So I'm thinking about getting a 1911, but know almost nothing about them other than they were the standard issue sidearm of the American military for umpteen years.  But I want to make sure it's something I actually want to have before I commit rather than get one, use it, and find out that it's not what I want at all.

Question one: When I chamber a round and then put the pistol in the hammer down position, can I fire the pistol from the hammer down position by using a stronger trigger pull?  I already own a Ruger P95 and that's how that pistol works.  

Question two: While I'm talking about decocking and placing the pistol in the hammer down position, how does one perform that operation on a 1911?

Question three: Field stripping.  ON my P95, the remove the slide from the frame, I must pull the slide back slightly and pop out the slide release lever and slide the slide forward and off the frame.  Does it work the same way on the 1911?

Question four: does the 1911 have an external safety switch that toggles between safety on and safety off?

Thanks in advance

1: no, the 1911 is a single action automatic. With the hammer down the first shot will have to have the hammer pulled back. Google half cock, and single/double action for more info

2: hold the hammer with your off hand, gently pull then release the  trigger and softly bring the hammer down, it's very safe assuming you do it correctly and does not take long to get the hang of

3: there is a slide release takedown just like you described, but also in most cases a barrel bushing, you should YouTube this one. But it's not difficult at all

4: yes, there is an external safety , again some YouTube action and you'll be very familiar very quickly


And congratulations on your choice. The 1911 has a trigger system that is literally second to none, after 100 years of service they are still one of the slimmest and graceful designs out there. John browning was so far ahead of his time that easily 80% of firearms emulate the 1911's function in one way or another.

It's no novelty or old time relic, the 1911 is bar none one of the fastest shooting, ergonomic, and capable platforms out there. I think everyone should own one. You'll quickly find that many nay Sayers have never shot or handled one by the way they talk.

Enjoy

1. No, a 1911 is a SAO pistol.  If the hammer is not cocked it won't fire.

2.  I always place my thumb on the hammer, pull the trigger and guide it back to the uncocked position slowly and carefully.

3.  Yes

4.  Yes

 

This is the best and correct answer.  Although it is certainly possible to lower the hammer on a loaded chamber it is a piss poor idea and is unsafe.  The 1911 is designed to be carried as stated above, loaded chamber, hammer cocked and thumb safety engaged.  

You really don't understand this but you have found a great way to fuck up your sear engagement surface.  

1911s are meant to be carried Condition 1. There's no reason to decock them with a round in the chamber. You can't fire them without cocking the hammer and you will eventually pop one off by accident (thus the sand bucket).

Riding the hammer forward on a chambered round cannot be performed safely.

It's disturbing to see people advocating such an action.

Even forgetting how inherently dangerous it is, why would you do it?  

OP: Either carry it with a magazine inserted, but no round chambered, or learn about carrying it loaded, cocked, and safety on.  Those are your only two options.

THIS.