Post by Mles on Jan 17, 2009 14:52:46 GMT -5
I see many on the Michigan Airsoft Forum own Western Arms 1911's. Most of us can reach the conclusion that WA is a top-notch company, but still their pistols require careful maintenance and care. This thread's purpose is to correct and find problems with your WA 1911 magazine. This thread is specific to the full size 1911 magazine (not the commander model, but probably could apply there). Any additions/questions please pm me.
Just about a week ago my WA SW1911DK's magazine developed a small leak. I believe this was most likely due to the lack of proper magazine lubrication. So I dove right in and began to disassemble the magazine to find the source of the leak and fix it.
First let's list the specific parts of the WA magazine.
Part #57- This is a very important rubber piece, light lubrication needed
Part #48 & 49- Spring and feeding pin, lightly lube to keep bb's feeding correctly
Part #52-62- The Valve. This is very important to the function of the pistol, and is needed. Lightly lubricate. There are two separate o-rings that need to be replaced if you have a valve leak.
Part #56- The O-ring. This part is always the first to "go". It drys up when you improperly treat your gun. This will need to be cleaned regularly or replaced. This is the major source of leaks in your pistol. Check this part before anything else. Lubricate and keep it clean.
Part #41-44- The Valve stopper thing. This infamous part can make you feel like an idiot sometimes. This engages when the magazine has no gas in it. You will have to unengaged it every time you fill up or you'll have gas spraying everywhere.
Part #46- The fill valve mechanism. This is also very important. Does not require much maintenance but still a light spray of lubrication done the copper tubing and fill valve never hurts.
Part #57- Magazine bumper. Nothing to note here. Purely cosmetic and holds in the feeding spring. (Note some have a Wilson bumper, some don't, depends)
More parts to come.
Now down to maintenance and cleaning.
Things you need.
1. RC shock oil (10-20 wieght) or 100% Silicone Oil
2. Hex Screw Driver set
3. Normal Philips Screwdriver
Disassemble
Disassemble is fairly easy and should not be feared. Every airsofter should be able to do it.
First you want to set-up a white paper napkin so you don't lose anything particular.
1. Use your hex driver to unscrew the hex screw on the back of the valve stopper thing. Remove it and place it cleanly on the napkin.
2. Take out the rubber thing off the top of your WA magazine. Be careful not to tear or alter it (It shouldn't). Place it on the napkin. Slightly lube it upon reassembly.
3. Slide out the feeding lip (this can be replaced by an aftermarket metal one, which I highly suggest).
4. Unscrew the screws at the bottom of the magazine bumper. Slide out the spring and feeding pin. Neatly place them on the napkin.
5. Now you want to push out the 2 pins at the bottom of the magazine. If your magazine is a virgin, then it may require some force. Try not to break anything. After they are out place them neatly alongside the other parts, these are small be careful.
6. Slide out the fill valve mechanism, you are now ready to clean your magazine.
Here is how your magazine should look fully disassembled
Cleaning
1. Use Lubrication to lube your O-ring, or replace it all together.
2. Spray out the chamber of the magazine with duster gas. Remove anything that is not suppose to be there.
3. Spray a light mist of lube in the chamber.
4. Lubricate your valve and it's components.
5. Lubricate and clean your fill valve mechanism.
You now have a nice and clean WA 1911 magazine ready to rock and roll. Enjoy.
Important Note
Magazine lips! These things are a bitch, and a pure low quality mistake on WA's part. How to replace? First you have to buy an aftermarket one such as this, shop.ehobbyasia.com/guarder-mag-lips-wa-magazine.html . Now all you do is replace the broken plastic magazine lip with the brand new metal one. But now, you have to be extra careful, because if you drop the magazine and the new metal lip gets bent, you're screwed.
FAQ
My magazine is leaking from the valve, what should I do?
-You need to take out the valve (guide coming soon!) and replace/lube the o-rings. Check for other deformities, but I bet it's your dried up o-rings.
My magazine does not feed properly, how do I fix this?
-Lubricate your feeding spring is my first answer. If you have continued problems, whip out a dremel/sandpaper and go to work on the feeding lip to make your bb's feed more reliably (I have done this, PM me for more info/pics)
PM me for more questions to add!
Just about a week ago my WA SW1911DK's magazine developed a small leak. I believe this was most likely due to the lack of proper magazine lubrication. So I dove right in and began to disassemble the magazine to find the source of the leak and fix it.
First let's list the specific parts of the WA magazine.
Part #57- This is a very important rubber piece, light lubrication needed
Part #48 & 49- Spring and feeding pin, lightly lube to keep bb's feeding correctly
Part #52-62- The Valve. This is very important to the function of the pistol, and is needed. Lightly lubricate. There are two separate o-rings that need to be replaced if you have a valve leak.
Part #56- The O-ring. This part is always the first to "go". It drys up when you improperly treat your gun. This will need to be cleaned regularly or replaced. This is the major source of leaks in your pistol. Check this part before anything else. Lubricate and keep it clean.
Part #41-44- The Valve stopper thing. This infamous part can make you feel like an idiot sometimes. This engages when the magazine has no gas in it. You will have to unengaged it every time you fill up or you'll have gas spraying everywhere.
Part #46- The fill valve mechanism. This is also very important. Does not require much maintenance but still a light spray of lubrication done the copper tubing and fill valve never hurts.
Part #57- Magazine bumper. Nothing to note here. Purely cosmetic and holds in the feeding spring. (Note some have a Wilson bumper, some don't, depends)
More parts to come.
Now down to maintenance and cleaning.
Things you need.
1. RC shock oil (10-20 wieght) or 100% Silicone Oil
2. Hex Screw Driver set
3. Normal Philips Screwdriver
Disassemble
Disassemble is fairly easy and should not be feared. Every airsofter should be able to do it.
First you want to set-up a white paper napkin so you don't lose anything particular.
1. Use your hex driver to unscrew the hex screw on the back of the valve stopper thing. Remove it and place it cleanly on the napkin.
2. Take out the rubber thing off the top of your WA magazine. Be careful not to tear or alter it (It shouldn't). Place it on the napkin. Slightly lube it upon reassembly.
3. Slide out the feeding lip (this can be replaced by an aftermarket metal one, which I highly suggest).
4. Unscrew the screws at the bottom of the magazine bumper. Slide out the spring and feeding pin. Neatly place them on the napkin.
5. Now you want to push out the 2 pins at the bottom of the magazine. If your magazine is a virgin, then it may require some force. Try not to break anything. After they are out place them neatly alongside the other parts, these are small be careful.
6. Slide out the fill valve mechanism, you are now ready to clean your magazine.
Here is how your magazine should look fully disassembled
Cleaning
1. Use Lubrication to lube your O-ring, or replace it all together.
2. Spray out the chamber of the magazine with duster gas. Remove anything that is not suppose to be there.
3. Spray a light mist of lube in the chamber.
4. Lubricate your valve and it's components.
5. Lubricate and clean your fill valve mechanism.
You now have a nice and clean WA 1911 magazine ready to rock and roll. Enjoy.
Important Note
Magazine lips! These things are a bitch, and a pure low quality mistake on WA's part. How to replace? First you have to buy an aftermarket one such as this, shop.ehobbyasia.com/guarder-mag-lips-wa-magazine.html . Now all you do is replace the broken plastic magazine lip with the brand new metal one. But now, you have to be extra careful, because if you drop the magazine and the new metal lip gets bent, you're screwed.
FAQ
My magazine is leaking from the valve, what should I do?
-You need to take out the valve (guide coming soon!) and replace/lube the o-rings. Check for other deformities, but I bet it's your dried up o-rings.
My magazine does not feed properly, how do I fix this?
-Lubricate your feeding spring is my first answer. If you have continued problems, whip out a dremel/sandpaper and go to work on the feeding lip to make your bb's feed more reliably (I have done this, PM me for more info/pics)
PM me for more questions to add!