1911 guide rod function test

[DaisyCutter]

I finally got a chance to test out some replacement guide rods. The test gun was a Springfield Loaded, which came with a full length 2-piece guide rod, the sort that requires an allen wrench to remove (in the instances it decides not to begin walking out on it's own). The Springfield cycled, fed and fired fine with the OEM guide rod.

I had a conundrum regarding whether to replace the OEM guide rod with a standard GI or a full length one-piece:
http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=806279

So, in the end I ordered a Wilson Combat GI guide rod and spring plug, and a Wilson Combat full length 1-piece guide rod. Each set-up seemed to function fine at the workbench. The 1-piece is slightly smoother when hand cycling. I swear I can feel the individual spring coils moving against the inside of the slide when I hand cycle the Springfield with the GI spec parts installed.



Today I went to the range and field tested the two set-ups individually.

I used Wilson ETM 8-round mags for testing, and shot my own handloads consisting of 230 grain ball over 6.8 grains of Hodgdon 800-X powder.

I shot at a full mag each at a total of 4 targets posted at 15 yards.

*Note, I'm not a precision shooter. I'm a gun enthusiast, cop who carries a Glock on duty, and I occasionally shoot competitions at a small local gun range. I normally shoot under time compression, so I tend to bang off rounds as soon as I get an adequate sight picture. I'm prone to fliers if I aim too long. So I generally shoot pretty fast.*


#1 competition pace, 1-piece full length guide rod.
#2 slower aimed fire, 1-piece full length guide rod.
#3 competition pace, G.I. guide rod.
#4 slower aimed fire, G.I. guide rod.


Observations: My groups open up at competition pace (duh), and at the comp pace I shot 4.5" groups with either guide rod. Under slightly slower fire, I managed a 2.8" inch group with the 1-piece, and a 3.0" group with the G.I.

Obviously this test isn't comprehensive, but it's 110° outside, I sweat badly, and I don't have a fixed rest. Frankly, this pistol isn't intended to be fired from a rest, or used for precision. It's a defensive combat sidearm, and it'll be shot under time compression unsupported off-hand.

I honestly think this Springfield IS marginally more accurate with the 1-piece guide rod, at best.

If I focus on the feeling of the recoil, the 1-piece is smoother than the G.I., BUT if I'm focusing on the front sight and target, I can't tell a difference between the guide rod set-ups.

There was no stoppages with either guide rod, and no other remarkable differences in function with either guide rod.

So my final decision for me, for this pistol, is to use the 1-piece guide rod. I can disassemble it fine without tools, it seems to smooth out the action a tad, and I might be a slightly more accurate with it.

That being said, my own ability is far and away the limiting factor of this handgun.

 

[rdtompki]

We have at least 30K rounds in each of our SA 9mm 1911 loaded target handguns since installing the Wilson full-length. I can't say that the guns are necessarily more accurate, but the function has been flawless and I couldn't stand needing an allen key for take down although never had the two-piece loosen up on any of our guns.

 

[DaisyCutter]

My guide rod walked out about a half-turn once, so I used blue locktite on it, and then it required too much torque to remove.

 

[Hangingrock]

The Springfield loaded series OEM two piece also changed out to a Wilson and finally went to the GI setup. In my experience the guide rods did not improve functionality. The same applied with a Colt XSE series which I also changed out to the GI setup.

Your or someone else's experience may differ with my experience.

 

[200Apples]

.
DC, thank you for your not insignificant effort and especially under those conditions. You have reminded me to keep up with my practice shooting no matter what the weather, because one never knows when the flag might fly.

That said, I would think a full-length guide rod only benefits the recoil spring and nothing else, because accuracy originates from the linked barrel lock up within the barrel bushing, slide and frame... but then again I'm no 1911 'smith, so, I may have no idea what I'm talking about.

I have a Springfield Loaded. I think it's a great pistol and I appreciate all the features that have been built into it, including the FLGR. Your post also reminds me to have an Allen somewhere on my belt for my first 250 at Gunsite sometime in the near future. Thanks again.

 

[alexcue]

I also have the SA Loaded. Personally I hated the stock guide rod, but I'm biased because my other 1911's had GI guide rods. I hated having to use a tool to take them down. I switched over to the Wilson Flat-Wire Spring kit, I just added a new plug to match.

I've never had an issue with the GI (short rods) so found no reason to use the full length. The service life of the flat wire springs is just a bonus, so all the 1911's use them from a Remington Rand to a 70 Series Gold Cup.