How Bill Wilson Cleans and Maintains a 1911 

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!

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...😇

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

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.

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.

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

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

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).

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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....

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.

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😊

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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😊

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

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!

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.

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

Those very light greases, ALG go juice, ext, are awesome.

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

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

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.

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

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

Thank you for your time posting this excellent information.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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! 😂

Thanks Bill and Ken. Always great to listen..

As always… Thank you both!

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

Thought it was interesting how you said "if you were a dusty environment" that you need to clean more often. I've shot quite a bit of 1911 back in the day and was stationed in Tucson and shot in Phoenix as well. I'm not a professional gunsmith but have been a professional aircraft mechanic for 40 years. I've always used LPS products on my rifles and pistols, LPS 1 is like WD-40 (technically a dry lube) LPS 2 is like light machine oil and the LPS 3 is like the light grease you speak of. They are all spray lubes and LPS 1 like WD-40 will displace water as well. One thing I always had access to was a 90 psi compressor with an air hose and pressure nozzle; a shot of LPS 1 and a blast from the compressor cleans every nook and cranny believe me and quickly. Not suggesting that I don't use toothbrush, bore brush and chamber brush, just getting the LPS 1 in there and letting is soak helps a bit. When we operate aircraft in desert or sandy environments sometimes we just use a WD-40 like product on the jack screws of C-130s and wipe clean. Note: LPS products are universally accepted by the Boeing Aircraft Company and that's good enough for me. I like your presentation, thanks for the instructional. I'm also pleased to find my methods of cleaning have so closely resembled what you have shown here, did get something new from the 22 brush for back of the slide. Yes I have guns with over 70k rounds though them without any appreciable wear except burnishing on the rails and under the slide on the disconnector. Final comment is as an aircraft mechanic, I have no problem taking the frame apart and reassembly, 😉 JK.

That extractor is no joke, my rock island froze first time shooting every 2 bullets in chip mcormic mags. Didn't even get 1 out the metgar mag. Did the casing test and my casing fell out like it was nothing. I was baffled and kinda pissed. Annoying process to bend it and put it back together. Put a couple scratches on it myself. I had to use a screwdriver to push it back out when I bent it too hard. Can't wait for my gun to work though, easy fix sure enough. Definitely have the right punch tools. Also have a brush for the hole because mine was nasty, basically just shoved oil cloth in there with a Allen key. Not enough research done on my end. Oh well now I know

Mr Wilson I wanted to take a moment to thank you sincerely for a.aking a 1911 MAGAZINE that will hold up to ANYTHING I have been able to throw at them. The 47D is AMAZING!!! I have 10 I bought in 1993, and I still carry them to this day. I have some with the detent ball, cant remember when I picked them up. ANYONE that makes the decision to carry a 1911 in ANY caliber, the ABSOLUTELY EASIEST thing you can do to make that 1911 RUN, is FEED it ONLY with Wilson-Rogers magazines. I have them in 9mm, 38Super, 40, 10mm, and 45acp. All together I own around 150 of these magazines. I also have a box FULL of magazines that came with the majority of my 48 different 1911s. If anyone has a 1911 with feeding or ejecting problems STICK A WILSON COMBAT MAGAZINE IN IT!!!!!! MOST OF THE TIME THE PROBLEM IS SOLVED!!!!!! Once again Mr Wilson, THANK YOU!!!!!

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

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

I use Ballistol or mineral spirits to clean off the carbon with a G.I. nylon brush, dental picks, and a bronze brush. Then I use Brakekleen to remove more carbon and oil till it's dry. Once clean I use Shooter's Choice FP-10 to coat all the surfaces using a shaving brush and wipe it down cheap Kleenex, then lube the contact surfaces with FP-10 on Q-Tips. I do this taking the whole pistol apart complete disassembly. Every 200 or more rounds and needed check up. I have four 1911s and see which ones need good cleaning.

Good tips I have a 1914 made 1911 and I want to change the extractor on .I love 1911's..Good cleaning tips also .

AWESOME video guys. 😎🤘🍻

Thank goodness that Bill guy knew how to put that gun back together.

Good video. Gun maintenance is pretty easy when you make a habit of it. The 1911 is a great pistol to learn on.

I use gun grease on my 1911. Just a light coat. You don’t need a heavy coat to where it looks like cake icing. I use gun grease because oil can dry on you.

I had to laugh when I heard bill cussing about how much "shit" was in there. Wasn't expecting that! Lol

Thanks for doing the top end… now I’m feeling guilty ….and have to do the same 😁👍

I love my 1911 but I would have hated doing that type of cleaning in the field!

Great video! Thank you for sharing.

Outstanding video and presentation.

Very informative gentlemen thank you.

Wilson makes a very fine gun. That being said, I can't believe he didn't clean the gun with any solvent. Just wiped it off and left a LOT of residue behind. These guns will function dirty, but I couldn't leave that much crud on my gun when I put it back in the safe.

I never knew about the clp on fiber optics or night sights will damage them. I've don't it but thankfully it wasn't the aerosol or I just didn't put to much on it to affect it.👍👍

Before I die I’d love to own a Wilson , just outa my price range

Thank you!

Coolest videos on RU-vid I’m new to 1911’s and I love all this info wish I could hangout with you for a couple days just to learn everything about 1911’s. ntn13🍀

Excellent video

these videos are literally gold!

Outstanding ! Thanks

Thank you guys, I think this is going to be my next pistol.

Excellent shop gentlemen

Very complete and appreciated.

Thanks Bill for the information.

I just use hoppes no9

love my 1911 but I still carry and will continue to carry my revolver (638). Look at all the stuff that can gum up and fuck up on the 1911.

Damn bill I wish I knew and could remember a small portion of what you know about the 1911 !

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.

Beautiful gun. I just wish I could afford one.

Excellent video. When you're talking about lubricating the rails do you have any opinion against using a grease like Slide-Glide? I've been using this on my Les Baer 1911 and I've wondered if an oil would be a better lubricate. On my Sig Sauer P226 Blackwater 9mm that lost the front Tru-Glo tube after a range visit and I couldn't figure out why. Now I know.

At the 9:20 into this video. To Mr. Wilson: what it proves is the old adage; a carpenter lives in the junkiest houses, mechanics drive cars that need the most work, & top shelf Gun Makers have the dirtiest guns. 😂😂😂.

Nice video gentlemen, I really appreciate the information and hopefully one day I can own one of your beautiful handguns

One of the suggested videos on the side, is Hickok45 cleaning a 1911 with a quart of Ballistol...lol!!! Rubs it into the table, his hair, the dog’s hair, and everything in sight...lol!

you serviced the shit outta that 1911 yo

Great video! It pointed out two things to me... one, I go WAY overboard with cleaning. And two, I'm astounded that people have such trouble taking a 1911 down to the individual 1911 molecules and reassembling it.

I would like a hat like Bill has

Got a 1911 and have no idea how to take it apart like that...think I might have to Watch another video to get that part first.

Nice seeing both of you, Jesus, a 45, and we're out.

I live on the ocean - guns, cars, bicycles, tools, anything not coated in oil rust

Thank you for doing this!

I will own 1 of these when I have money to waste, that's how nice they are. In the meantime I'll buy an AR platform from yall.. because I need the Wilson brand in my home, and those prices are very reasonable.

I really enjoyed this video. More Bill, less Ken.

Great video guys. Thanks much for the efforts

Loved the video, lots of really good stuff here. But let me get this right, you DON'T run solvent down the barrel? No copper brush? No patches till it comes out clean?! Wow I like you even more now sir.