Colt 1911 mag question

[Cerdan]

How would I go about taking it apart, for lube or spring replacement purposes? I've got a 10mm Delta Elite, but presumably it'd be the same for any single-stack factory Colt mag... According to the schematics, the top just pops out, but I can't seem to do it without severely bending the spring:

Any pointers? Suggestions? Derisive and/or demeaning comments? Bring'em on!

 

[NAA]

For a Standard 1911 Mag [Non Removeable Floorplate]

A bit hard to explain, but you depress the follower inside the mag, tilt it forward, and you will eventually be able to pull it out. The spring will then come out easily without the follower in place.

Edit.... forgot to mention taking the tension off the spring before trying to remove the follower [if you are disassembling a 1911 mag from the feed end]......

Depress the follower 1-2" then insert a small screwdriver through one of the holes in the side to keep the spring compressed, the follower should then just fall out and you can then release the spring.

vhenem nailed it....

 

[NAA]

Guess, that's why the Delta mags started out looking like this on the base:

Then they went to these for the later magazines:

A lot easier for take-down....

 

[Cerdan]

hmm, well mine's one of the newer ones...

I don't think I can do what you recommended to the follower... My first instinct was to stick something in the hole in the floor plate and shift the plate, the way I do with my other mags, but it didn't budge. Should I keep at it that way? If so, should I push on the square or the round side of the floor plate?

Thanks for your help, btw.

 

[vhenem]

Depress the follower 1-2" then insert a small screwdriver through one of the holes in the side to keep the spring compressed, the follower should then just fall out and you can then release the spring.

 

[richardoldfield]

Depress the follower 1-2" then insert a small screwdriver through one of the holes in the side to keep the spring compressed, the follower should then just fall out and you can then release the spring.

+1

Regards,

Richard

 

[Cerdan]

Thanks vhenem, richardoldfield, that's definitely one way to do it. The follower doesn't just fall out though, it takes some convincing to get it out, but it works. Getting the spring back in is another story, though!!

 

[NAA]

For 1911 Mag with Removeable Floorplate:

hmm, well mine's one of the newer ones...

I don't think I can do what you recommended to the follower... My first instinct was to stick something in the hole in the floor plate and shift the plate, the way I do with my other mags, but it didn't budge. Should I keep at it that way? If so, should I push on the square or the round side of the floor plate?

Thanks for your help, btw.

With that style of Delta mag the base plate is meant to be removeable to take the mag apart for cleaning/inspection, etc. You slide it to the rear [from the rounded side towards the back]. It should come off pretty easy.

 

[Etter]

With that style of Delta mag the base plate is meant to be removeable to take the mag apart for cleaning/inspection, etc. You slide it to the rear [from the rounded side towards the back]. It should come off pretty easy.

+1. Looks like you depress the "ring" in the base plate center hole & slide the plate off. Spring & follower should drop out the bottom then.
Just my $.02