1911 full length guide rod advantage. Pro-Series, Full length, 2-piece, Commander size.
1911 full length guide rod advantage. Other than that, it serves no purpose except to relieve you of your money. Precision CNC machined from stainless steel and Black Shield Melonite finished. For 5 and 6 inch 1911 pistols firing full power 230 grain ball ammo, 18. Feb 16, 2024 · I know there are tons of opinions on this, looking to hear some more. I’ve looked at 10-8, Wilson Combat Bullet Proof, & Nighthawk. Does anybody have any pros or cons for the change? Also, where can I buy the standard guide rod and plug? Thanks 1911 Guide Rods: Full Length vs. 95 Select options Recoil Spring Plug $ 9. 75" long, and was the only type generally available for many, many years. All seem to have a beveled head to protect the lower lugs, and the Apr 30, 2025 · Are special guide rods desirable just to simplify take down? Or is it because users prefer to run a full length guide rod? Both? I've used full length guide rods, but never discovered any accuracy or reliability advantage with them. 1K views 31 replies 23 participants last post by Bondage007 Jul 20, 2023 Oct 8, 2021 · Any advantages or disadvantages of a gi guide rod in a 1911? Because of thumb problems, I have some difficulties with reassembling my 1911, and wondered if a short guide rod might make things easier. Jul 9, 2010 · Why don't any of the sig 1911's come with full length guide rods? Are they available for Sig 1911's? Feb 11, 2009 · More and more "experts" seem to be going away from the full-length and returning to the standard short guide rod (also called the "GI" guide rod because it is the original length for the 1911) supposedly tests conducted don't show it increases reliability or accuracy and it complicate the take-down process (especially for military/field arms). I have a Colt 1911 SS Government and it is equipped w/ the GI Nov 27, 2006 · What is the purpose of a full-length guide rod? 1. Dec 28, 2011 · It seems to run in cycles. Enhance your pistol's performance. The original 1911 design included what has come to be known as the "GI guide rod" which is 1. Is there any real advantage to it? Bill Oct 5, 2025 · I have a couple RIA 5" models with one piece full length guide rods. Full Length Guide Rod? I have no idea what these 3 types are or any advantages/disadvantages of them. I use a one piece full-length tungsten guide rod in each of my 1911's. if your using a standard 1911 A1, i say keep with the standard GI rod and plug. Not only does it offer an easy assembly and disassembly process, but also provides an improved slide-to-frame fit for ageing 1911 handguns. I am already thinking about my next 1911. 95 Select options Guide Rod Plug $ 9. It's almost like, if you don't know what you're doing, it's even more important to look cool. May 14, 2020 · I like the fact that I have a full length stainless guide rod, but I don't know why other than that it looks nice. 11th December 2006,16:19 #2 Hawkmoon Co-Admin Mentor Moderator of the Year 2007 Join Date 2nd June 2004 Location Terra Posts 22,310 Posts liked by others 909 Feb 16, 2009 · Full length guide rod. I have the mil-spec in the Rem. Feb 16, 2022 · Two piece full length guide rods are notorious for coming apart. The advertisements say something about the spring getting tangled and that's why to get a full length guide rod. Please explain why you feel the way you do, pros and cons thanks. s. The advantage to the two-piece rod is that after using an allen wrench to What advantage does a full length guide rod have in a 1911? My new RIA Tactical does not have one so I'm curious as to any advantages it might offer. 2. Mar 8, 2014 · Its time to do some spring replacements & I've started thinking about some upgrades to my Springfield GI 1911 A1. Oct 18, 2011 · I have been shooting a 1911 for many, many moons now and have a newbie question: What is the advantage of a full length guide rod? Jan 24, 2006 · Full-length vs. Guide Rods | Recoil Spring Guides | Plugs Flat Wire Recoil Spring Guide $ 19. Use this Link to save $10 off the normal NRA Member ship Fee of $35. Jan 14, 2021 · That's basically a GI 45 model 1911A1, it never needed a full length guide rod in 73 years of military service with MILLIONS of 1911A1 pistols. 8K Nighthawk Custom’s FM Series one-piece guide rods are Fully Machined™ from a premium-grade 416 stainless steel billet, creating the finest 1911 parts on the market. One that I've been kicking around for a while is going to a full length guide rod. Oct 5, 2024 · Whats your opinion of enhancing with a one piece guide rod? Do you think there's any advantage other then possible said coil binding? I'm thinking if there was the higher end pistols would have come with one. Mar 28, 2008 · If I'm going to have a full-length rod, and the assembly can't be pulled out, intact, through the rear of the slide, I prefer a two-piece, as disassembly is the same, after the front part of the rod has been removed, as for a gun with a standard rod. Most of your high-end 1911s have this feature. Feb 9, 2019 · It also came with a full length guide rod and spring guide. I also have a Wilson full length guide rod and plug. Bill B. 45 cal Springfield Armory 1911. By the time the slide has moved a half inch, it’s Upgrade your 1911 with this 5" tungsten guide rod from Evolution Gun Works, designed for seamless disassembly and enhanced performance. Noticed tha the Taurus 1911 in stainless with a rail has the best price. style guide rod, or the upstart Full Length Guide Rod? Nov 16, 2024 · One of the primary arguments in favor of full-length guide rods (FLGRs) centers on their potential to prevent recoil spring kinking in 1911 pistols. Upgrade your 1911 with premium guide rods like Wilson Combat and Kimber Factory. Feb 25, 2019 · For me, the only thing I have a "full length" guide rod on is my 3" Defender. Is there any real advantage to installing a full length guide rod? Dec 5, 2014 · Is that type better or worse than the Dual Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod or the 2 Piece N. Is there any real advantage to it? Bill Jan 2, 2021 · 1911 Full length Guide Rod? Reasons to upgrade? My brother, GalvinGround, has been debating whether or not he should get a full length guide rod for his new RIA 1911FS. It is an unnecessary piece that complicates breakdown and limits your alternative options for racking the slide. This guide rod guarantees accuracy and dependability in long range precision shooting scenarios! Experience a new level of excellence today and get the two Jan 21, 2024 · I guess full length guide rods, like 3 hole triggers, are just something that Ninja Operator worthy pistols simply must have Hand cycling a 1911 type pistol with a FLGR does feel smoother than with the short GI length guide rod. Shop now on eBay! Jul 1, 2016 · Whether a full length guide rod (FLGR) has benefits over the "GI guide rod" or standard guide rod, are subjective to a large part. Jun 3, 2024 · The full-length 1911 guide rod is a popular upgrade for 1911 pistols, enhancing performance, reliability, and accuracy; It captures the recoil spring fully, improving cycling and reducing wear, making it a must-have for both competition shooters and enthusiasts seeking improved functionality. I read the ezine review and it states something about a full sized guide rod in the RIA. The obvious leading thought is "full length" is better than not full length, is promoted by some manufacturers. But I heard that everyone switches it out to the GI style so it’s easy to disassemble. The only thing I noticed was the guide rod equipped model feels more muzzle heavy as you suspected, while the stock setup is easier for me to shoot one handed, both strong and Mar 27, 2012 · It's highly debatable whether any full length guide rod is of any actual value and they make takedown more difficult. Elevate your shooting performance with Wilson Combat's two-piece full length guide rod with plug. Is there any benefit to having a full-length? Jul 8, 2011 · I am looking for pro's and con's of a full length guide rod vs. 95 Add to cart Recoil Spring Guide $ 16. Whether it’s competition or self-defense, the full size full length guide rod offers a more rugged and durable design over traditional stock components. I have always wondered if there were any advantages of this type of guide rod and spring guide over the standard type of guide rod and spring plug. Is the WC FLGR an upgrade or is it a downgrade to the dual spring Sep 22, 2021 · Full length guide rod - some like them, some don't. That said, I recall an instance with a fellow shooter where a one piece full length guide---5" gov't model---somehow got out of alignment while the gun was being shot, binding up where the rod passes through the plug. Jun 18, 2009 · The purpose of the full length guide rod is to make it as difficult as possible to disassemble/reassemble your 1911. the GI style short guide rod. I took the bench grinder and while holding the guide rod on the grinder support, spun it, and ground off a couple thousands from the muzzle end of the rod, just enough to allow standard assembly, then beveled the edge around the Mar 19, 2018 · Nobody has mentioned it but the advantage of the GI plug and short guide rod is the ability to chamber the weapon by pushing the muzzle against structures in the event of injury to your support hand. For Commander and GI-length weapons, though, I've never noticed any benefit that outweighed the additional PITA factor when field stripping. WHAT is the supposed purpose/advantage of a full length guide rod? Rick The differences and advantage/disadvantages to both types of guide rod. Come join the discussion about other firearms, gun ownership, gun care, tactical firearms, small arms, optics, gunsmithing, styles, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! Jun 3, 2013 · Would like to hear what you all have to say. However, I am wondering about the significance of the full length rod on the slide. I don't like them in a 5" pistol because they make disassembly/assembly more time consuming and they don't allow for a seriously jammed-in-the-chamber cartridge to be easily removed by placing the recoil spring plug against a solid object and pushing the pistol forward. Is the WC FLGR an upgrade or is it a downgrade to the dual spring system? Jan 7, 2023 · Looking for recommendations for the best GI guide rod for a . Years back the full length guide rods were quite popular. Aug 28, 2011 · A forum community dedicated to 1911 firearm owners and enthusiasts. M. Is there any advantage to a Wilson Combat full length guide rod in a 5” Government 1911? Specifically, a new model Colt with the dual spring recoil system. 1-Piece Command Apr 7, 2018 · Hi All, I notice a lot of the higher end 1911 pistols from numerous manufacturers come with a full length guide rod, vs the original half rod, with full plug. Taurus is most affordable. I'm sure Kimber, like other makers of 1911s, installs full-length guide rods because they think that's what customers want, so they think it will help them sell guns. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Wilson Combat 1-Piece Commander 1911 Full Length Guide Rod & Plug - 25C at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products! May 14, 2009 · I'm going to be putting a heavier recoil spring in my 1911, and figured i might as well do a full length guide rod as well. Home of the Wilson Combat 1911, EDC X9, WCP320, and more! Dec 4, 2010 · Other than possibly ease of disassembly and reassembly, I don't think the full length guide rod offers any advantage. As the 1911 became more popular for competition shooting, the Full Length Guide Rod (FLGR) became more common, evidently for two reasons: 1) To prevent kinking of the recoil spring Aug 17, 2013 · Of my full size/commander 1911's I have 2 with full length guide rods and 2 short guide rod. Minor fitting may be required. currently the gun has a full length guide rod and Jul 18, 2015 · What is the purpose of a full-length guide rod on a 1911? What is the difference between a full-length guide rod and a shorter standard length one? FLGR vs GI? First things first: the guide rod on a 1911 keeps the recoil spring compression tidy during the rearward travel of the slide during operation. Now I want a tactical 1911. Jul 1, 2024 · A Full Length Guide Rod (FLGR) is a modification to the standard guide rod found in many 1911 pistols. There are a boatload of 1911 "fixes" for problems that never existed until Apr 7, 2018 · Hi All, I notice a lot of the higher end 1911 pistols from numerous manufacturers come with a full length guide rod, vs the original half rod, with full plug. 95 Select options Flat Wire Recoil System $ 49. This old fluroscope photograph of a 1911 caught at the instant of firing shows that it can’t happen with the original guide rod…with only 5 or 6 unsupported coils. As noted, however, the responses either don't identify any advantage to the long guide rods and/or relate real operational negatives experienced with their use Feb 5, 2024 · Mort, a friend of mine with a RIA two piece guide rod bought a Wilson one piece guide rod and his was the same. other types? (what other types are there?) Feb 4, 2022 · I like the idea of a full-length guide rod. I liked how they seemed to help the spring compress more linear and uniform, and thought they might help with locking the slide up straighter in the frame. Is there any real advantage to installing a full length guide rod? Jun 5, 2001 · FWIW, I have two Series 80 Government models, one with over 70,000 rounds in it and a full length guide rod, and a new 1991A1 totally stock. Super Sneaky Steve Durable, reliable and easy to install, this full length guide rod delivers superior performance that you can trust. This is our premium finish coating and will wear 100's of times longer than the conventional carbon steel rods with black oxide finish. The spring’s OD is supported by the plug and its ID by the guide. a 2 Jun 28, 2002 · A Wilson CQB and it has a "short" guide rod with a plastic "washer"? Is there any difference or advantage to having a full lenth guide rod like my Kimber Super Match has? Apr 10, 2012 · There is no advantage in having a full length guid rod on a 1911. Feb 16, 2010 · What are the pros and cons of using a full length guide rod in a Colt 1911 style pistol? I have a Colt Mk IV Series 70 that I shoot frequently, mostly with target loads. Nov 9, 2024 · Discover the ultimate guide to 1911 full length guide rods. Sep 20, 2006 · I gather the "GI" recoil spring & guide rod are shorter, why is this, and what advantages or disadvantages are there to either one? Nighthawk Custom (FM Series) high-quality, one-piece 1911 guide rod with matching guide plug aids in smooth, reliable cycling by completely capturing recoil spring to prevent it from binding or deforming. Sep 30, 2007 · * It makes it easier to work with the recoil spring (since it's encased in the full length, one-piece guide rod) * It can add some weight to your gun, helping to tame muzzle flip and recoil Apr 19, 2025 · This comprehensive guide delves into the world of the full-length guide rod (FLGR) for the 1911 pistol, exploring its design, advantages, and disadvantages compared to the original G. But for Mar 7, 2010 · What is the major advantage of having a full length guide rod vs a short one?? Also are the buffers you se advertised worth anything?? Thanx again in advance In this Series by Brownells, we'll show you the differences between the 1 and 2 piece Full Length Guide Rods available for the 1911 as well as how to install What advantage does a full length guide rod have in a 1911? My new RIA Tactical does not have one so I'm curious as to any advantages it might offer. Is there any real advantage to it? Bill Gun Tech Steve Ostrem goes over the differences of full length guide rods and GI style guide rods and what might the best option for your gun. As far as I know the only difference it's going to make is to prevent the spring from potentially kinking. If you are using a full length guide rod, be sure that both ends of the recoil spring slide smoothly and drag free over the entire length of the FLGR. Opinions are, shall we say, somewhat divided on this concept. So, I'm curious what everyone is using - what you'd suggest and what I should avoid. Sep 21, 2024 · Full-length guide rods offer several advantages over standard guide rods in 1911 pistols․ The added weight contributes to reduced felt recoil and improved muzzle control, enhancing accuracy and follow-up shot speed․ Jan 22, 2022 · Sure to draw fire from every camp on an internet gun forum is the debate of which is better, a short G. 5 pound Wolf brand variable recoil springs are recommended. Does anyone know which ones would fit best? Reply Quote Like Sort by Oldest first M Mike_45 1033 posts · Joined 2009 #2 ·Jun 8, 2011 Feb 20, 2008 · its up to you, but its getting more and more excepted that the full length guide rod doesnt do anything but add weight to the gun, and make dissassembly more of a pain. I’d like to replace the full length guide rod that came with the pistol. I. It would be easier to disassemble the slide if I had a standard guide rod and plug. Full length guide rod prolongs the life of the recoil spring a bit more, doesn't necessarily increase accuracy, just makes the travel of the recoil spring more consistent. style. Can you all help explain the purpose of having the extended guide rod setup instead of what was used for 100 years? Dec 24, 2023 · Enhance your 1911's performance with a premium full-length guide rod. Adopted by competition shooters, it offers rugged durability but debates its necessity for casual use. Wilson Combat says about their full length guide rod for the conventional spring. russel SDMF TUNNEL VISION KILLS Reply Like 1. Dec 13, 2006 · What exactly is the advantage if any, of a full length guide rod? It seems to me that all it does is make the gun more difficult to disassemble. Aug 31, 2024 · The 1911 full-length guide rod enhances reliability and smooth cycling by preventing spring bind and improving recoil management. :rofl: Jun 8, 2011 · I am looking to buy a full guide rod for my GI rock island. configuration, so your slant on the issue is, in fact, a little different. Nov 28, 2011 · Put three-dot sights and a full-length guide rod on the gun, and you can charge more for it. Many high-end custom builders offered them in their guns as "improvements", claiming they improved reliability and accuracy. 95 Select options Reverse Plug $ 16. I like and prefer a one piece steel FLGR for my 1911 and STI 2011 guns. Learn how to improve accuracy, reduce recoil, and enhance performance. My new SCG has the shorter version and I am considering changing it for an Ed Brown Full length from Brownell's. What difference does the full length rod provide verses the Mar 13, 2024 · I'm looking to replace the full length guide rod with a standard guide rod. As an ex-Bullseye target shooter, I like my pistols slightly muzzle heavy to slow down wobble and reduce muzzle upflip. Thanks in advance. Let me ask the entirety of our members here, a few of which have been around since before Viet Nam, if anyone has ever pulled apart a 1911A1 and found the recoil spring kinked. The original JMB 1911 or a 1911 with a full length guide rod. 95 Add to cart Jan 17, 2003 · What is the advantage/disadvantage of a full length guide rod. To give us something to debate/discuss/disagree on. No problems with either one. I have not used it mainly because of the necessity of using a bushing Jun 22, 2010 · Can anyone tell me what are the advantages/disadvantages of both a full length and short length guide rod? My XSE came with a full length one, while my Gold Cup came with a short one. Oct 24, 2017 · Just bought a Sig 1911. Jun 21, 2007 · i'm thinking on a RIA 1911 tactical but i'm not familiar with guide rods. These days, I see the trend going back to the original set-up. Fairly new to the 1911 game. Pro-Series, Full length, 2-piece, Commander size. Cant really tell any difference in accuracy. Feb 21, 2024 · I know there are tons of opinions on this, looking to hear some more. YMMV Jan 31, 2010 · Hi, I am brand new to the 1911 scene and just purchased my first about 2 weeks ago, a RIA 1911 tatical. -Dan Tom2 February 15, 2009, 04:34 PM Fusion Firearms 1911 guide rod. http://membership. Oct 16, 2007 · Some feel that a full length guide rod prevents recoil spring kinking and/or drag, and that the full length rod also provides a smoother slide reciprocation. I'm like you -- if I accidentally come into possession of a 1911 with a full-length guide rod, I replace it with a standard guide rod at the first opportunity. They are installed in new 1911's mostly because that's what the buying public wants to see, not because they work better. As for reasons, fad, its cool, my buddy has one, some guy on the web said so, my girl friend likes it, ect. Mar 1, 2011 · I feel kind of silly asking this but what are the real differences between Full length and 2 piece guide rods? Are there situations where one is better than the other? What are the reasons for the two different types? Just trying to learn. What's the difference? And what is the advantage and disadvantage of having a full size guide rod v. I installed the Wilson Combat FLGR's in a couple of SA mil-spec 1911 pistols about fifteen years ago, mostly because I Jan 2, 2002 · I see full length guide rods on some 1911's. Steve 24th January 2006, 15:01 #2 nemesis Member Jul 16, 2009 · Full length guide rod vs a short guide rod in a 1911 Handguns: The Semi-automatic Forum We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Just wondering, thanks ahead of time for the info. I paid about $35 for the Wilson Combat setup, but now I’m thinking is it really worth it? Should I cancel it and leave it as is or should I just swap it out? Pros vs I’ve seen comparison articles with normal and full length guide rods that show no benifit to the full length. I've changed my guns with FLGRs to the common GI type for years, even the bull barrel guns. I immediately installed standard GI-type rods, and haven't considered changing back. Get expert tips and tricks for installation and maintenance. Unlike the original, shorter GI-style guide rod designed by John Browning, the FLGR extends nearly the entire length of the slide, offering increased support to the recoil spring. The reason for the two-piece (rather than a one-piece) full length rod is to aid in disassembly. GI Style (Which is better?) TheYankeeMarshal 372K subscribers 4. Nov 5, 2023 · Do you prefer full length guide rods (FLGR) in you 1911s or the traditional / original short ones? Why? Is it aesthetics, weight, functionality or something else? I have grown rather fond of the FLGR using them in several of my 1911s so I made a small simple hand tool out of black Delrin for preassembling the plug, spring and guide rod. 95 Add to cart Slide Recoil Buffers $ 7. Let the debate begin Jul 19, 2023 · Why the full length guide rod? 1 reading Jump to Latest 4. Improve reliability and accuracy with our top-tier upgrade solutions. Full length guide rod or GI Style? My gun came with a two piece full length guide rod. Mar 19, 2018 · Hi All, I notice a lot of the higher end 1911 pistols from numerous manufacturers come with a full length guide rod, vs the original half rod, with full plug. 95 – $ 10. A question came up about full length guide rods’ function is preventing spring “kink” or flexion. Spring kinking occurs when the recoil spring bends or binds during compression, potentially leading to malfunctions or reduced performance. Advantages? Handguns: The Semi-automatic Forum A full-length guide rod in a 1911 contributes nothing to reliability (nor does it detract from it). 2-piece guide rod? So what is the advantage of a full-length guide rod over a two-piece one? My new SA GI has a two-piece one. Get the Wilson Combat full length guide rod for your full size 1911 handgun today and take your shooting to the next level! Wilson Combat has been the innovator in custom pistols, long guns, and accessories since 1977. Happiness is a warm, dirty rifle. I know that a 1 piece vs. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. To add weight to front of 1911 pistol. -Dan Oct 24, 2017 · Just bought a Sig 1911. Apr 5, 2018 · If it were not an advantage, heavy tungsten full length guide rods would not be illegal in some action shooting handgun sports. R1. Feb 3, 2024 · In theory I think the full-length guide rods are probably the better set-up but as a practical matter, I can't tell any difference and the short rods are easier to deal with. Feb 4, 2009 · 99+% of the times this issue has been brought up, its been by shooters with full length guide rods (one piece, or two piece) asking about switching to the G. ect. but the full length are more trouble to assemble and disassemble. qbowvys5dt0mrdcxcdklh7tajwjnndrzg58niwv7gq