Guide rod question

[Ventura_Yak'r]

I've noticed trend of guide rods made of plastic rather than steel... for example a couple of my Sigs & CZ's. Other than aesthetics, is there any significant difference on how they contribute to a handguns performance? I understand that this may be a cost saving modification (kinda like Sig issuing one mag? ). Just curious if getting a steel guide rod is pointless.

Thanks

[JMB1911]

All my Sigs have steel guide rods (P220, 226, 225). Anyway, if they're now putting plastic in them, it wouldn't hurt to put in a steel one. I think the performance gains are negligible. This isn't more true than in the Glock where a few manufacturers sell titanium guide rods for $$$ and claim to reduce muzzle flip. I noticed no difference. I find that they're gadgets that are not necessary for the pistol's proper functioning. Hence I reverted back to plastic guide rods in my Glock. In short, keep it stock. If you feel the need for aesthetics, then by all mean swap them out but who's really looking at your guns when they're being fired??

[tonelar]

Sig went to plastic guide rods years ago- pre-rail. After a year or two- the steel rods came back into use (around the time their NEW retail price stepped up over $600 IIRC).
A few of my handguns have plastic guide rods and Ive not seen a case for replacing those yet.

[Miltiades]

Decline of civilization indicated by creeping plastic use...

Plastic guide rods seem to work okay, although they do annoy handgun purists. I have replaced the plastic guide rods with steel on a Kahr and a Glock, but have others with the original part. I have two H&K USPs, and believe they both have steel guide rods even though the frames are plastic. At least I haven't seen any 1911s with plastic guide rods.

[epic4444]

i watched the 1000 round glock 19 torture test on youtube and the plastic guide rod actually meltled and fell out but the gun kept shooting becuase the spring was still in place...so there not perfect but they do make the gun slightly lighter and are cheaper so thats probably why they use or used them

[darksands]

Seems like alot of XD guys like replacing their guide rod with a metal one. I just ordered one and Ill respond when I put it in and shoot it.

[ColdC]

Replaced the guide rod in my Glock 19 with a steel one and can't tell any difference in the way it shoots. Perhaps a heavier one would make a difference. I don't know.
The small bolt on the metal rod that retains the spring eventually works its way loose no matter how much thread lock I put on it. I'm going to put the plastic one back in.

[BLC]

I never feel any difference either but always replace a plastic one when I come across it.

[rivviepop]

In the case of CZs it can depend on the model and who you talk to; on the SP-01 the plastic guide rod has to flex a little to get inserted; steel replacements usually have to be a bit shorter and are a tight fit. On alloy compact models (P-01, PCR, etc.) the guide rod tilts at a greater angle - some say that because the steel is harder than the alloy this may cause problem with wear on the frame stop. But regardless I've never heard of anyone with a CZ having a problem with either type of rod (people break slide stops a lot, though).

The guy everyone goes to for their custom rods is Steve Bedair:

http://guiderod.com/

While I don't care for the plastic in the CZs I have that have 'em, they've never caused an ounce of trouble so I don't bother. My 75 SA actually has a half length steel rod plug (OEM, came that way) that's kinda cool, I bet it could be used in a normal DA 75B perfectly.

[Juno05]

Can you even buy replacement polymer guide rods?

[Jonathan Doe]

Either steel or plastic work fine. I have bothin my pistols and have no issues.

[rivviepop]

Can you even buy replacement polymer guide rods?

Yes -- I bought one for a Glock and proceeded to blow it apart the first trip to the range, that's how well my adventure with a replacement polymer guide rod went.

[wernst]

The new polymer guide rods in Beretta 92's are supposed to be "self-lubricating."

Most of the guys on the beretta forums don't think its worth changing out the polymer rods with metal ones...

Just a data point...

-Warr