The two specialty tools used for the 1911 I have chosen for this week’s discussion are the 1911 bench block and the lug fitting kit. While there are other bench blocks on the market advertised as universal, the one specifically designed for work on the 1911 has functions and features only meant for the 1911 platform. An example of this is the groove cut into the block specifically for use with the barrel and lug allowing easy removal and replacement of the pin that connects them.
Regarding the 1911 bench block and its use, you could probably manage the work without one but using one ensures ease of operation and you are less likely to damage any parts. This tool may require some special understanding to use it but nothing the user’s manual cannot explain. For example, if you did not know that this cut was for the slide and that cut was for just the barrel, you may use it incorrectly and this may cause damage to the firearm and its parts. As far as engineering goes, I believe it depends on the brand you purchase. One may be well made and exhibit all the needed features while others may be cheap and be missing important functions. Buy cheap and you will buy twice so look into a durable option with relevant features.
Talking about the lug fitting kit now, other traditional tools could be used to get the fitment correct but using the lug fitting tool kit makes the process easier and guarantees a more precise fit than the guess work that would happen using other tools. This tool is used to get a good fit between the barrels foot and its lug to the shaft of the slide stop. Having a general understanding of how this tool is used will help you from damaging the parts of your 1911 by overworking the components and creating a loose fit that may cause malfunction. Depending on the brand of lug fitting kit you purchase it may be cheap and only work a few times before it is so worn you are no longer getting a precise fit. Buy a durable well engineered fitting kit and it should last you a long time.
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