Weird Problem with my Guide Rod

[BMXnotFIX]

So I ordered a new stainless guide rod for my S&W .40 and just went shooting with it for the first time this weekend. Ran fine but the nub on the front that sits in the slide seems to be sticking out a lot farther than before. What could have happened? Gun still cycles fine and everything. See pictures for a visual.

[XDJYo]

Was it cold before?

[sealocan]

Did it happen to see a "Ladysmith" revolver at the gun range.



You got me maybe if you shot it a real lot I could see the metal on metal wearing out and it protruding but you only shot it one time.

[BeFrank]

Any chance the breach end of the spring wrapped behind the stop?

[Raiderh20boy]

Did you check if he old and new were the same length?

[boopiejones]

Any chance the breach end of the spring wrapped behind the stop?

Did you check if he old and new were the same length?

My money is on one of these two explanations.

[BMXnotFIX]

Looks like it indeed did slip off the stop base. The spring appears to be sitting behind it now. Any ideas how to get it back over?

[boopiejones]

If the spring is open ended, you can just turn the spring or guide rod and it will thread itself back into position.

Once you get it off, make sure it is oriented correctly. Some springs have a smaller end that should be facing the rear of the gun. If installed backwards, it can "hop" or twist over the end of the rod.

[BMXnotFIX]

This is what it looks like.

[MrBlazito]

Looks like SD40VE. Who did you buy your guide rod from?

[BMXnotFIX]

NDZ Performance. My brother got me the guide rod for my birthday.

[MrBlazito]

Yikes. Send it right back. The spring on the NDZ performance is longer than factory spring. It will stack before allowing the slide to reach the stop in the frame. This will cause all the recoil go directly to the guide rod and in turn the recoil will transfer all the power into the thin plastic tabs the guide rod is resting against. Those tabs will eventually snap off and will cause your takedown lever to not spring back up and hold the slide on the frame.

If you want a SS guide rod buy one from Galloway Precision. They have the right size spring on their guide rods.

[BMXnotFIX]

Good to know. Thank you.

[Doggboy]

Yikes. Send it right back. The spring on the NDZ performance is longer than factory spring. It will stack before allowing the slide to reach the stop in the frame. This will cause all the recoil go directly to the guide rod and in turn the recoil will transfer all the power into the thin plastic tabs the guide rod is resting against. Those tabs will eventually snap off and will cause your takedown lever to not spring back up and hold the slide on the frame.

If you want a SS guide rod buy one from Galloway Precision. They have the right size spring on their guide rods.

I had not heard this before, you have a link to an article on this? I have an 20# NDZ for a Glock 19 in mine, which has been fine so far, but I don't want to ruin the gun, even if it is a cheapy.

[Tasty]

Out of curiosity, why'd you replace the guide rod in the first place?