How to Change the Mainspring on a Kimber 1911

Kimber America is an American-based manufacturer of 1911-pattern pistols. The Model 1911 is a center-fire pistol, usually chambered in the .45 ACP caliber. Since most 1911 pistols have the same design, the technique used to replace the mainspring is appropriate for all makes. Replacing the mainspring is a basic maintenance task for the 1911; it requires a working knowledge of the pistol's disassembly.

Things You'll Need

  • Replacement mainspring
  • 3/16-inch punch
  • 1/4-inch punch
  • 1/16-inch punch
  • Padded bench-vise
  • Small screwdriver
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Instructions

    • 1

      Point the pistol in a safe direction and remove the magazine. Pull the slide back, and check the chamber to visually verify that it is unloaded.

    • 2

      Close the breech of the pistol, and press the recoil

    • 3

      Remove the grip panels from the side of the gun using the small screwdriver.

    • 4

      Remove the mainspring housing-pin; it is located in the lower corner of the back strap of the pistol. Press the pin through the side of the gun; use the 3/16-inch punch. The mainspring housing normally falls out of the gun.

    • 5

      Place the mainspring housing in the padded vise; use the 1/2-inch punch to depress the mainspring. With the mainspring still depressed, use the 1/16-inch punch to remove the mainspring cap-pin from the housing. The mainspring is under pressure, and might fly from the gun; be prepared to block or catch it.

    • 6

      Replace the old mainspring with the new mainspring of your choosing.