KWC blowback pistol field strip.

[river drifter]

I bought 2 KWC 1911 blowback co2 pistols recently. One is a Tanfoglio Witness and the other is a Sig Sauer Emperor Scorpion.

I field stripped both for the first time, and had a heck of a time getting them back together. Is there a trick, or am I missing something? The slide came off super easy, but putting it back on they both had the same problem. It seems like the barrel doesn’t line up quite right with the blowback mechanism (where the butterfly valve is). So the internal portion of the slide, where the slide lock pin passes through, won’t slide back far enough to line up with the frame hole. I futzed with both of them for quite awhile and eventually it went back together perfectly. I’m not sure what changed to make it work.

I’ve watched a bunch of YouTube videos on field stripping these pistols, and haven’t seen any indication of this problem. Thanks for any help or info!

[river drifter]

Thought I had this question answered, but that’s not the case. It does seem to be getting easier to do though, maybe it just needs “broken in” more?

[JuryRigger]

I quite literally just field-stripped and cleaned my Tanfoglio Witness about an hour ago myself; yes it is a bit fiddly-the rear of the barrel/barrel housing is a pretty close fit in the breech block-just needs a bit of wiggling as you work it into place...
Did you put in the barrel bushing before you tried to put the slide back on?... The spring tension should help it get back where it belongs...
Jesse

[JuryRigger]

When I have more time, I'll see if I can't get together some pics of how I did it...
Jesse

[river drifter]

Jesse- Thanks! That would be great. I’m not sure if I’m just missing something simple, or what.

[JuryRigger]

Will do, I *think* I might know where your trouble is-did you just slide the slide off, or did you take the upper completely down?...
About time for me to hit the sack, will try and get some photos up tomorrow...
Jesse

[river drifter]

Good morning and happy new year!

I took the upper completely down on both guns, and had the same problem putting both back together. Eventually I did get them back together, after much fidgeting to get the slide lock pin to line up. It just seems so much quicker, simpler, and less fidgety in all the videos I’ve watched.

[JuryRigger]

Morning and Happy New Year yourself 
Pics incoming! 
Short version-I think I steered you backwards-leave the barrel bushing OUT before you try to put the slide back on, see if that helps... 

I start by taking it out:

Then I hook my thumb into the front of the trigger guard, like so-and line up the disassembly notch/remove the pin:

Slide comes off:

Take out the main recoil spring, guide, and plunger:

Slide the barrel assembly out the front of the slide, and you're completely disassembled:


Going back together, it's basically reverse-order, so didn't take too many pics-
Put the barrel back into the slide, and reinstall the plunger, recoil spring, and guide rod-I *think* not putting the barrel bushing back in yet is the key, but not sure...
Slide it back on with the thumb hooked in the trigger guard-gives you a bit more control-c0ck the hammer first, makes it easier...
For me, the holes pretty well line right up-sometimes I have to move the slide a bit further back to get the pin started, but that's all...

Soooo cool 

Incidentally-the mags do happen to fit in USGI .45 mag pouches... (They also  fit my Leatherman Super Tool 300 and (with a little modding) my Fenix PD32 in one-you didn't think I got it just for the mags did ya LOL?...)
I hope this is of some help to you,
Jesse

[river drifter]

Jesse- Thanks so much for posting those photos! They are very clear and helpful.

Unfortunately, whether the barrel bushing is in or out doesn’t seem make any difference for me. I did try several times this morning and it seems to be getting easier to get the pin back in. Your tip of going a little further back first does seem to help. Maybe it’s also loosened up a bit the more I do it, I’m not sure.

[JuryRigger]

No problem! Glad to be of help 
Nice thing is, they don't need nearly so much cleaning as the real thing; I'm more concerned about wear on the moving parts, so trying to keep it well-lubricated, without getting too much gunk in the oil...
Happy Shooting!
Jesse