1911 guide rod problem Part 2

[barbasol]

So I posted awhile back about my Kimber and the guide rod not sliding freely. I haven't had a lot of time to mess around with it or get pics but I do now! I can insert the guide rod through the muzzle and it will slide just fine for about an inch. As I slide it towards the barrel link it will bind and not move without a good amount of pressure. When I take the guide rod out and rest it as close to the barrel link as possible it will slide freely again for about an inch. When I assemble the gun I can rack the slide but if I hesitate at all when I release the slide it will stick open just before the slide release which does not engage. With the spring tension and some pressure from me it is simple to get the slide back into place.

I have fired the gun since I discovered this problem and it will operate although i am getting more FTEs now.

I took the guide rod from Colt Combat Commander to see if it would bind as well and it did not. It appears to me that the problem is the guide rod and that it has somehow expanded just a bit.

I am wondering it I should dremel a little off the edges of the actual guide, send the gun back to kimber with no warranty or just order a new rod. What do you guys think?

Here is a link to the album with some pics.

http://photobucket.com/guiderod

[fordfreak510]

It looks like the sides have mushroomed out due to excessive pounding (Right side of pic #8). Just file the side down a bit until it doesn't bind anymore until you receive a replacement. Then call Kimber and tell them the story and they will send you a new part. Kimber has always been very helpful with sending me parts. No questions asked.

[barbasol]

Got it. I just ordered a replacement from Kimber. I guess I should have called them first to see if they would have sent one for free instead of just paying for it.

Would you consider that normal wear?

[fordfreak510]

They would have sent you a free one. They'd rather send a part than get a whole gun returned. I have about 5,000 rounds through one of my Kimbers and it isn't beat as much as yours. It depends how many rounds you have if its normal or not.

[barbasol]

Update, I just spoke with customer service and they are sending me a replacement for free. Now to try and cancel my order!

[barbasol]

I bought used from another member who said it had less than 1000 rounds and I've probably put 250-300 or so. Definitely not abused.