1911 modifications!

[sffred]

hello fellow calgunners!
i want to know about if it is worth replacing my flgr (full length guide rod) to a smaller GI model guide rod.

i have heard that the GI model is able to rack the slide against tables or edges, and they say that a smaller GI guide rod is easier for field stripping.

also i have read some where (maybe i have read it incorrectly) that the smaller GI guide rod is more accurate than a full size guide rod? how is that possible?

thanks u guys!

[keenkeen]

It's true...

And I can't tell you haw many times I have racked my 1911 one handed using a table or edge...

Oh wait, yes I can: ZERO!

[giants_fan24]

Yeah who does that, really?

[kmca]

The short rod does make cleaning easier, no need for a take down pin or allen wrench. I think Dawson makes a tool-less full length rod.
If you take a tactical course, they usually have you rack one handed. Personally, I use the rear sight against the heel of my boot or against the edge of the holster.
Can't really say if the short rod is more accurate than the full length. I've got a few 1911's with either and I can't tell the difference.

[leelaw]

You'd be better suited to replace the rear sight with which to rack the slide. It's faster and more versatile than the "rack the slide against a table" option anyways.

[TangoCharlie]

The standard GI guide plug is easier to do press checks with. That's mainly why I use it.

[negolien]

I own a Kimber custom II with a full length guide rod and have no issues taking it down. I just use the end of a magazine /shrug. As for one handed operations it's good to practice as a SHTF scenarios in case you're injured. Better to know something and not use it than other way around yes?

[sffred]

so is the smaller GI guide rod more accurate than the full length guide rod?

[Cyc Wid It]

Original specs: GI
Easier to take down: GI
Less prone to malfunction: GI

[Garand1911]

IMO -- FLGRs can help SOME guns perform better or more accurate, i said "SOME GUNS", so not every gun.
It might even make some guns perform WORSE.

what im saying is, buy one try it and compare it to a GI set up and see what it does for you and your gun.

i had FLGR in my custom caspian 1911, and i think it made things worse, so it runs a GI.
In my colt combat elite, it came with a FLGR, i have no plans to remove it, havent shot it yet.

if you do get a FLGR, get a one piece, forget those 2 piece models.
the one piece is easier to take down.

some competition guys run a FLGR to get more weight in the front of the gun to lessen recoil.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I replaced the FLGR in my Springfield Loaded and S&W 1911 with GI setups. It takes about 2 minutes to do this drop in parts.

[Mute]

I'm not a fan of FLGRs personally, but accuracy has very little to do with the guide rod. Most of your accuracy in a 1911 comes form how well the barrel has been fit to the frame and bushing.

[Woodworker2]

Per Ed Brown's website:

Do guide rods increase accuracy? Do any of your handguns come with a guide rod?

Our Classic Custom pistols are furnished with two-piece guide rods. They smooth out the cycling slightly, add a bit of weight to the muzzle, and may increase the life of the recoil spring. They do not enhance the accuracy or reliability of the gun, therefore we do not include one with the Executive series or Kobra series. If you would like to have a guide rod, they are a simple part to install as they drop right in. The two piece design is recommended, because it is so easy to disassemble and reassemble.

[sffred]

Thanks u guys imma trial and error a GI guide rod & flgr! Thanks again

[Snapping Twig]

A FLGR weighs more than a GI and there's those that like the idea of it for forward weight.

I'm a fan of the GI in a series 70, but either way, it works and it's all a matter of preference.

Not a fan of a press check with my hand in front of the muzzle, even if it's below the barrel, so for that use, I am not convinced of value.