working
mechanisms, frame, cylinder and barrel should be coated with
an anti-rust oil. Before using your firearm again, be sure to clean
it. Every time you clean your firearm, check it for signs of wear.
If wear is noted, do not use the firearm. Return it to Smith &
Wesson for service or have it checked by a qualified gunsmith.

Before using your firearm, it should be cleaned. (See Cleaning
Instructions) Your firearm has been treated with either a preser­vative or oil to protect it against corrosion. Before using it, all
excess oil should be wiped from the bore, chambers (charge
holes), and exposed areas using a clean swab or patch. A light
coat of high quality gun oil should be applied to the outside sur­faces and mechanism. Care should be taken not to oil the
mechanism to the degree that dirt and powder residue may be
trapped by the oil. There are further instructions in the cleaning
section of this manual.

MAINTENANCE BEFORE STORAGE

MAINTENANCE BEFORE USE

27

SERVICE & SHIPPING

For Owners Within The United States

SERVICE

Customer Service

2100 Roosevelt Avenue

Springfield, MA 01104

Tel: [phone] • 413-781-8300 ext. 2905

E-mail: [e-mail]

Should your Smith & Wesson firearm require service, it should
be returned to the Smith & Wesson factory or to a Smith &
Wesson Warranty Center in its original case or in a similarly
secure container. It is not necessary to take the gun to a dealer
for shipment. However, before shipping your firearm, call or e­mail our Customer Service Dept. for authorization and shipping
instructions.

Before shipping your handgun, ensure that the firearm is
unloaded and packaged securely.
AMMUNITION. The package must NOT bear any markings
which indicate the identity of the contents. Enclose a letter which
includes your full name and address (no P.O. Boxes, please),
daytime telephone number, e-mail address, the serial number of
the firearm, and details of the problem experienced (stating the
brand and type of ammunition used when the problem occurred)
or work desired. Record the serial number before shipping, in
case you wish to check on the repair status of your firearm.

SHIPPING

When shipping a firearm, it is most important that you comply
with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The following
guidelines are meant to help, but you must seek assistance from
the appropriate authorities if necessary.

• Check magazines and chambers to ensure that they are
unloaded. Do not ship ammunition.

• Do not attempt to ship a handgun via US Postal Service;

only federally licensed dealers may ship a firearm by
US Postal Service.

If your firearm must be replaced, it may be necessary to ship

•

the replacement to a dealer rather than directly to you. You
will be requested to furnish a signed FFL (Federal Firearms
License) from your dealer in such an instance.

• When returning a pistol, please include all magazines
ensuring they are unloaded; they are important to the
proper function of the handgun.

Ship Centerfire pistols and ALL

Customer Ser

2100 Roosevelt Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104

,

vice

DO NOT SHIP ANY

revolvers to:

Ship ALL .22 caliber pistols to:

Customer Service, 19 Aviation Drive, Houlton, ME 04730

Please call the above telephone number or e-mail the above

address before shipping!!

28

SERVICE & SHIPPING CONT’D.

Since we cannot assume responsibility for custom parts and
accessories, such as stocks, special sights, or holsters, please
remove these items before returning your firearm.

Warranty repair work will begin upon receipt and examination of
the firearm. In the case of repairs or work not covered by the
warranty, a quotation covering the cost of the work plus round trip
transportation charges will be sent to you. Repairs or
modification will begin upon receipt of payment.

ACCESSORIES

Accessories for your Smith & Wesson firearm are available from
your local Smith & Wesson Stocking Dealer, or directly from
Smith & Wesson.

When ordering directly from the factory, please provide the
following information:

• Model Number

• Dash Number

• Serial Number

• Approximate date of purchase

• Complete Return Address

• VISA/Discover/MasterCard Number and

Expiration Date

• For Foreign Orders Only, Fax Number or E-mail

Address

Please call 1-800-331-0852, ext. 2905 for any questions
you have.

WARNING: YOU MAY PURCHASE ACCESSORIES
FOR YOUR SMITH & WESSON FIREARM. YOU MUST
HAVE SOME OF THESE PARTS INSTALLED BY A

GUNSMITH QUALIFIED TO PERFORM SERVICE ON
SMITH & WESSON PISTOLS.YOU MUST NEVER ATTEMPT
TO MODIFY YOUR FIREARM OR INSTALL REPLACEMENT
PARTS IN YOUR FIREARM. ALWAYS USE A QUALIFIED
SMITH & WESSON GUNSMITH EVEN IF THE REPAIR SEEMS
TO BE SIMPLE.

29

WARRANTY

For Owners Within The United States

This warranty is granted by Smith & Wesson, 2100 Roosevelt
Avenue, Springfield, MA 01104. This warranty is effective from
the date of purchase after February 1, 1989 and applies to the
original owner of any handgun purchased after that date. With
respect to such handguns, this warranty supersedes any and all
other warranties.

Smith & Wesson handguns are warrantied to be free from defects
in material and workmanship. Any such defects of which
Smith & Wesson receives written notice within one year from the
date of purchase by the original owner, will be remedied by
Smith & Wesson without charge within a reasonable time after
such notification and delivery of the handgun as provided below.
If any unsafe and/or illegal condition is found during warranty
inspection, Smith & Wesson will return the handgun to its original
specification.

Warranty claims (in writing) and the handgun concerned should
be delivered to Smith & Wesson’s Customer Service Department
at the above address. In addition, a copy of the bill of sale in the
owner’s name, or a copy of ATF Form 4473 indicating date of
purchase must be included.

Warranty claims should state the model and serial number of the
handgun concerned and the description of the difficulty experi­enced. It is recommended that shipments be insured by the
owner, since Smith & Wesson will accept no responsibility for loss
or damage in transit. Transportation and insurance charges for
return to owner will be paid by Smith & Wesson if the claim is
covered by the warranty.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SMITH & WESSON BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM­AGES WITH RESPECT TO ECONOMIC LOSS, INJURY, DEATH
OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF
BREACH OF EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY, NEGLI­GENCE OR OTHERWISE.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental
or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion
may not apply to you in whole or in part.

Smith & Wesson will not be responsible for:

• Defects or malfunctions resulting from careless handling,
unauthorized adjustments or modifications made or
attempted by anyone other than a qualified gunsmith follow­ing Smith & Wesson authorized procedures, or disassembly
beyond the Field Stripping instructions in this manual.

• Use of defective or improper ammunition, corrosion,
neglect, abuse, ordinary wear and tear, or unreasonable

.

use

• Criminal misuse, negligence, resale, use under the
influence of drugs or alcohol.

30

WARRANTY CONT’D.

Smith & Wesson reserves the right to determine what constitutes
ordinary wear and tear. However, we can rebuild handguns that
have experienced extreme usage or are beyond their normal useful
life at a fee that will be quoted to the owner.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have
other rights that vary from state to state.

Note: All liability is excluded in the event that the instructions in this
manual are not observed.

EXTENDED

SERVICE POLICY

For Owners Within The United States

Even after the warranty period has expired, Smith & Wesson will
repair, without charge, any handgun purchased by the original
owner on or after February 1, 1989 that is found to have a defect
in material or workmanship. Eligibility for this extended service
policy requires returning the Product Registration Card within
thirty days of purchase. A copy of the bill of sale in the owner’s
name and the sales receipt should accompany the handgun.

If any unsafe and/or illegal condition is found during warranty
inspection, Smith & Wesson will return the handgun to its original
specification.

This policy covers functional defects; it does not include the

handgun’s finish, grips, magazines or sights.

This policy is in addition to and not an extension of the

Smith & Wesson Warranty.

Lifetime Service Policy

Fast Reliable Service

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your Smith &
Wesson product, please call 1-800-331-0852. Our customer
service representatives are product knowledgeable and are
here to help you.

911 Priority Repair Service

In the event of an emergency (repairs needed by law enforce­ment, an upcoming match or hunting trip), call 1-800-331-0852,

2905 and ask for 911 Priority Repair Service. This allows you

xt.

e
to speak with a Smith & Wesson representative. Immediately
upon receipt, your handgun will be assigned to a gunsmith. After

k is completed, w

or

the w
gun via overnight delivery.

e will retur

our Smith & Wesson hand-

n y

31

NOTES

32

NOTES

33

NOTES

34

This handgun is not equipped with a
device that fully blocks use by
unauthorized users. More than 200,000
firearms like this one are stolen from
their owners every year in the United
States. In addition, there are more than
a thousand suicides each year by
younger children and teenagers who get
access to firearms. Hundreds more die
from accidental discharge. It is likely
that many more children sustain serious
wounds or inflict such wounds acciden­tally on others. In order to limit the
chance of such misuse, it is imperative
that you keep this weapon locked in
a secure place and take other steps
necessary to limit the possibility of theft
or accident. Failure to take reasonable
preventative steps may result in
innocent lives being lost, and in some
circumstances may result in your
liability for these deaths.

The certification below is required only for handguns sold in the
United States with a barrel length shorter than 3”.

Smith & Wesson Corp. hereby certifies average accuracy test results
for all new handguns with a barrel shorter than 3” as follows:

7 yards 14 yards 21 yards

1.7” 3.9” 6.3”

This certification is based on tests conducted by Smith & Wesson
Corp. using a fixed handgun, r
by a member of the Shooting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers
Institute (SAAMI) as defined in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3-1993.

This certification represents actual tests based on several handguns,
selected at random. Your particular handgun may have accuracy better
than the r

esults stated in this certification.

est and firing ammunition manufactured

35

WARRANTY

CENTERS

Should your Smith & Wesson firearm require service, it

should be returned to the Smith & Wesson factory or to a

Smith & Wesson Warranty Center in its original case or in a

similarly secure container.

ALASKA

Actions by Gene, Inc.

360 E. International Airport Rd. #8B

Anchorage, AK 99518

(907)-563-9797

CALIFORNIA

Bolsa Gunsmithing
7404 Bolsa Avenue

Westminster, CA 92683

[phone]

HAWAII

Mel Chung - Gunsmith

39 Ing Place, P.O. Box 1008

Kaunakakai, HI 96748

[phone]

TEXAS

Lone Star Guns
1170 Park Blvd.

Plano, TX 75074

[phone]

2100 Roosevelt Avenue • Springfield, MA 01104

Smith & Wesson

.smith-w

www

esson.com

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