1911.....made a rookie mistake.

[SoonerP226]

I can't say I've ever lost a part of a 1911, but I did lose a spring out of a Beretta 92FS--not a big spring, but one of the little ones, like the one that pushes the slide catch down or holds the trigger bar up. After searching that dang shag carpet for what seemed like forever, I finally gave up and ordered a spring kit from Midway.

Not an hour after the charge went through, I found that damn spring, so I still have a complete Wolff (IIRC) spring kit for a Beretta 92 sitting in my safe...

 

[okierider]

Little metal plate that holds the hammer spring on a Taurus revolver took flight while replacing all the springs. Pulled out everything swept every where went through every thing, nada. So I start forming one and had it about 2/3rds done , granddaughter comes over so I get up to put a couple pistols in the safe and she walks over to my chair picks it up and hands it to me!!! Got an extremely clean floor out of the deal and an extra plate as well.

 

[HFS]

When I saw rookie mistake with a 1911, I thought of the "idiot mark" from putting the slide stop back in.
I've somehow never done that myself, but I can tell you the clear plastic bag trick does work.
And that's all I have to say about that.

 

[beardking]

This is a tale of complete stupidity. I was cleaning my new to me Caspian 10mm. I was working on removing the recoil spring plug and had the barrel facing me. I didn't expect the strength of that recoil spring and the second I twisted the barrel bushing far enough out of the way, the plug was on the loose. Unfortunately for me, my forehead was directly in it's flight path. Left one h&ll of a bump/bruise on my forehead and and even larger bruise on my ego.

 

[HiredHand]

I was taught to remove the slide from the frame and grip the recoil spring/recoil guide while separating the slide and frame. You don’t end of chasing recoil plugs when you do it that way.

 

[JD8]

Helpful hint- Get a clear bag from the dry cleaners. Work inside of the bag. Jus' sayin"......

I've done this with AR lower builds before I bought the pin tool. Would have a trash bag half draped over me.

 

[bigchuck83]

You aren't alone in having that happen. I think the Cylinder and Slide Recoil spring plug that is made to help prevent this is a good idea, I may order one from Midway since it is only a $10 part. Myself i mainly have the problem of loosing small parts for my ar-15.

 

[Boldkharma]

I was taught to remove the slide from the frame and grip the recoil spring/recoil guide while separating the slide and frame. You don’t end of chasing recoil plugs when you do it that way.

The only way to do it on a tight ass pistol like my Baer

 

[John6185]

Losing a spring on a dark wooden floor is a royal pain to find, I've done it and next time I'll get a clear plastic bag.

 

[dennishoddy]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Hillman-Magnetic-Power-Pick/3363970

If you work on your guns, this is a must have for flying springs/parts. Also does a great job at picking up shotshell hulls at the trap/skeet range when cleaning up.