How Bill Wilson Cleans and Maintains a 1911

[@MOONDOGNEWYORK]

Best line at the end “don’t lube where there is no wear, it will only collect residue”. I’m paraphrasing but it’s so true!

[@darinr9424]

No f in shit. No wear... no contact...no lube. Simple. Let the gun show you where she wants to be wet....just like a woman.....simple

[@lylesmith5079]

That's an excellent point.

[@williammatthews2948]

The wealth of knowledge sitting at that workbench is incredible.

[@silvermediastudio]

Incredible they forgot to lube the locking lugs. Critical metal-on-metal contact point!

[@williammatthews2948]

@@silvermediastudio He applied lube at the front of the barrel hood (19:08) so it would go into the locking lugs. He didn't forget.

[@silvermediastudio]

@@williammatthews2948 Nope. The lugs are forward of the barrel hood. For the barrel lugs to receive that lubricant, the slide lugs would have to drag on the hood, pick up lubricant, then deposit it on the barrel lugs. That's not how one lubricates critical mating surfaces. Don't believe me? Both the Wilson Combat 1911 (page 46) and Kimber 1911 user manuals call for lube to be applied to the barrel lugs. 🤣

[@m0b00st]

@@silvermediastudioit was literally the first lubricant he applied, watch again. 18:00

[@Bora_H]

It's good to see Bill isn't an unreasonable perfectionist. I always hold the slide facing down when I clean the breech face to prevent crud from being forced into the ejector and firing pin channels. Maybe it doesn't matter much, but I feel better about it...😇

[@bigbadfnmonkey]

Its always nice to see a master smith demonstrating proper maintenance techniques...thanks guys, MIKE.

[@mdd1963]

As opposed to one of the other alleged former gunsmiths (he claims from Ruger?) that says it is perfectly fine to drop your 1911 slide on an empty pistol...; he was just short of of encouraging it, says it is harmless. (He did not appreciate me calling him out as incompetent, and, certainly not a 1911A1 smith!)

[@BryanHocking]

@@mdd1963 Massad Ayoob does it. Probably not recommended but it's not the end of the world

[@mdd1963]

@@BryanHocking I think Ayoob addressed the issue in print many years ago, saying it was ok to do it to check for hammer follow, but, not really recommended routinely...

[@BryanHocking]

@@mdd1963 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYGmYaCjgNF1qKc

[@silvermediastudio]

Except, he missed the locking lugs.

[@bigfuzzy84]

Qtips work for channels and small areas in all firearms and are cheap. They also are good for lubricating the same areas without over lubricating

[@broznkyra4853]

Exactly...a large box of Walmart Q-tips will last a lifetime...

[@jonhill373]

I agree.

[@timwoodward9799]

I use q-tips in multiple places on my 1911. The only drawback that I find is every now and then some of the cotton on the q-tip will come off. Always look for that. And I got to say that overall... Q-tips do work pretty good. That's usually what a clean my slide rails with and the rails on the frame.

[@skipdreadman8765]

Pipe cleaners are really helpful, too. They'll fit down the firing pin channel, can be bent into hooks or picks, and can get deposits out of very small spaces. They don't tend to leave fluff. A drop of lube can be directed exactly where it's needed, as well. I keep both q-tips and pipe cleaners in my cleaning kit. Wouldn't want to be without either.

[@StryderK]

I use cheap Kroger Q-Tips. It works and works great! One guy kept on saying, my lord! Aren’t you worried about all the strands left behind? I look at him funny and said if your gun can’t handle a few cotton strands….Then your firearm have bigger quality issues!

[@akbychoice]

While I’ve never seen this done before, the best advice I saw was to keep the solvents away from your night sights. It destroys plastics. Hearing about how many people have posted about their night sights failing, makes we wonder if they got solvent on them.

[@shinobi-no-bueno]

What plastic?

[@nickdonalds0546]

Is just normal gun oil or ballistol ok on sights or just best to stay away from the sights no matter what product you use?

[@jamesdelong6401]

Yeap! Keep all cleaning agents away from your sites. What I do when I gotta clean my shadow systems pistol is I'll take a 🤏 painters paint and cover up the dot. You'll be fine. I use Radco military grade CLP for all my pistols rifles and shotguns. A little of that stuff. Go's. A LLLOOOOONNG way. Worth the money. The 16 .oz bottle I have will last me probably 5 years or more. It literally takes not even a hafe plastic bottle cap full of that stuff to clean one pistol.

[@nickdonalds0546]

@@jamesdelong6401 right on. I'll Def take heed to those great tips. Thank you

[@RickyJr46]

Extremely helpful! Your caution about not getting solvents onto fiber optic or tritium night sights is GREAT info.

[@jamescrowe7892]

Good tip about the aerosol gun cleaners & night sights. Still learning things even after 45 years of handling firearms.

[@teefrankenstein4340]

Thank you guys for this video. I just bought my first 45 1911, a TISAS Turkish. Definitely low-end, going to do a once-over today before taking it to the range.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

I have a few of the exact same model that you're talkin about mine is the GI barebones model. And I carried one of those for several years and I would trust my life to the 1911 manufactured by that company just as long as you keep up with the maintenance.

[@teefrankenstein4340]

@@NortheastSurvival911 I’ve shot the TISAS a few times, it’s definitely worth the money and then some!

[@gilbertstevenson1494]

My son is a new 1911 guy. I sent him this video to help him keep it running. Good stuff.

[@stunod1479]

Great to learn extractor tension test method.

[@thomasficorilli259]

Just the other day I put a Wilson Combat 1911 with a chrome finish and pearl grips on lay-away at my local gun store , what a beautiful pistol it is, I can't wait to send some rounds down range (only 2 more payments and it's mine).

[@oliverheaviside2539]

General Patton said only pimps have pearl grips - his were always ivory. Just a laugh, friend. Not calling you a pimp! I had a brace of nickel plated, pearl grips S&W 39's back in the day. (Single stack 9mm). Beauties, wish I'd kept them.

[@sjmiller6012]

Appreciate the warning abt possible damage to fiber optic or tritium. Also chkng the extractor with dummy cartridge. Suggest you disassemble/assemble more slowly with close-ups. There are many new and less experienced gun owners. Thanks guys.

[@montycrain5783]

One of the thing I love about the 1911 is taking it down like that. It builds confidence and can be very relaxing. Browning’s genius for example in making the hammer strut to be used as a punch for the mainspring housing pins along with the sear spring used as a screwdriver for the mag release It’s the Coolest pistol I know of.

[@eddiexoc8430]

This is a great quality video by 2 great Masters. This should be an absolute must-see video for anyone that owns and runs a 1911 platform. Thank you very much for making this available.

[@silvermediastudio]

He missed the locking lugs on the top of the barrel XD what a clown show.

[@oldschooljeremy8124]

Holy Crap even Bill Wilson procrastinates on his gun cleaning. I don't feel quite so bad now.

[@Ewetoobizknotseys]

I think it's been about 3k rounds since I last cleaned my m17; going until I have a failure so I can know it's limits.

[@RGH5760]

Great tutorial, I'm new to the 1911 platform, but not to hand guns. I could listen and learn you two forever!

[@aubreymetcalf1940]

Have 2 TISAS 1911. #1 is detail stripped cleaned oiled greased every 300-500 rounds. #2 has only had Ballistol, CLP, etc literally poured into it then air hosed or shaken (not stirred!) with some paper towel work while slide locked back. #2 runs as well as #1. #2 has no more wear and no more build up inside as #1. Neither has had any problems. Both have went bang on every round. Each has equal rounds = to 6000 each. Both purchased in late 2020.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

I have a couple GI models manufactured by that company and I've got many thousands of rounds through both of them. And with standard basic maintenance cleaning lubrication etc etc they've never failed me. A buddy of mine came over with his like $4,000 g i model and I put one of my $500 barebones basic models in his hand to do a blind test... Same grips same everything... And he could not tell them apart. So many people think that if they want quality they have to go out and spend you know a second mortgage I guess or a bank loan just to purchase a high-end 1911 when in fact there are quite a few imports that are at the very least up to par with the more expensive ones. I'm not going to say that they're better than... Because then it comes down to quality control and the specific type of metal that's used. But I carried a Tisas GI model for several years and I was fine with it. I knew it would perform the way it was supposed to and I was good with it. And at the end of the day that's what matters. As long as you have the firearm that is reliable and you have excellent skills with it. Nothing else matters.

[@foraslan5801]

It is so wonderful to see a world class expert have a gun that's just as dirty as all of ours and talk about firing pins shooting across the room or up into the air, just like what happens to all of us commoners as we work on our guns. So often an expert will come in with a perfect gun with perfect technique and make us common people feel kind of small. But here, Bill Wilson shows that he's one of us. Just wonderful.

[@Dan-di9jd]

I think you need to get laid dude.

[@williammccaslin8527]

I really appreciated this vid, as an old/ new 1911 owner, I found this vid not only interesting but helpful to. Thx for the vid

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@boomanh63]

I must be old school like Bill, I tear apart my frame every 5000 rounds or so, never use an spray solvent. Never had issues putting it back together, but then again I have had 1911's for 30+ years. Love this, clean enough is good enough, lube is the most important. Thanks guys for another great video!

[@barneymiller7894]

Same, im only 27 but I learned to shoot on the 1911 from my Grand dad. I like gold bead sights to lol

[@npet6842]

This is what's marvellous about KZbin : seeing great information demonstrated by the real deal guys . Thank you ! Lovin ' my 40th Anniversary 1911 :-)

[@seanbrando_7456]

It's just amazing how much knowledge these guys have.....they have forgotten more about shooting and tactics than most of us will ever learn. Thank's for taking the time Mr. Wilson and Mr. Hackathorn.....this type of content is so important to a lot of people who can't always afford to get out and train or take classes. It's always a treat to learn from a true master of the craft. I look forward to picking up the book you mentioned.....I'm a Glock/HK guy for carry but the 1911 has always been a treasure to me. The first time I shot a decent 1911 I went from a 226 to a Colt Series 80 and my groups went from 2" to all rounds in one hole.......I gave that Colt to my dad because I trusted it so much. One day I hope to grab a Wilson Combat for sure. I'm enjoying more 9 mm these day's but I still love .45 as much as ever.

[@silvermediastudio]

They have forgotten a lot. Including to lubricate the locking lugs hahhahaha

[@waffles4322]

I feel so dirty watching Wilson Combat clean their crazy expensive guns, and I'm sitting here cleaning my $200 Rock Island 🤣

[@johnfernau6657]

I know you are probably joking so maybe I'm over reacting and this goes out to anyone who is shooting a "lesser" gun. I have a Les Bear because my loving wife got me one for Christmas (no she doesn't have a sister so don't ask). She saved a bit and it wasn't frivolous purchase. I mainly shoot Springfield Armory guns. Why because they are a good value for the dollar. Don't feel dirty. You are probably using/shooting what you can afford or getting one to decide if you really want a 1911. It isn't for everyone. Rock Island makes a good for the dollar gun. Is it the best one out there? No but that doesn't mean it's a bad gun. To everyone out there who is going to rant at this don't be a brand snob or caliber snob. I look at it as a Ford vs Chevy argument. Until you are making the payments on what I drive/shoot you don't get the final say. As to caliber maybe a person can't shoot anything bigger than a 22lr because of a physical issues. If you aren't willing to get shot with it then it's probably a lethal caliber, maybe not the best one out there but still lethal and chest full of 22s beat the heck out of a area full of misses. RANT MODE OFF

[@davidschaadt3460]

I have a Rock Island and they are really good guns .And more fun than a $3000.00 gun cause you don't have to worry about some wear or a little scratch.

[@jazeenharal6013]

@@davidschaadt3460 I've got a Remington R1. I paid about $900 for it brand new in the COVID gun economy. (And Remington selling to another company made them pricier on gunbroker) I love it, though. And it's still a gun I got to USE, so I don't fret over scratches and a bit of rough handling. If I had a $3000+ pistol I'd be afraid to shoot it lol

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

@@johnfernau6657 I like your attitude I have some issues with my one arm so probably gonna have to shoot one handed. I like target shooting alot, often use air pistols and high end airsofts lol got one airsoft 1911 that kicks like a 9mm recoil wise. Been thinking of a 22 1911 for a bit of a race gun and a few people I know are talking shit. But I'm gonna have to shoot it kinda cowboyesque one handed out stretched so easier to shoot round just meets more range time. Plus Canada so handguns are pretty much only for fun or work. 22 is cheap so why the fuck not. Mind you I kinda also want a 50 Alaskan lever action for shits and giggles and a "what the fuck was that" gun for people to enjoy at the range. And besides the 1911 the baretta m9 and revolvers lever actions are my favorite. After that it goes galil lol buuuut semi auto ones are hard to own here and collectible af now.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

@@johnfernau6657 also go look uo the am180 there's some fully transferable ones my buddy has one stateside. 22lr with a disc mag. 177 shots to 280. In like 30 seconds. Police used to use them, sustained fire to a very small area does ridiculous damage. A 22 pistol would probably be stupid easy to fire follow up shots with and doesn't have over penetration issues. Close range it works fine. 9mm is a great choice. And 10mm if someone would make a good lever gun probably replaces 30 30 and 45 70 with the right loads in a much easier to handle set up. And repeated shots fast would make it useful against bears. Even some early auto carts that were wimpy would suck to get shot with close range.

[@MThrow]

Back in the early '80s when you were called "Wilson's Gun Shop" I sent a Colt Officer's model in to you for "reliability" work. I carried it for 30 years and kept it cleaned and lubed on a regular basis. I would check parts for wear and replace whatever looked like it needed it. When I mention that I have no reliability issues with my 1911 on modern "gun channels" everyone calls me a liar, lol.

[@bcoorough]

Love watching these guys, a lot of knowledge sitting at that table.

[@judsonmiers1315]

A purely technical term..."gawd-awful plug of shit"...LOVE it!

[@jamescrowe7892]

That is good to know about the spray solvents & night sights. I like using G96 & have tried to ensure that I sprayed it on the inside of the slide. Now I will just stick to using it on the frame. I have been shooting for 40 years & an instructor for 10 & I am always learning something new.

[@Panch0Pist0las]

Bought my first 1911 .45 2018 for my B day a DW and this video from Bill Wilson made my day and I will be changing my cleaning technique for my 1911 as of today. Thank you both for the video....hooked on the 1911 btw.....I actually own 2 , my father's 1911 was given to me but I haven't shot it but once, that's changing also....

[@hotchihuahua1546]

I couldn’t help but laugh at this video because I find myself guilty of the same thing . We spend so much time helping others improve their knowledge . In this case of gun cleaning we sometime forget to practice what we preach . You guys rock and it wasn’t meant to diss anyone , just funny .

[@danrickard1911]

What a great video. Love the honesty of Mr. Wilson and his experience. Thank you so much for the education!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CPTdrawer22]

It's always an enlightening pleasure to find out how little I know and need to learn. Y'all never fail me in that regard. Thank you bukus!

[@theia1653]

Wilson, what I love about your Bulletproof line is that it makes the gun beefier in looks, feel, and function but without sacrificing aesthetics. Far better than mil-spec and MIM parts.

[@walatsway7092]

We all need to adhere to these experienced wise men,they give us all the best and safest way to handle and properly maintain our weapons😊

[@77starla47]

Wow! I've learned a lot through this video. I've always used solvents and cleaners for my barrel and slide. I'm still learning about the 1911. Great video.

[@Antoninorosetta]

I bought a Wilson 20 or so years ago, and it has never jammed or stove piped, period!!!!! I've put a quite a lot of ammo through it, and you can take that to the bank!!!!

[@Jari_Kuusisto]

I wouldn't take it to the bank. They might took it wrong way...

[@sgtbones1837]

Mine doesn't like the HST rds.

[@oftenwrong.]

A testament to the genuine of John Browning

[@viewingut]

Been following Mr. Wilson for decades, He's forgottened more than we will ever learn.

[@silvermediastudio]

well in this video he "forgottened" to lube the locking lugs.

[@antuanmorilli7605]

I have been the owner of a SIG P228 pistol made in W.Germany for 30 years as an EDC, 10 hours a day. Always used WD40 as a solvent and for lube I use regular engine oil. The gun is still in excellent condition, I have never had a jam no matter what I shot through it. I have no special tools other than the original pull-through and barrel brush that came with it. I use 100% cotton cloth and a fine screwdriver. That's it.

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

How is motor oil good as gun oil? I’m curious seen a lot of back and forth on forums.

[@antuanmorilli7605]

@@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521 I do not know how, but it's a fact. I served in the IDF for 3 mandatory years in a SF unit inside Golani, and more than 15 years reserve in the SF and also there, when there was a shortage of gun oil (although a rare event, but it has happened to me), I lubricated my guns with engine oil. I had the short version of the Galil AR and of course the US made AR-15. If you think about it for a moment, gun oil is designed to do 2 things: oil, of course, to facilitate the movement of the parts and also to prevent rust. Engine oil performs both and with the right viscosity. And again - this is a fact and I speak from years of experience. In order to maintain your weapons, you do not need all kinds of luxurious, special and dedicated means (unless you like to spend your money). What I wrote in my first response is enough to maintain a weapon, and again I speak from decades of experience, with weapons that have unfortunately stood the test more than once or twice. I secured my life with these guns and they never let me down.

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

@@antuanmorilli7605 wow thank you for the info, very cool you served for the IDF. Always wanted to go visit Israel. Someday I will. The Galil is a very cool rifle. Once again thank you for the info.

[@antuanmorilli7605]

@@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521 I thank you. Best seasons to visit my country are March to May if you're into site seeing. Regarding the Galil AR - we had the short version and called it "Glilon" (In hebrew, every end with "on" means the smaller version...). In my opinion - the best assault rifle ever built.

[@sjmiller6012]

I have a Sig 228. Has always shot well. Never any problems. Chose it partly because it was the standard sidearm for Michigan State police some yrs ago. Maybe in early 80s. Never carried it. Now used for hm defense. Started carrying abt 15yrs ago. Carry an M&P 2.0. It's thinner, a little lighter; and I can shoot it just as well. Still use Hoppes oil. Use Frog Lube when paste type lube works better.

[@bighomie586]

What a great video. Advice from a couple of legends on how they keep their 1911's running optimally that future generations will be able to see.

[@stunod1479]

It’s Safe to assume all gun related videos will be removed at some point in the future. Better download/record it.

[@OpIndependence]

Thanks for this. I think everyone can use a refresher on proper gun cleaning (and lubing).

[@carlosdepalma4284]

Whole lotta knowledge between these two!!!! LEGENDS AF!!!!!!!

[@mburke1211]

No one I trust more on 1911 maintenance than Mr. Bill Wilson. Great video!

[@davidfrank2824]

I think the best part of shooting is when you get done to go home and take all your firearms apart and clean them up and make them look brand new again. My wife and myself enjoy doing that so much we have a room dedicated just for guns. For the longest time I had only one workbench in there with all the special tools I need it. Wants my wife got involved I had to get her a bench and her own tools. We can sit in there for hours. Once in awhile she will take something apart and asked me to help her figure out how to put it back together herself.

[@americandad8903]

Great video. I’ve had my 1911 for years but have not been able to put rounds through it I want but I’m approaching the slightly more in depth tear down for inspection and cleaning.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@mdd1963]

Damn fine tutorial from a pair of shooting icons! Thank you both, gentlemen!

[@chemicalcowpoke307]

I am glad to see this is authentic, shit filled extractor channel and all. 😂

[@nodrama7636]

I typically run a barrel brush through it to remove residue and then finish by running a lightly lubed wipe through the barrel just for corrosion protection. I also wipe the frame down with a lightly lubed patch for the same reason. If you've ever pulled a firearm/shotgun out of your safe and found the beginning signs of corrosion it's an immediate "Oh Shit" moment.

[@charleshills8540]

As someone new to the sport this is the most informative show I’ve seen

[@CFairNH]

Great video, nice tutorial and I always enjoy the conversations and stories that come up when you two do a video. Thanks for posting

[@lon242]

Love Bill's unexpected cussing "got more in my nice clean slide rails, from all that shit comin' outta there" lol

[@troyheffernan1261]

I usually use the word when I loose an AR dent spring or when a 1911 firing pens deploys. LoL

[@trentnichols5075]

I made the flat wire you for those springs at National Standard in Michigan. It was tough to make cu’z tolerances was so tight. I was 1 of 4 out of about 200 that could make it & hold spec. That was a fun thing to run.

[@jamesfischer4813]

Love your work you guys. Thanks for the chamber brush tip and .22 brush tip. I used the 410 brush for the chamber and a surgical tool brush in the past.

[@tonytsquared5576]

Good info. Dad was a 1911 fanatic. His philosophy was they should be moist with oil, field stripped/cleaned after a range day, and re-spring at 20k rounds or if you were having issues.

[@waynecastleman1363]

I appreciate the info on fiberoptic sights as a reminder to be careful not to use harsh chemicals to clean the slide. 👋

[@markyoung2981]

Thank you for your time posting this excellent information.

[@patv693]

hey folks , the masters are really like us .....sometimes...very funny , thank you gentlemen !

[@user-lg4zm5nj8t]

Thanks Bill and Ken. Always great to listen..

[@nuworldman9280]

What a great video, thanks guys, loved every minute of it. Keep up the good work.

[@raphaelkegel1073]

Thank you for your videos! You are the two uncle I never had. Best regards from Switzerland.

[@APHELPSX]

You guys work really good off of each other. Very well done video.

[@christiansantiago3007]

First time i took a frame apart i bent the trigger/safety spring. Was a bummer but i ended up fitting some of the nicer trigger bits you sell. Turned a cheap 1911 into a tack driver. Traded it off. Ended up with a mutt of a 1911. It has a parkerized Brazillian surplus slide and barrel and a blued federal ordnance frame. The parts on the lower are a mix of blued and parkerized and it has a National Match bushing. Always reassuring to hear you guys talk about round counts. Keep up the good work!

[@felipe-nt-d]

You guys really know how to take the pistol apart, it's amazing to watch.

[@The_sinner_Jim_Whitney]

I use the awl on my Leatherman (Leatherman Free P4, carry it every day, wonderful tool) with a flannel patch wrapped around it to clean frame and slide rails. A toothpick, I’m sure, would also get the job done. If I did it more often, though, I’m sure a tool like that would be handy. I also use Brakleen and an old bandana or hunk of T-shirt when I do a ‘deep clean’, they’re no different than any other machines (my cars/trucks, dirt bikes, tools, etc.) and I don’t treat them any differently.

[@furball9965]

Looking at buying a gun and then he answered a lot of my questions about the 1911 thank you I know what I'm getting now😊

[@ShootAUT]

Anybody else notice the contradicitons? "If you keep the carbon in there and add lube it really acts as a very fine lapping compound." But "it's not about how clean you keep them, but how well you keep them lubed." Then: "The last time I've done this (pulling the extractor out) may have been 10,000 rounds ago." But it's really important, "because the carbon build-up does affect the tension." Bottom line seems to be that it really doesn't matter _that_ much, regardless of what you do.

[@semperflyboy5296]

A really good review. On every occasion, I come away from these "how to" presentations with useful information that is either new to me or forgotten by me.

[@johnnypipe]

I save all these videos of you two and this is the best one to date. And in just one video, you have made Cody almost as well known as Mandy.

[@vandoo66]

That is a beautiful gun. Amazing workmanship. Imagine if America had kept the same pride in even half it produces.

[@robertcarsella1234]

I certainly learned a lot watching this. I used to just lube everything, not knowing if it was in excess. Good stuff!

[@hopewilliams6705]

Thanks for that last tip amazing how that makes sense only lube where you see wear!

[@pimpovic2]

I use paper towel all the time and I've not seen a cleaning video where anyone uses a paper towel as a primary method, but to me it just makes sense.

[@ntpd935ret]

As always… Thank you both!

[@gowilsoncombat]

Our pleasure!

[@kaioken1110]

Amazed at how simple and basic this is compared to the immense noise you get in the internet community regarding cleaning. It’s a mine field to navigate.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

That's why when it comes to anything 1911 related... Always seek out those that have been around the block and back many many times and you will get it right 100% of the time. You know how many people I've had tell me that tuning up my 1911 is unnecessary because John Moses Browning didn't design it that way? Not everybody but quite a few individuals run out they get a 1911 they learn how to clean it a little bit and they learn how to shoot it at things and then all of a sudden they are the experts. Or they watch a couple videos or read an article and now they know everything about it. Just stick with those that have been doing this for many years... And you will get the correct answers.

[@davidmillhollon486]

That is so informative thanks for your help on maintaining your fire arme.

[@maxmccain8950]

I’m really surprised you guys didn’t mention magazines. Obviously a very important part as far as reliability goes.

[@j.t.cooper2963]

Good to know that I've been cleaning my guns the right way.

[@walatsway7092]

Your both a credit to each other!A whole lot of experience in your videos!

[@tomk1tl39]

I love my 1911/A1.......sure glad that I found this video !

[@wvXvxvXvw]

If you happen to have a Kimber, the series II guns have a firing pin safety that will hold the pin and spring in even if the firing pin stop is missing(until you press the grip safety). To remove the firing pin you have to depress both the pin and the safety, slide the stop out, release the safety, cover the pin so it doesn't shoot off, then press the safety one more time. It's a job for someone with 3 hands. Also, I feel a lot better about how I maintain my 1911's now. I have a lot of Wilson Combat parts and never had an issue. I had to fit my main spring housing to one gun, it didn't drop in, but that is expected sometimes.

[@charlesharper7292]

Holy WOW. Thanks for the tip about cleaners and tritium/ fiber optic sights. I've fired 1911s in the past, but I haven't owned one until bout 3 months ago. I bought a SA Garrison. Thanks for the video.

[@gowilsoncombat]

Right on

[@doyleswearingen6262]

My comments have nothing to do with the information on the 1911. They have to do with the filming: 1) Slow down a little bit Mr.Wilson. I am positive that you could do all that you presented with a blindfold on. I came to this video because I just purchased my 1st 1911. 2) Use a white place mat, it gives better light reflection, thus better quality of presentation. 3) Have your camera person use the zoom on some parts of your presentation. Much needed, especially for newbies and 1st timers as myself. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience.

[@NortheastSurvival911]

So let's see here it says that you left your comment 1 year ago... Do you still have your 1911? If you do how fast can you take it apart regarding field-stripping cleaning and lubrication and reassembly now? I'm willing to bet probably a hell of a lot faster then when you originally type your comment here. And if you do still have it and you've mastered the field stripping cleaning etc etc... Have you taken the entire slide and frame apart all the way down? It's a whole lot more intimidating than just a field trip. And if you have torn the gun down to its bare Bones minimum... Have you learned about the polishing and the tuning that you can do to it prior to actually purchasing any new internal pieces? The 1911 in my opinion and this might be a fact I don't know the right now it's just my opinion... Is perhaps the world's most forgiving and customizable pistol out there. I mean you can tune a 1911 specifically to the your style of shooting. There's so much you can do with one of these. Once I got the field stripping cleaning and all that mastered... That's when I decided to start taking the entire thing apart slide and all the little pieces inside of the frame. And it was rather intimidating the first several times I did it. The ones I got to that point and realized that you can custom tune these things that's when I started doing that. And that's when you really have to start being careful. The whole polishing etc etc sandpaper and polishing compound can do wonders inside of a 1911 if you know what you're doing. But if you don't... It's been heard of that people have turned these things accidentally into full auto pistols. I'm just curious now to see where you are at regarding the 1911 if you come back to read this ever.

[@jeremiahcherry5283]

Shut up nerd. Christ, it’s FREE content.

[@moemarchetti9337]

Great video. I don't own a 1911 but I'll be using these tips on my 117 year old 1903.

[@Ja2808R]

Thank you so much for taking the time to film this.

[@danielduckworth3100]

Love to see these videos. I have always wanted a Wilson. Maybe once my kids are through college ;)

[@mdd1963]

Let them each buy you of them! Tell em they owe ya!

[@orion7873]

I didn't even know it but... I've been waiting for this video for a long time. Great video !

[@montycrain5783]

I recently tried the blue shop paper towels at WalMart and I’ll never go back to White. Incredibly tough and because of that much more economical. If you have to you can ring em out like a cloth towel and use them several times. In the kitchen, in the toilet or on guns they rule.

[@glbshooter]

Great video, thank you! I use white oil (the one from the lamps) and a brush. Then I dry everything with compressed air. Finally I lubricate the metal parts in contact with Lucas gun oil.

[@lesterdelvalle3690]

Ken likes the finer things in life with that Batman Rolex

[@troyheffernan1261]

My sea dweller Rolex has been one of the most reliable pieces of equipment ice ever owned.

[@danielmackormack8524]

I want to thank you both for the knowledge shared. I started my journey into pistol's in the 1990's. Regrettably I skipped over the 1911's for Hi Cap guns like the H&K USP 45 & Glock 21 45acp. Back then there was not as much knowledge for new shooters. Colt 1911 had a bad reputation for needing custom work to run correct. Glock & H&K were good to go out the box so even though I bought a couple Colt 1911's I sold them off before any real rounds were put through them. I now know the design of the straight back pull of the trigger and the 5inch barrel aids in accuracy. Thanks again for showing how to clean and lube a 1911 properly. I wanted to know bc I bought a 1911 last week.

[@kevingipe8242]

I switched a few years ago to using red wheel bearing grease applied with a q-tip or toothpick on all my guns, works great and 1 jug will last you a lifetime, it’s high temp rated and doesn’t gum up

[@The.45Monk]

Yep! I've been doing it for years. Hasn't let me down yet. And you're right about it lasting forever. I've hardly made a dent in the first tube I bought probably 10 years ago

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

Where do you apply it on the gun?

[@kevingipe8242]

@@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521 on the wear spots, on my AR I put it on the raised bits on the BCG where it rides inside of the receiver. Anywhere you see wear pretty much

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

@@kevingipe8242 oh ok thanks I seen it mentioned on forums. Would the same apply to hand guns?On the rails for example? I just wonder if the grease would pick up to much grit and other contaminants.

[@unitedwestanddividedwefall3521]

@@kevingipe8242 the gun oil biz reminds me of the bike lube biz. Essentially it’s all the same. Disregarding bike lube since they offer a lot of dry lubes, I’ve met a few older dudes that make they’re own gun oil with motor oil and transmission oil. They argue it’s the same maybe better and most of all you get more quantity for the amount.

[@floridahuntsman7915]

Glad I found y’all . Thank you gentlemen.

[@johnking2551]

gotta have the Wilson crevice tool and the right Walmart paper towels!

[@trentnichols5075]

This is a great video! I’ve learned so freaki’n much! & it was about like being in a buddy’s garage after a day at the range when ya sit down with a bourbon 🥃 & start cleaning & bullshitti’n! 😂

[@vincef5832]

I'm glad it takes so many rounds before having to take the extractor out.

[@denisdegamon8224]

Why is that...it's so damn easy to remove and r r place it ater cleaning.

[@OL-Tom]

thank you for this video. Good to see in not the only one slack in my cleaning

[@markpoore3260]

Thanks ken and bill very knowledgeable guys to watch and learn from

[@craigandersen8937]

Thanks guys! If a Glock felt like a 1911 it would be perfect. But even the legendary Glock needs to be cleaned and lubed. Springs need to be replaced at most 5,000 rounds. Guns are mechanical devices like engines. They need clean lubrication to slow down mechanical failure and heat damage.

[@Frankfoot986]

Craig Andersen I’m over due about 25,000 rounds on the recoil spring lol

[@ajacks8007]

The word “Glock” should be banned from a video like this.

[@JFb-s7g]

Wrong a gun is not a engine no need to have oil flowing true the gun, just a thin coat of oil is all it needs ..

[@riju2294]

love these vids! Feel like I'm sitting at thee table with these gun gurus! Keep em' coming!

[@EVILDR235]

I was watching this video that i found very helpful. I was kinda shocked how old Bill Wilson looked after watching his VHS tape. I then realized the tape was 28 years old. I need to finish watching the VHS tape so i am educated on the 1911 in case Putin comes shooting.