The M1911 Complete Assembly Guide by Walt Kuleck

Lavishly illustrated, The M1911 Complete Assembly Guide is far more than a traditional “how-to” book. Based on the experiences of a diversified build team, the TIPS, TRICKS, and PITFALLS characteristic of Walt Kuleck’s previous Complete Assembly Guides are more wide-ranging and encompassing than ever. Coached by pistolsmith Drake Oldham, the author and two “advanced amateurs” show how to assemble and upgrade the M1911.

The alert reader will note that the author and two brothers add up to three, not four, builders. The team was rounded out by a friend of the author: police officer, trainer, and up-and-coming pistolsmith Drake Oldham. The author met Drake at Larry Vickers’ pistolsmith course; from that serendipity, a collegial relationship began to develop. Drake is what one might call a “practical perfectionist.” He understands the difference between perfection for performance, and perfection for its own sake. Drake recognizes that the “advanced novice” for whom this book is written needs to know why he or she is performing a process or executing a procedure, not merely how to do it.

As a bonus, the Guide includes the report on a series of Drop Tests performed by Drake’s Gun Works and the book team. The result of these tests shocked us; the new data from these tests is sure to rekindle the ongoing convtroversy about firing pin safeties.

The Assembly Guide goes far beyond the military manuals in both scope and depth. It’s a “must have” for every M1911 owner! The M1911 Complete Assembly Guide is 6″ x 9″, is Perfect bound with a laminated soft cover, and has 257 pages and over 400 photographs.