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Introduction

During the years I was Gunsmithing Editor for two monthly magazines, one of the most frequently asked questions by readers was, “How do I take it apart?” When the limited space of column answer permitted, I gave the routine takedown steps.

In many cases, I had to tell the readers that nothing had been published on his particular piece. Occasionally, I recommended that the reader try to obtain an instruction booklet from the manufacturer or importer, but this was not always the best answer. In the case of some imported guns, the direct-translation was somewhat humorous to read, or was of little help in actual disassembly and reassembly. In the case of guns no longer made, the instruction sheets are often valuable collector items and are not readily obtainable.

Obviously, something was needed in this area—a book that would cover takedown and reassembly of most of the modern guns, a number of older ones, and some of the tricky aspects of the more well-known pieces. This is the idea behind the book you have in your hands. In other volumes in this series, revolvers, rifles and shotguns are also covered.

In the area of reassembly, many of the published instructions end with the words, “Reassemble in reverse order.” In most cases, this may be the only instruction needed and nothing more will be said here. In others, though, this procedure is insufficient. In this book, reassembly directions will seldom be reduced to a single line in order to avoid an embarrassing trip to the gunsmith carrying a box full of parts. I am confident that the reassembly tips given are clear enough to permit the easy reassembly of all the guns covered. The tips do not include each and every step along the way—only the more complicated ones. You shouldn’t have any trouble.

There are elements in total takedown that require, in many cases, the special tools and skills of the gunsmith. The very knowledgeable amateur may be able to detail-strip certain guns to the last pin, spring and screw, but some mechanical aptitude is necessary. This book is designed for both the average gun person and the professional. While it covers routine field-stripping, it also covers complete takedown and reassembly.

For simple takedown, the tools needed will seldom be more than screwdrivers of the proper size. Complete takedown will often require several tools, some of which are not available at the corner hardware store. For this reason, I am including a section on tools, as well as a list of sources for some of the specialized items.

There are a few general rules to be observed in the takedown of any gun. An occasional rap with a plastic mallet may be necessary to free a tight assembly, but for the most part, no force should be used. Never pry; always wear safety glasses as compressed springs can be dangerous. Never take a gun down outdoors, over tall grass, or indoors over a shag carpet. Read the instructions through, at least once, before you begin.

I assume a certain basic intelligence in the reader, and will not start each set of takedown directions with the repeated advice that the gun must be entirely unloaded. Before you start the takedown of any gun make a thorough visual check to be sure it’s empty. Check all chambers in a revolver, and the magazine and chamber in an automatic pistol to be sure they are empty. In this area, any mistakes could be very hazardous to your health, so be certain.

An important addition to the back of this book is a comprehensive index and cross-reference list, linking all of the pistols covered here to guns of similar or identical pattern. When these are included in the count, the instructions in this book can be used for the takedown and reassembly of 346 some pistols.

Small mechanical variations are noted on the data page for each pistol, in cases that would cause no takedown or reassembly difficulty. If the difference involves a more complicated procedure, then a separate sequence of photos and instructions is included.

An excellent companion to this book are the GUN DIGEST® BOOK OF EXPLODED GUN DRAWINGS, available from Krause Publications. This hefty book clearly shows parts relationships as well as factory part numbers for nearly 1,000 modern and collector’s handguns and long guns.

J.B. Wood

Raintree House

Corydon, Kentucky

September, 2007