1911 Two-Piece Guide Rod Question

[TheFrontRange]

I've just picked up a lightly-used Springfield Armory "Loaded" 1911-A1. The pistol's all-black finish, wooden grips, and Novak night sights were among the features that sold me. I have to confess to just some good old-fashioned ignorance and oversight, though, when I realized post-purchase that this pistol comes standard with a two-piece guide rod. I've owned a Kimber before with a full-length rod, but this is my first exposure to the two-piece variety.

My biggest question about this feature is "why?"...I know there can be controversy over the full-lenth versus standard-length guide rods...but what's the benefit of a two-piece? Why didn't SA just go with a typical one-piece full-length rod?

This pistol will be taken to the range this week (hopefully!) and we'll see how she runs as-is through 200-300 rounds of mixed FMJ and JHP. If all things "work" with the current setup, great...if not, my guess is that I can fairly easily replace components (guide rod, spring, plug, etc.) and convert the pistol to a standard-length setup.

Any comments and advice are welcome...thank you!

 

[model 649]

The standard 1911 pistol has a two-piece rod. It's what Browning decided to use and it has stood the test of time very well. The majority opinion around these parts is that the full-length rod is a solution looking for a problem. Indeed, a good friend has returned his Colt back to the two-piece rod as he has far fewer FTF's with it. I personally like the idea that I can rack the slide one handed if need be quite easily without ripping the front sight off . I also like the ease of disassembly as well. Choose what you will, but if you wanted a pistol like a Sig or S&W, why did you buy a 1911?
Hope you like your new pistol,
Josh

 

[GoRon]

My biggest question about this feature is "why?"...I know there can be controversy over the full-lenth versus standard-length guide rods...but what's the benefit of a two-piece? Why didn't SA just go with a typical one-piece full-length rod?

Good question. The whole full length guide rod thing is a mystery to me.

My Springfield worked fine with the two piece in it, never came loose during a range trip once. I picked up a standard guide rod and replaced it just for comparison. I haven't noticed a difference in function or accuracy so I left the standard set up in the gun.

My buddy put a one piece in his Auto Ordinance rattle trap and it did seem to smooth out the action some. It also seemed harder to take down without hurting your thumb than my two piece set up.

 

[Black Majik]

I think SA did this to lower costs. Same reason to why your barrel is two piece also.

Best thing to do is to just replace it with a GI rod and plug. FLGR's aren't very useful. They just look pretty, and "lower muzzle flip with the additional weight." I doubt it though...

 

[XD Niner]

I love my Springer. However, I replaced the 2-piece FLGR that managed to unscrew itself no matter what I did with a STI 1-piece unit. Works great and problem solved!

 

[WarMachine]

The standard 1911 pistol has a two-piece rod. It's what Browning decided to use and it has stood the test of time very well.

Perhaps I am missing something. I assumed we are talking about the 2 piece full-length guide rods. The original 1911's weren't full-length at all and were these:



^^^Is that a 2 piece rod or something

 

[TheFrontRange]

Quote:
Originally Posted by model 649
The standard 1911 pistol has a two-piece rod. It's what Browning decided to use and it has stood the test of time very well.



Perhaps I am missing something. I assumed we are talking about the 2 piece full-length guide rods. The original 1911's weren't full-length at all and were these:


Yep, I'm talking about a two-piece FLGR in my SA 1911.

 

[WarMachine]

Yea, that's what I figured. Model 649's post just confused me a bit...

 

[Technosavant]

A two piece FLGR provides for easier takedown than a one piece FLGR. After unscrewing and removing the long section, you can then depress the plug and continue takedown normally. With a one piece FLGR, you have to remove the slide stop while the spring is still compressed, risking the launch of small parts into the next room.

I have had no problems whatsoever with my two piece FLGR setup.

 

[TheFrontRange]

Thanks VERY much for all the input! Have a GREAT Christmas, all!