Calling all 1911 gurus

[cody88]

I ask for your wisdom!

So, I purchased through PPT a few months back my first, a Springfield Armory Loaded 1911. I've put about 300 rounds through her so far (unknown previous round count, gun does have minor holster wear and a slight idiot mark that I SWEAR was before I bought it) and I'm in love.

One thing I'm not a fan of, however, is the stock full length guide rod. I'm not sold on it, and have decided I like the look, function, and benefits of the G.I. design better (tool-less disassembly being the big benefit, because it takes me awhile to find my Allen wrench set).

However, this is my first 1911, and wanted to know if what I need to do really is as simple as just getting a GI plug. I also have a follow-up, what's your thoughts on the Wilson flat-wire spring kit? Thought that since round count is unknown I may as well replace spring.

[tbc]

I am definitely not a 1911 guru but I am an engineer. The short GI guide rod should be GTG.

[E92335i]

Yup. GI plug should be drop in. As for the flat wire spring, lots of reviews and should be also g2g.

[BoJackUSMC]

Yup most likely drop in part..

[Rhyyke]

All you need is a GI spring plug and guide. As for the flat wire spring, I tried it out in my LW Operator but I didn't like how it felt for some reason. My personal preference is 18.5 lb Wolff spring in every 1911.

[reagan8]

I replaced the full-length guide rod in my Kimber with Wilson's flat spring kit, and I really like it. Don't forget to order a spring plug,

[Pupulepeter]

Make sure and replace your firing pin reset spring as well. Guide rod and plug you're gtg.

[Chapped Hide]

Wilson flatwire spring also needs a special guide rod. The standard gi guide rod will not work with the flatwire but will work with the spring you currently have in the gun now.

[bzh362]

I installed the flat wire kit on my XSE, and really like how it feels. Just smooths out the cycling a little. It was completely drop in.

[cody88]

Thank you everyone! I figured "its been around over 100 years, someone should know something"

[DArBad]

The Wilson brand GI style guide rod and plug is highly recommended. You can buy those from Brownells.

[cody88]

The Wilson brand GI style guide rod and plug is highly recommended. You can buy those from Brownells.

Forgive ignorance, that new guide rod would replace the bottom (back?) half of the full length guide- rod using the same spring already in there, correct?

[Chapped Hide]

Forgive ignorance, that new guide rod would replace the bottom (back?) half of the full length guide- rod using the same spring already in there, correct?

Correct

[cody88]

Correct

Sweet

[1911ShooterPhil]

If you're swapping out a full length guide rod to a GI-style set up, just replace the original parts with these two parts:

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/recoil-parts/recoil-spring-guides/1911-auto-bullet-proof-recoil-spring-guides-prod42055.aspx

http://www.brownells.com/handgun-parts/recoil-parts/recoil-spring-plugs/1911-auto-bullet-proof-recoil-spring-plug-prod40131.aspx

You can use the factory-provided coil spring. I like Wolff springs myself. For a .45 ACP 1911, 16LB is the standard recoil spring weight. Cheers! --1911ShooterPhil