The Range Reviews: AGI Armorer's Course Colt 1911

© 2009 Albert A Rasch
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AGI Technical Manual & Armorer's Course Colt 1911 45 Auto Pistols DVD

The truth is that I have a 1911 and the best I could do to it was field strip it.

But that has changed now. I recently received American Gunsmith Institute's Technical Manual & Armorer's Course for the Colt 1911 45 Auto Pistols.

Once again, Robert Dunlop and AGI have created a step by step DVD that takes you through the complete disassembly and assembly of any 1911 or clone. Most people work much better with a real time demonstration, rather than with a written description. As good as my tutorials are, a video is much better!

Robert Dunlop begins the program with an overview of the various modern Colt pistols: full size, Commander and Officers models, as well as the Double Eagle double action. Dunlap touches momentarily on guns of other manufacture, but mentions only Para Ordinance by name. Considering that clones are clones, and only the materials and fit and finish differ, I don't think that matters much.

The first chapter is a well executed detailed demo of the operation of the 1911 pistol. Utilizing a good cutaway gun, Bob shows each part in proper context and relationship and how they interact in operation. This was an eye opener and very useful because it made it easy to understand how everything interacted while in action. Bob also offers several gunsmithing and tuning tips right from the beginning.

The section of field and full disassembly does a very good job of noting differences between series 70 and 80 guns and how each one should be handled. The visual detail of the disassembly and assembly is excellent. It is clear and there is more than enough detail to keep the most prone to nervousness, worry free! Bob once again shows AGI's own non-toxic cleaning method. I know I promised to show you all, and as soon as I can get the components I will!

As I mentioned earlier, a technical manual offers the same explanation and instructions, but it is much easier to understand while watching the procedure on DVD with an explanation by someone who knows what he is doing.

The trouble shooting and maintenance section is again, very good with all the checks for barrel, extractor, firing pin, the trigger, and many other points. Bob even covers the magazine, an often overlooked source of troubles.

AGI has their Bulletproof Guarantee:

All of AGI's courses are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied with any AGI video or product purchased directly from AGI, you may return it up to 90 days from the purchase date for a full refund (less shipping). The only question we will ask is "How did we fail you?"

How can you beat that?

I was once again pretty impressed with AGI's Technical Manual & Armorer's Course for the Colt 1911, I learned quite a bit, to the point were I feel confident that I could take a box of parts, and put together a fully functional 1911.

My only complaint is that the DVD is a bit dated. I think it is time to re-shoot it with the latest offerings from the clone manufacturers, and the newest accessories. This doesn't take away from the mission that AGI's Technical Manual & Armorer's Course for the Colt 1911 fills, it's just that I would like to see a new and updated version.

I would rate this course a solid, definite buy for any 1911 owner.

And remember, it's made right here in the
United States of America!

We have also reviewed the AGI Armorer's Course for the AR15 at
The Range Reviews: Tactical - AGI Armorer's Course for the AR15,
and at The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles - AGI Armorer's Course for the AR15

AGI
AGI Technical Manual and Armorer's Course Colt 1911
MSRP: $39.95