How do you field strip a 2011 pistol?

To field strip a 2011 pistol: Remove the magazine and lock the slide back. Verify the chamber is empty. Align the disassembly notch on the slide with the slide stop pin and remove the slide stop. Ease the slide forward off the frame. Remove the recoil spring assembly from the front of the slide. Tilt the barrel up at the rear and remove it from the slide.

Is a 2011 pistol harder to disassemble than a 1911?

No. The 2011 field strip procedure is identical to a standard 1911, same 5 steps, same tool-free process. The difference is the grip frame material and the double-stack magazine, neither of which affects disassembly.

Do you need tools to disassemble a 2011 pistol?

No tools are required for a standard field strip of a 2011 pistol. The slide stop pin is removed by hand. Full detail strip for internal components such as the trigger group and sear does require basic gunsmithing tools.

What is the difference between a field strip and a detail strip on a 2011?

A field strip removes the slide, barrel, and recoil spring for routine cleaning and is done without tools in 5 steps. A detail strip fully disassembles the frame internals including the trigger group, sear, disconnector, and grip module, and requires basic gunsmithing tools and experience.

Owner's Reference · June 2024

LPWS2011
Pistol Disassembly
Guide

June 20, 2024 · Government & Commander Models · Legion Precision Weapon Systems

Field stripping procedures differ between the Government and Commander models. Read the correct section for your platform before beginning. Always confirm the firearm is unloaded before proceeding.

Model A

Government Model

Uses a paperclip — 5″ barrel

Model B

Commander Model

No paperclip required — 4.25″ barrel

Model A — Government

Disassembly

Government Model Disassembly

Requires a paperclip · 5″ barrel

01
Ensure Safety
- Remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release button.
- Rack the slide fully rearward to confirm the chamber is empty — visually and physically verify.
- Engage the thumb safety by flipping it up to the safe position.
02
Field Strip Preparation
- Retract the slide slightly until the slide stop notch aligns with the slide stop lever.
- Insert a paperclip into the disassembly hole on the guide rod to lock the recoil spring in place before proceeding.
03
Remove Slide Stop
- Push the slide stop pin inward from the right side of the frame.
- Gently pull it out from the left side.
- Once removed, carefully release the slide forward off the frame rails.
04
Disassemble Slide Components
- Remove the recoil spring assembly by pulling it out from the rear of the slide.
- Take out the barrel by pushing it forward slightly, then lifting it clear of the slide.

Critical — Government Model

DO NOT REMOVE THE PAPERCLIP FROM THE GUIDE ROD ASSEMBLY UNTIL REASSEMBLING THE SLIDE — unless you specifically need to remove the guide rod spring. Removing it prematurely will release spring tension and complicate reassembly.

Model B — Commander

Disassembly

Commander Model Disassembly

No paperclip required · 4.25″ barrel

01
Ensure Safety
- Remove the magazine by pressing the magazine release button.
- Rack the slide fully rearward to confirm the chamber is empty — visually and physically verify.
- Engage the thumb safety by flipping it up to the safe position.
02
Field Strip Preparation
- Retract the slide slightly until the slide stop notch aligns with the slide stop lever.
03
Remove Slide Stop
- Push the slide stop pin inward from the right side of the frame.
- Gently pull it out from the left side.
- Once removed, carefully release the slide forward off the frame rails.
04
Disassemble Slide Components
- Depress the recoil spring plug at the front of the slide.
- Slowly release the recoil spring plug — control the spring to prevent it from flying free.
- Remove the recoil spring and guide rod from the slide.
- Take out the barrel by pushing it forward slightly, then lifting it clear of the slide.

Both Models

Reassembly

Reassembly Instructions

Applies to Government and Commander models

01
Reassemble Slide Components
- Insert the barrel into the slide.
- Reattach the recoil spring and guide rod. (Government model: remove paperclip at this step.)
02
Reattach Slide to Frame
- Align the slide with the frame rails and seat it firmly onto the frame.
- Insert the slide stop into the frame and through the barrel link, aligning it with the slide stop notch.
03
Final Steps
- Disengage the safety.
- Rack the slide several times to confirm proper alignment and function.
- Reinsert the magazine.

Final Step

Safety Check

Before loading and before any live fire, perform a full function check to confirm proper reassembly.

✓

Safety Engagement

Engage and disengage the thumb safety through its full range of motion. It should click positively into both positions with no slop.

✓

Trigger Function

With safety disengaged, confirm the trigger operates correctly — consistent pull, positive reset, no binding or unusual resistance.

Your LPWS2011 Is Ready

Your LPWS2011 is now field stripped and reassembled correctly. Always follow manufacturer safety guidelines when handling your firearm, and contact Legion Precision if you encounter anything unexpected during disassembly or reassembly.

Questions About Your Build?

If you run into anything unexpected during disassembly or need help with your LPWS2011, reach out directly — we actually answer.