1911 Polymer Guide Rod Modification

[ACIinventor]

I plan on conducting an experiment with my Colt Lightweight Commander. By modifying Colt Delta Elite Delrin Guide Rods to fit in the Commander, I'm figuring I'll get more mileage from these guide rods compared to the Wilson Combat Shok-Buffs. The Shok-Buffs are rated for about 1,000 rounds. Colt claims the polymer guide rods are good for about 10,000 rounds in their Delta Elite 10mm. In my .45acp Commander, lower pressure cartridge, they should last just as long. We'll see. And I'll also get the benefit of not losing .10inch slide travel when Shok-Buffs are installed. (Shok-Buffs aren't recommended for Commander/Officer 1911's anyway)
I'll post the results...

Any advice or recommendations?

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I'd be certain to note, among the obvious, in your experiments how much and what form of lubrication and spring specifics that you use.

This'll be interesting to watch, good luck.

Todd.

 

[JTQ]

I'm also interested in following this. Until your post, I wasn't aware the Delta Elite used a polymer guide rod.

What modifications are you doing to the rod to make it work?

 

[PO2Hammer]

Would love to have one in my 9mm 1911 just for the weight reduction.

 

[nofendertom]

Are the Colt delrin guide rods made to reduce (cushion) the slide hitting the frame or just a polymer (cheaper to make?) replacement.

I have not seen anything about not using a Shok-Buff in a Commander size .45. Wilson hardily recommends the Shok-Buff for all .45 autos. He does sell them,however.

Does losing that .10in slide travel have any effect on the functioning of your pistol? I currently use a Shok-Buff on my ATI Commander .45 with no problems. I shoot
hardball loads with a 20lb recoil spring.

 

[Steve in Allentown]

I have not seen anything about not using a Shok-Buff in a Commander size .45. Wilson hardily recommends the Shok-Buff for all .45 autos. He does sell them,however.

As you note, the profit margin on shok-buffs is sky high. They are not generally recommended for any less than 5" 1911s due to the shorter available slide stroke which can result in failures-to-lock-open after the last round, inability to release the slide from slide lock, bolt-over-base failures-to-feed, etc.

If your pistol doesn't have any of these problems then count yourself lucky and lay in a supply of shok-buffs.

 

[PO2Hammer]

Does losing that .10in slide travel have any effect on the functioning of your pistol?

Adding shok buff to my 9mm Kimber prevents me from using the sling shot method of slide release, I have to use the lever.

 

[nofendertom]

I have always used Shok-Buffs in all (8) of the .45acp 1911s I have owned and never had a problem--- including 2 Commanders and 1 Officer model.
I am learning new stuff.

 

[ACIinventor]

I'm also interested in following this. Until your post, I wasn't aware the Delta Elite used a polymer guide rod.

What modifications are you doing to the rod to make it work?

So far, the overall length seems to be the modification needed. I'll be using the dimensions from the original steel Commander guide rod.

Are the Colt delrin guide rods made to reduce (cushion) the slide hitting the frame or just a polymer (cheaper to make?) replacement.

I have not seen anything about not using a Shok-Buff in a Commander size .45. Wilson hardily recommends the Shok-Buff for all .45 autos. He does sell them,however.

Does losing that .10in slide travel have any effect on the functioning of your pistol? I currently use a Shok-Buff on my ATI Commander .45 with no problems. I shoot
hardball loads with a 20lb recoil spring.

Cushion the slide or cheaper to make? - The answer may be both. Shok-Buffs work in my Colt Commander even while reducing the slide travel. Others have posted about possible damage to the slide stop by using Shok-Buffs with Commanders and smaller 1911s. I'm exploring the option of using the Delrin guide rod instead of the Shok-Buff. I'm thinking at the very least, slide travel will be improved and a greater round count can be reached before replacement of the Delrin guide rod compared to using Shok-Buffs.
Standby.
I will make posts at round count milestones along the way and note performance and any problems along the way.

 

[Otto]

The Delta Elite used a polymer recoil spring guide (not "guide rod"). It appears that even Midway can't get the terminology right.

 

[nofendertom]

Isn't Delrin a rather hard polymer---can't see much cushioning effect.
Also, what is the price of the Delrin guide rod compared to the Shok-Buffs ?

 

[PO2Hammer]

Probably more about reducing stress on the frame, not reducing felt recoil.
Haven't seen any for sale.

 

[PO2Hammer]

I did find some polymer rods, doesn't have the little metal plate like the Colt ones, but might be worth experimenting with on a non-carry gun.
https://innovativeindustriesllc.com/recoil-spring-guide-polymer-1911/

 

[ACIinventor]

Isn't Delrin a rather hard polymer---can't see much cushioning effect.
Also, what is the price of the Delrin guide rod compared to the Shok-Buffs ?

Glock claims there is some cushioning effect with their polymer frames. Introducing a polymer part in a 1911 should produce a similar effect. If the Delrin guide rod provides greater endurance than the Shok-Buff, it might be worth the price difference. Definitely a question I'll be looking to answer.

 

[nofendertom]

Looks like apples to oranges to me---Glock has a total polymer frame which may (or may not) flex while the Commander has a rigid aluminum frame. Any
cushioning effect must take place in the Delrin guide rod. Also, what wears on the Delrin guide rod? Does the rod itself break off or does the part up against the
frame just get battered ?

 

[ACIinventor]

Looks like apples to oranges to me---Glock has a total polymer frame which may (or may not) flex while the Commander has a rigid aluminum frame. Any
cushioning effect must take place in the Delrin guide rod. Also, what wears on the Delrin guide rod? Does the rod itself break off or does the part up against the
frame just get battered ?

I'm pretty sure the part that gets battered is up against the frame. Like the Shok-Buff, the Delrin guide rod will wear in the same area. I haven't heard of the rod breaking off. I'll look out for that possibility. "Like apples and oranges" - not really. Polymer is more flexible than aluminum or steel. Glock's polymer frame has that flexibility built in. Why not try to incorporate that benefit in the 1911, even at a smaller scale. I'm not expecting the recoil absorption in my Colt Commander to be anything groundbreaking. I'm looking for a longer endurance alternative to Shok-Buffs.