1911 guide rod

[swiley383]

Thinking about swapping my Rock Island 1911 FS 5 in full length guide rod out for the GI style for easier take down. I know I will need a guide rod and plug probably a spring to in the 16-18lb range. If I do this most likely will go with Wilson combat parts. Anyone done this and is it worth it? So far the gun functions great just not a big fan of the full length guide rod.

[deerslayer]

I've done this several times and it's no big deal.  It's nice to have a tool-less takedown 1911.  Some claim that FL guide rods increase accuracy, but this is baloney.  Recoils springs may last longer with FL guide rods, however.  

[swiley383]

While I was putting it back together I launched the barrel plug in the air it bounced off everything in the shop and my 4 year old shadow ran upstairs to tell moma daddy said bad words and proceeded to repeat the to her. He the. Came back and helped me find it.

[Grayfox54]

The full length guide rod is a un-necessary part that only complicates field striping of the gun. Changing to a standard guide rod is quick and simple. I've done it several times. 

 

[ken_mays]

Full length recoil guides make it easier to remove the top end as a unit.   They also help make the slide action seem smoother since the spring is bound to the rod and isn't rubbing against the usually rough inside of the recoil spring tunnel.

A 5" 1911 can be a bit more complicated to take down in the field unless you have a staple or other bit of wire, but shorter variants tend not to have that problem because you can lift the rod out without having to capture the spring first.

I absolutely hate the two-piece guide rods that screw together, however... those definitely require the right tool to take down and have a habit of coming unscrewed at the worst moment.   But if a 1-piece or GI guide rod comes in a gun, I tend to live with it and rarely swap one out for the other.

[Grayfox54]

Completely agree about the two piece guide rods. Those damned things are downright dangerous. I once bought a 1911 that had one, Shot it and when I field stripped it for cleaning, the rod was almost unscrewed.  It didn't go back in the gun. 

 

[Moped]

I just run what JMB designed.  But I totally look at the 1911 platform as a combat handgun and not some super accurate target pistol.  Not into tight tolerances and such. I want it to run when I need it.

[JustEd]

Tried swapping out the two piece rod on my original Sig 1911.  Couldn't see any advantage of the one piece road, so its sitting in a box somewhere.

Had a Kimber with a one piece road, but never tried putting a two piece in.

You'll just have to try it and see if it works for you.  Best of Luck!!!

[et45]

I’ve taken the full length guide rod out of each 1911 I’ve owned that had one.Its a lot easier to take down for cleaning.You would only need a tool if you had bushing fitted to the slide/barrel,you would need a bushing wrench.I have a Springfield that has a Kart barrel and bushing that’s a little snug.

[swiley383]

One more question for the the guys with RIA SF. Is there a good Self defense round for these that seems to feed reliable in them? Just trying not to spend $100 on testing hollow points. My lgs had some sig V  crown but I haven’t bought any yet they also had some Remington black belt I may have some old hydra shock somewhere around the house as well.

[JustEd]

Don’t think anyone can answer that. Your gun may run differently for some reason. 
 

in general, rounds which have a wide mouth “tend” to be harder to feed. Some of my guns run Speer Gold dot, some occasionally balk.

Because of the barrel/feed ramp on 1911’s they “Can” be finicky

Hornady seems to have a good bullet profile on their polymer tipped ammo.  Old time Federal HST and HTP are quite reliable in any 45 I have had. Love Sig v crown in 9mm. Don’t have any in 45.  

Go with reliability first. Especially if you can’t afford to shoot a lot of them. 
 

Personally, I would not carry a round nose bullet for a concealed carry firearm. 

[swiley383]

No way I would carry FMJ either. Was just looking for something that seems to work in most 1911s as a place to start especially since we seem to still be limited on ammo options for SD. I still need to put 100-150 rounds through it before I put into my carry rotation.

[Grayfox54]

JustEd is correct. Every gun has its own unique personality. What works perfectly in one gun, may not work at all in another of the same make and model. All you can really do is experiment with different ammo. First requirement is reliability. Second is accuracy. 

Most any quality self defense round will get the job done. With the current ammo situation, I'd suggest you buy a box or two and give them a try. If one is reliable, use that. At some later time when prices and availability are better, you can fine tune then.  

BTW: hardball has worked successfully for over 100 years now. Don't sell it short. 

[Moped]

In .45ACP, carrying FMJ doesn’t bother me at all. I do recognize that there are better rounds out there, but 230gr ball is also proven.

[tnhawk]

On 7/6/2022 at 1:35 PM, Grayfox54 said:

BTW: hardball has worked successfully for over 100 years now. Don't sell it short. 

It served me well in combat, it can do as well on the streets.

[SmokyBaer]

On 7/1/2022 at 6:22 PM, swiley383 said:

..... need a guide rod and plug probably a spring to in the 16-18lb range. 

Lot of differing opinions on this but i am not a fan of super strong springs unless running +P rounds.  If looking at running hardball, a 14 should cycle reliably.  Anxious to see what you end up doing.  Please update.