1911 reassembly problems (main spring housing pin)

[vorsicht!]

I just fully disassembled my norinco 1911, I have the frame back together except one piece. I cannot seem to put the main spring housing pin back in place. I can get it in half way, but after that it won't budge. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[tiriaq]

How hard have you tapped it?
This pin is held in place by a detent which is spring loaded by the mainspring. Necessary to use some force. Hammer shouldn't be cocked.

 

[vorsicht!]

I have tapped it half hard, I am nervous that I may dent something if I tap any harder. The hammer is not cocked

 

[tiriaq]

The end of the pin has a hollow that will keep a punch in position. Support the frame, use a punch and hammer. A sharp tap should do it. The end of the pin has a bevel. It is necessary for the pin to push its way past the detent, compressing the spring a bit. Bit of lube won't hurt.

 

[vorsicht!]

Ah ha! Thanks a million. I guess it just needed a little more force than I wanted to give.

 

[rfo1]

Just send it to me.

 

[prproulx]

The actual housing is trying to be pushed out by the mainspring while you're trying to whack the pin home.
Make sure it is solidly into the grip.

 

[NAA]

It's probably too late to mention this as it looks like the OP got his Norc 1911A1 back together, but it is always good to remove the grips when you are doing a "detail strip" of your 1911. That way when you get to the last part of reassembly and slip up you dont take a chip out of the lower corner of your grip. Ask me how I know this....

NAA

 

[vorsicht!]

Good call on the removing the grips... although if i did take a chunk out of one it would give me an excuse to buy a new set to replace the cheap norinco ones.