Full length guide rod

[NwG]

No problems with a full legnth rod... And yes that method of press check is not safe at all!!!

A full legnth rod does prevent you from running the slide in a one handed situation.. But you can do the same thing with the use of your sights or ejection port...

[Centurion_D]

I wouldn't bother with a full length guide rod. Like someone pointed out in a earlier reply you don't really gain anything vs. the set up you have now. Just my 2 cents.

[bu-bye]

Removed mine from my Springfield Loaded I just sold. All it did was complicate cleaning the pistol. Accuracy did not change a bit. It's just one of those things one day someone said... "wouldn't it be cool if....". Unlike most pistols today the 1911 was never ment to have a FLGR and functions just fine without. Its not going to cause any problems if you put one in, its just more money you will spend for nothing. If you like the look then go for it.

[kantstudien]

Grasping the slide is also considered a "press check".

Technically, that would be a "chamber check" since you are not "pressing" anything.

Maybe call it a "pull check?"

[Matt-man]

If you really want to use a full-length guide rod, get a 1-piece guide rod and not a 2-piece. A pistol with a 1-piece rod field strips in the same manner as a USGI gun while the 2-piece rods require a hex wrench to take the rod apart.

[KimoBBZ]

gain?

What do you hope to gain by installing one? I have several 1911's, some with - some without. Other than a bit of weight added upfront, I don't see the need. Shop talk between other 1911 owners is that accuracy and reliability are enhanced somehow... not sure I buy it.

What do you think about the Les Baer pistols? He doesn't use them as standard equipment, but WILL install them if desired...

[m1371]

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."

That's some old-school technique right there.

Techniques have evolved but the name has stuck.

"Press Check"..... "Chamber Check"..... it's the same thing, regardless of whether you're using an underhand grip on the front of the slide or an overhand grip on the rear.

Don't go sticking your paws in proximity of the front of the muzzle.

Just 'cause DeNiro did it in "HEAT" don't make it right.....

[Kruzr]

Having seen the clean up for a small piece of a little finger once, I don't consider it safe to have any part of my body in front of the gun. Luckily the guy was shooting a P22 or it might have been more than a little piece.

It's also not too good of an idea if you've just shot 100 rounds to press check from the front.........it's hot if you touch the underside of the barrel!

[-hanko]

Other than a bit of weight added upfront, I don't see the need.

Shop talk between other 1911 owners is that accuracy and reliability are enhanced somehow... not sure I buy it.

Doubtful you could sense the extra weight of a full length guide rod in a side by side comparison. A full length tungsten guide rod will add noticible weight.

Also doubtful that someone why paid extra for the full length rod would be candid enough to say it didn't make a difference

Not sure if it's considered tactical

-hanko

[KimoBBZ]

as god as my witness...

Also doubtful that someone why paid extra for the full length rod would be candid enough to say it didn't make a difference
-hanko

I "toyed" with my 1st couple of 1911's by adding the latest and greatest aftermarket accessories... everything from skeletonized triggers & hammers to ambi-safeties and yes, guide rods. Brownells LOVED me back then.

I was to 1st to tell my buddies that I honestly didn't see an accuracy or reliability improvement in either the solid or 2 piece full length guide rods I put in.

The one exception was a Haarts Recoil Reducer that I dropped in a Glock 21... that thing DID work, dang it, made a real difference in felt recoil. Wish they were still around.

[Old Fud]

My Springfield Tactical Response Pistol came with a 2-piece full length full length guide rod. It was partially designed by Rob Leatham FOR FBI and other SWAT teams. It's not that hard to disassemble -- pull the slide back so you can get to the side of the guide rod and twist with fingers. Of course, you have to remember to tighten it again every 50 rounds or so.

I like shooting the Les Baer more. Feels better in my hand and seems to shoot more accurately. Les sees no need for anything but the standard plug and rod, but has added a slam-pad, but it's HARDER to service than the springfield. There is no way you can get that thing apart without a wrench and a LOT of upper-body muscle.

Clint Smith, Farnham, and Gunsite DESPISE pistols with slam-pads, tight tolerances, and other fad-crap. Their position is That's for wanna-be's and games people only. If you are REAL, you need a weapon that will reliably stay the course. The pieces those people approve of are built the way "God the Father" intended.

Those are the three positions I'm familiar with.
I lean a bit towards #3.
Never have heard any definitive value for the add-ons.
I will continue to enjoy the first two pieces at the range in civilized environments, but already know that if/when I have to grab-and-run, I'll take the one I trust to work without service or tools.

Fud

[DrjonesUSA]

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?

Two problems:

1) It will make the gun more difficult to field strip.

2) It will waste your money.


The FLGR in a 1911 is an answer to a non-existant problem.

Two-piece guide rods are the spawn of satan himself.