Full length guide rod

[Blue]

I've got a Springfield GI and went into a gunstore to buy a one piece guide rod for it and the guy behind the counter told me not to do it as it will cause problems in my gun. What kind of problems could come from one of these?

[leelaw]

Hasn't caused any problems in my 1911... I can't imagine any ones it would cause in yours.

[Ninja45]

Other than it will be a little bit harder to disassemble and assemble, it will not have any ill effect on the pistol. I find them to be helpful in all my 1911's.

[Kestryll]

I have one in my 1911A1, the only downside is that it complicates field stripping the weapon.
It does add weight up front and provides a consistant recoil path for he spring and slide assembly.

Some people don't like them because they're not 'pure' JMB design parts.
Whatever.

Mechanically it will be fine, you just need to decide you can live with the tear down issue (minor at best).

[Pokey]

Just personal preference

But I wouldn't bother, I have seen no great return on them and they do limit some functionality (i.e. one handed manipulations and field stripping are much easier with the standard guide rod). But as I said its a matter of personal preference.

My $0.02

[s281c]

you also can't press check the gun with a guide rod.

[Kruzr]

you also can't press check the gun with a guide rod.

News to me, I do it all the time. I press check by pulling the slide back from the rear serrations. You can also use the front serrations (if you have them) by positioning your hand under the dust cover.

[leelaw]

you also can't press check the gun with a guide rod.

Um.. does the slide not operate normally with a full size guide rod installed?

[s281c]

Um.. does the slide not operate normally with a full size guide rod installed?

It does, except you can't press check a 1911 with one............Press checking is when you push in on the recoil spring plug to check to see if there is a round chambered. With a guide rod in place that is not possible.

Of course you can do the same thing by just grasping the slide and pulling back slightly to check the chamber.

[s281c]

News to me, I do it all the time. I press check by pulling the slide back from the rear serrations. You can also use the front serrations (if you have them) by positioning your hand under the dust cover.

Technically that is not a press check.............

But it accomplishes the same goal.

[leelaw]

Technically that is not a press check.............

But it accomplishes the same goal.

So you are saying that press checking defined is pushing on the recoil spring cap until brass is visible, yes? Sounds like a flawed definition, as many firearms with full length dust covers would prevent this operation, and why would you want to perform a safety check with your hand so close to the muzzle?

[s281c]

So you are saying that press checking defined is pushing on the recoil spring cap until brass is visible, yes? Sounds like a flawed definition, as many firearms with full length dust covers would prevent this operation, and why would you want to perform a safety check with your hand so close to the muzzle?

Well you can also use a solid surface to do it if you're down to 1 hand............

heh......ahnyhow, never said it was a good idea, nor did I say I believe in it, it's just one of the reasons given to not install a guide rod...........

[ohsmily]

It does, except you can't press check a 1911 with one............Press checking is when you push in on the recoil spring plug to check to see if there is a round chambered. With a guide rod in place that is not possible.

Of course you can do the same thing by just grasping the slide and pulling back slightly to check the chamber.

Incorrect...a press check isn't confined to "pressing on the front of the slide". In fact, many firearm training doctrines advise against this type of "press check" b/c it inherently puts your hand/fingers in front of the gun. Grasping the slide is also considered a "press check".

[s281c]

Incorrect...a press check isn't confined to "pressing on the front of the slide". In fact, many firearm training doctrines advise against this type of "press check" b/c it inherently puts your hand/fingers in front of the gun. Grasping the slide is also considered a "press check".

As I said I never said it was a good idea............the other techniques have been described to me as a pinch check

I've had this description of the technique for a long time, don't recall where it came from, with a image.

"For a right handed shooter:
Hold gun in right hand, without a finger in the trigger guard. Insert left thumb into trigger guard, pressing thumb against the FRONT of the trigger guard, NOT against the trigger. Place left index finger over the recoil spring plug just under the muzzle. Gently squeeze left thumb and index finger towards each other. This will cause the slide to retract, allowing you to easily see if a round is chambered."

[leelaw]

As I said I never said it was a good idea............the other techniques have been described to me as a pinch check

I've had this description of the technique for a long time, don't recall where it came from, with a image.

"For a right handed shooter:
Hold gun in right hand, without a finger in the trigger guard. Insert left thumb into trigger guard, pressing thumb against the FRONT of the trigger guard, NOT against the trigger. Place left index finger over the recoil spring plug just under the muzzle. Gently squeeze left thumb and index finger towards each other. This will cause the slide to retract, allowing you to easily see if a round is chambered."

Ouch.. double whammy - finger in trigger guard, plus potential finger[s] in front of muzzle. I'll stick to using the rear slide serrations.