Basic 1911 question

[mjkten]

I have a Colt XSE something or other...I would like to replace the full length guide rod with the standard GI, for ease in disassembly. What do I need?
It looks like I just need a different guide rod, and plug. Does that do it?
Thanks,
Mike.

 

[rcmodel]

I'd get the recoil spring too just for the Halibut.

And determine if it's a full size or Commander size Colt XSE.

The guts are different.

rc

 

[mjkten]

It's a 5" barrel.
What's the difference in mainsprings?
Or do you just think I need a fresh one?
I mostly shoot factory hardball.

 

[rcmodel]

I don't know what the difference in mainsprings is or might be.

Because I don't know as I have ever seen or measured a Colt XSE mainspring.

But a new mainspring costs as much as a Big Mac or a beer some places, so I would just buy a new one to be safe, not sorry later.

rc

 

[cuba]

I'm constantly hearing that with the GI guide rod system its easier to remove the slide, and I just can't see it, with the full length guide rod all you have to do is pull the slide back to the take down notch, remove the slide stop pin and pull off the complete slide assembly, guide rod and all.

shoot safe, shoot straight, and have fun

 

[rcmodel]

Unless you have to have a hole in the two-part gude rod to unscrew it to get it out of the slide.

And it doesn't have a hole in it to hold it and unscrew it.

Like the one Colt sometimes used.

rc

 

[Kp321]

Let's be clear here, the mainspring powers the hammer, the recoil spring powers the slide. Go ahead and replace the recoil spring with a Wolf 16# one just to be sure.

 

[mjkten]

The guide rod is a one piece design. It can be disassembled is the conventional way so long as I take the front tab on the base of a magazine and use it to press the spring plug flush with the slide to allow the bushing to rotate. It just sort of offends me, like the plastic mainspring housing and the ambi safety and the grip safety that makes the gun sit low in the hand...why did I buy that one you ask? Well, I don't think I can easily explain that. It was my first 1911, a real looker. Oh well. I suppose I'll keep it stock and buy one the way I think I want it.

 

[rcmodel]

It can be disassembled is the conventional way

Try dissembling it the unconventional way then.

Pull the slide back until the dissembly notch lines up with the slide stop.
Then pop the slide stop out.

Now wrap your fingers around the slide and dust cover and ease the slide off while catching the guide rod and spring.

Once the slide is off, you can have your way with it.

You can put it back together the same way.

rc

 

[velocette]

"You can have your way with it" The implications of that are hilarious!
LOL

Roger

 

[Jim K]

You can thank the full length guide rod for all those firing pin blocks and lousy trigger pulls.

Jim