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The M1911 is a simple beast as semi-auto pistols go. The Army issued a simple L-shaped tool that was a screwdriver for the grip screws and magazine catch screw, and a pin punch. That tool is still made (Brownell’s has them) or they can be bought from military surplus parts dealers (Numrich, Sarco, etc.).

Trivia. I was supposed to stand the 0000-0400 quarterdeck watch on our ship while we were anchored off Vung Tau in Viet Nam (1969). I came up to relieve the watch 10 minutes early and he looked worried.

Watch: “Do you know how to put a .45 back together?”
Me: “Yes, why?”
Watch: “No, I mean really put one back together?”
Me: “What did you do?”
Watch: “This.” He took me into the telephone booth sized compartment where the log book was and opened the drawer of the podium. Inside was a .45 completely disassembled. The only parts remaining in the frame were the trigger and magazine catch — everything else was in the drawer.
Me: “OK. I can put it back together for you. Remember, though, you're going to owe me for this.”
Watch: “Yes, I know, Gunner. Thanks.” And we changed the watch, he signed out and I signed in.

It took me about a half hour to coral, inventory, and assemble the quarterdeck's M1911A1. I checked the safety devices for operation — thumb safety, half cock, grip safety, disconnector safety — everything functioned as designed. I inserted the loaded magazine, holstered the pistol, and went on to a boring 3.5 hour quarterdeck watch.