Welcome to the forums.
After clearing the pistol, cock the hammer. Makes it somewhat easier. Have you tried gripping the slide with your left hand, after pulling it back? I'm not explaining the process very well. Maybe someone can post a picture. I'll try to in a minute.

 

 

I watched some videos and tried that, but my thumb does t work well enough to get a good grip on it. I can hold it for a couple of seconds but that’s about it.

 

I see. If it's lined up right, a second should be long enough to push the "pin" out. I'm assuming that refers to the slide stop. However, me being far from anything expert like, I can't imagine a wood wedge doing any damage. As long as no splinters get into the works.
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

 

your doing it wrong, there is already an 'idiot' scratch on the frame.

You cock, push slide back a little, push spring plug in a little, turn bushing to the right, release plug, release tension, move slide back to notch, remove slide stop etc. Assemble the same way again backwards. That's how it's done.

 

Maybe I'm missing something, I've heard people talk about removing the slide without removing the recoil spring first. I don't understand what that gets you?

Like you say, cock the hammer, you can set the thumb safety to hold the slide in place as you remove the recoil spring, take the safety off, and push the slide back and line it up for the slide stop relief and remove the slide stop.

 

lol yep. I assumed (I know), the OP knew there's more than one way to skin a cat. Taking the tension off the slide first would probably be best.

 

If I correctly understand your problem, I think an Ultra tool will make it possible to quickly and easily field strip your Defender.
I have two, one each for my 3” and 4” Kimbers. Though different in appearance, they function the same way.
With an empty pistol, and an empty magazine inserted, lock the slide back. Put the tool on the guide rod.
Remove the mag and center the take down notch over the slide lock. Push down on the slide lock, and lift it out of the pistol. With no recoil spring tension on the slide it, is easy to move it forward so the slide lock is centered in the take down notch.
Reassembly is just as easy, and with no spring pressure on the slide, it’s easy to push the slide lock home with no chance of an idiot scratch. I HAVE NO INTEREST IN ULTRA TOOL.

3

Custom fit and universal fit take down tools for Colt's 1911 3 inch barrel platform. Defender and New Agent models

www.1911ultratool.com

 

If I correctly understand your problem, I think an Ultra tool will make it possible to quickly and easily field strip your Defender.
I have two, one each for my 3” and 4” Kimbers. Though different in appearance, they function the same way.
With an empty pistol, and an empty magazine inserted, lock the slide back. Put the tool on the guide rod.
Remove the mag and center the take down notch over the slide lock. Push down on the slide lock, and lift it out of the pistol. With no recoil spring tension on the slide it, is easy to move it forward so the slide lock is centered in the take down notch.
Reassembly is just as easy, and with no spring pressure on the slide, it’s easy to push the slide lock home with no chance of an idiot scratch. I HAVE NO INTEREST IN ULTRA TOOL.

3

Custom fit and universal fit take down tools for Colt's 1911 3 inch barrel platform. Defender and New Agent models

www.1911ultratool.com

I’ll give that a try. The problem that I’m having is holding tension with my right hand while I remove the slide stop. I’m basically using four fingers to hold the slide and it’s just not working very well because my thumb doesn’t have the strength that it used to have. Thank you.

 

Can you switch hands and use the weaker hand to remove the slide stop?
May have to experiment with a different position of the gun.
Joe

 

Buy the tool, its great

 

Musicman, don’t take a chance on hurting yourself or your other hand. This link may help you and the tool suggested above is good too.
Ultra tool link:

3

Custom fit and universal fit take down tools for Colt's 1911 3 inch barrel platform. Defender and New Agent models

www.1911ultratool.com

Don’t know if you have seen this video but it shows one handed disassembly:

Here is a general cleaning and disassembly link:

How to Disassemble a 1911 and Clean It – Gun News Daily

gunnewsdaily.com

Pictorial guide here:

1911 Disassembly

Good Luck!