1911 Guide Rod

[smit308]

I have two 1911's, a Colt Competition Series Govt model and a Kimber Custom II. Both are in stainless. The Kimber has a full size guide rod and Colt has the short guide rod. My question: is there really any difference? I notice the Kimber with the full length rod is a bit easier to disassemble and reassemble. Both shoot and perform flawlessly. I'm wondering if I should put a full size in the colt or just leave well enough alone.

Thanks in advance,

Smit

[ArmyVet]

Full length guide rods are a solution in search of a problem. They add an unnecessary level of complexity to field stripping. The two piece full length guide rods are not to be trusted.

[knight0334]

The only 2 real benefits of a full length are:

1. It might help tighten up your group if you have a sloppy frame/slide combo.
2. It might help eliminate some recoil spring bind if you have one of those loosy-goosy long recoil springs.

A FL rod helped tighten my Norinco 1911, which helped with the group. It was a loose frame/slide fit, much like a worn-out WWI beater. lol

[mbinpa]

Supposedly a heavy full length guide rod will weigh down the muzzle and reduce muzzle rise during rapid fire. I have one on my bullseye gun and if there is a benefit, it is marginal. But every little bit helps.

[tallbump]

I just ordered a full length guide rod and lower power recoil spring for my GSG 1911/22. I was having issues with the slide not fully returning to battery as the next round wasn't fully seated in the chamber. Basically, the slide was trying to close before the round was far enough up into place, causing FTF. I also ordered more powerful mag springs.

We'll see what happens

[markshere2]

I just ordered a full length guide rod and lower power recoil spring for my GSG 1911/22. I was having issues with the slide not fully returning to battery as the next round wasn't fully seated in the chamber. Basically, the slide was trying to close before the round was far enough up into place, causing FTF. I also ordered more powerful mag springs.

We'll see what happens

Update us please

[Yoder]

Best thing you can do to make your 1911 more reliable is to sell it and buy something reliable.

[ArmyVet]

Best thing you can do to make your 1911 more reliable is to sell it and buy something reliable.

That all depends on who the manufacturer is...

[Brick]

I dislike guide rods and use the original guide and spring system.

[smit308]

Thanks for all the replies. As I stated above, both pistols run 100%. So, I probably just leave things as they are unless some problem pops up. Although the chances are slim for having problems, with the price and availability of ammo, they'll just be holding down the shelf in the safe for a while.

Smit