Full length guide rod, good or bad?

[peacemaker45]

I realize that this is OT for the discussion of FLGR vs. GI plug, but i think it's not too far off the larger topic of JMB vs. modern improvements.

Anyhow, I've heard stories of people getting bit by hammers. I've seen pictures of guys' hands bleeding. What I don't understand is how it happens. I've had a number of non beavertail 1911s, and nary a one has bitten me. I grip as high on the gun as I can, and I can't see how this happens.

~~~Mat

 

[1911 guy]

Got hands?

Your hands are shaped in such a way as to not get in the way of the hammer. Count your blessings, mine are not and I need a beavertail. When I grip the handgun, the web between my thumb and index finger fits nicely on the edge of a stock grip safety. In unison now: OUCH! #@&%!

 

[briang2ad]

Standard!

"It did a pretty good job at that, but I disliked the fact that I needed an Allen-key wrench in order to disassemble the pistol by unscrewing the front part of the GR from the rear. Interesting device, but my 1911 was used for more than just range-play so I ditched it." [on the FLGR]

My SA 1911 works FINE without one, and I can field strip it without tools - no FLGR for me!

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Apparently Springfield does not realize as do folks like Kimber and Wilson that full length guide rods need not be multi-part and need not need special tools for disassembly.

 

[AndyC]

Unless you have Novak sights like the vast majority of the 1911's out there have now days. Good luck snagging a Novak on anything.

There always has to be the one guy... *sigh*

You may not have noticed that I said "most" - and I was thinking specifically of the Novaks when I said that, but I could show you a technique that would work even if you had Novaks, if it comes to that

 

[Tezcatlipoca]

I like them. Especially heavy ones that help keep the front end of my gun down.

 

[Baneblade]

Thanks again for the input, especially the info on FLGR's in race guns. Just to clarify, I am asking in regards to a Colt Gunsite Pistol and a SA GI 45. I am interested in ABSOLUTE reliability in a combat/fighting gun and now feel confident that I have my answer.
Thanks