Smith and Wesson

AMT .380 Backup Single Action disassembly and cleaning.

[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)[[User:WHG|WHG]] 17:16, 17 Feb 2009 (UTC)

(This is to be done with the gun unloaded and the clip removed).

1. Using an 1/8-inch pin punch drive out the pin that goes through the bolt to hold the bolt in place driving it from left to right. To do this place the pistol on it's right side on two pieces of wood leaving a gap where the pin will move when you drive it out

2. Once the pin is out, place a small object(like a pen) under and up the rear bottom part of the slide after pulling the slide back. This is to keep the slide from pushing the bolt against the barrel so you'll be able to knock the bolt out. 3. With the gun upside down, place a dowel rod or similar object(as long as it's softer than steel) down through the magazine(where the clip goes) and against the bottom of the bolt. You'll see two "rails' that hold the round down. If you hit that with the dowel rod the bolt will move out. It may take some force if the pistol has not been taken apart in a while.

4. Once the bolt is out, you should be able to move the slide forward to the point where it lifts off the frame. You may need to hold down the hammer if it sticks up and stops the frame from moving by pushing it down with the pin punch until the slide moves past it. If the hammer is not cocked the slide should lift off the frame OK.

5. The pistol is apart enough for a good general cleaning but to be thorough, remove the grips, keeping an eye on the few small parts and noting how it goes together.

6. Now you can clean the barrel and firing chamber with a brass barrel brush with CLP(Cleaner, Lubricant, Protectant like Brake-Free). Very important to get that clean for good feeding and barrel life. After cleaning, leave the barrel bone dry to keep any oil from attracting dust. Also be sure to clean the feed ramp(see pic below) until it shines. Be also sure to clean the bolt where the back of the round seats(see pic below). Dirt there will not allow the round to sit where the firing will hit it properly and result in poor reliability.

7. Spray the pistol with CLP and let it sit for a while to loosen crud. Then wipe away the CLP with clean rags or paper towels until the gun is clean. Take your time and clean all you can as best you can. Use Q-tips if needed. Clean up inside the magazine, slide, frame, slide spring, slide rod and the clips if they need it.

-(Optional as routine)-Removing and cleaning the firing pin, its spring, the extractor, its pin and spring(it's very small so keep an eye on it) should be done from time to time(you will need a 1/16 inch Allen key/wrench for the grip screws). I don't notice dirt gather there very quickly. I do it about every 150-200 rounds if nothing else to inspect those parts). This is done by driving out the pin that goes through the bolt and extractor and all will come up and you can then remove the extractor, its spring, the firing pin its spring and clean and inspect. If the firing pin spring is broke it will hurt the extractor from working right. The firing pin being held back has a groove that gives the extractor more force down on the rim of the case. Just make sure all are in good shape and clean inside the bolt since you have it apart if you do this step.

Note: The trigger disconnecter has a notch which the small spring mounted on the frame must rest in. Make sure it goes back up in(on the underside of the disconnector)for proper functioning of the trigger mechanism. Also the pin that goes through the ejector(to hold it in place) and frame can easily come out with the pistol apart. So watch it, it's small and hard to find it it falls out.

8. If the pistol has any corrosion I recommend using "NEVR-DULL" to polish it. Rub away the polish to remove its residue. Don't polish the side of the slides very much if at all. You can damage to etching the factory put on the side of the slide.

9.Once all is clean, remove any residual CLP you're ready to reassemble.

10. Put back the rod in the slide spring and put the slide back in it's tracks on the frame and slide it backward.

11. With something up under the rear of the frame to hold the slide back, place the bolt over the frame above it slot, making sure the back of the firing pin doesn't hang on the frame and drive it back in place with a cloth over it with a small hammer to prevent marring. Sometimes you can drive it back it with your fist with a rag over it. Then drive the pin back through the slide and bolt(from left to right) leaving an equal amount of recess on each side once in and you're done.