Boing! Lesson learned.

[Questor]

I took my bullseye 1911-A1 down yesterday for a thorough cleaning and lubrication and, by golly, I lost my first gun part. I lost one of the plunger pins for the safety plunger.  This is no big deal. It's a cheap and readily available part. But I learned a lesson.

I have done this customarily as part of every complete disassembly and, on reflection, I find no reason to ever remove that assembly again. At least not in a gun that lives either in a gun box, a safe, or my hand all the time, and sees no dirty service.  

I think just a shot of gun scrubber followed by a little oil is enough.  

The mainspring  housing is another matter. I think an occasional cleaning and lubrication is a good idea.

Both of these assemblies are easy to deal with, but do take some time.  In the case of the plunger springs, I don't thing disassembly is good for those small parts.

[jhm]

Questor :  I have found the magnetic signs that stick to car doors make great disasembly pads you know the refrigerator magnetic type lay a thin cloth pad over it and presto no lost small parts (you can get all you need at the local real estate store cars are loaded with them FREE if you hurry )  :-D  :-D      JIM

[BamBams]

Now why the heck didn't I ever think of that?  Dang good idea.

[Iowegan]

BamBams, If your spring is shaped properly, the two plungers and the spring all come out as a unit. Additionally, there should be a little kink in the center of the spring for intentional friction so the thing won't launch when you take off the thumb safety.

[williamlayton]

The magnetic signs are a good idea---stay away from mine. :roll:  
Blessings