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Full length guide rods in 1911 pistols

CS8161
I have heard many pros and cons about guide rods. Some people say that if John Browning thought there was a need for a recoil spring guide rod, he would have designed it that way. Do they really make a difference?

Chris8161
Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof!
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Comments

10 comments

Date Votes
  • Xracer
    No.
    0
  • Nighthawk
    I thikk it helps us shoot better,and relieves stress from the gun.


    Best!!

    Rugster


    Toujours Pret
    0
  • mballai
    There are two very vocal camps on the subject. A lot of people just don't like them (anything different on the sacred 1911 is near blasphemous) but some feel that it affects point of aim, makes it difficult to assemble, or the like.

    OTOH it does add stability, relieves some stress on the gun and some of us think it looks cool. In practice, it really isn't hard to assemble (you do have to think about it the first few times), doesn't seem to affect my accuracy, and any 1911 looks cool to my eyes. If you like to shoot a lot, I think it's worthwhile, but it's certainly not a must have item.

    Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead
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  • leeblackman
    I have a couple with and a couple without. I don't really notice any difference, they all go bang. It doesn't appear to increase accuracy any that I notice, if it does do anything great, to me its just another bell and whistle that might not be needed but sure makes it look like a more custom gun.

    If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.

    The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !
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  • Rocklobster
    I don't think they help accuracy any. If they do anything, they help reliability and, maybe, consistent lockup.
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  • rsnyder55
    If they contribute to a consistant lockup, wouldn't that imply better accuracy?
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  • Rocklobster
    More consistent grouping, maybe.
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  • v35
    Gilding the lilly.
    I cant see it aligning the slide, since the guide rod rear isn't anchored to the frame. As to improving lockup - how? I never heard of any lockup problems or any limpwrist problems with the 1911.
    The slide spring shape may be a little better preserved with a full length guide rod but since slide springs hold up well,I question the FL guides' value.
    The 1911 has earned its' 90 year reputation without it.
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  • rpo242
    When John Browning designed the 1911 for the military, it was designed to be able to be charged with one hand by pushing down on the open holster side. This cannot be done with an extended spring guide rod.
    As to use, some shooters say they cut down on muzzle flip.
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  • lokdok1
    Hello there rpo242!

    I've installed a guide rod on one of my 1911 with the idea in mind to relieve stress on the spring. I didn't notice any reduction in recoil or flip.
    Bartman
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