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AR15.COM
4/28/2015 2:57:13 PM EDT
I have a Springfield 1911 Loaded model in 45 ACP. It has a two-piece full-size guide rod. I was told by a Springfield technician that I could use the MIL-SPEC guide rod which is easier to assemble/disassemble and it would not reduce the performance, etc. Anyone have any experience with this? Thanks!
4/28/2015 3:47:08 PM EDT
[#1]
I swapped out the FL guide rod with a standard Ed Brown guide rod and it did not negatively affect performance.  I got the rod and plug from Brownells I think.
4/28/2015 4:00:41 PM EDT
[#2]
You should see no change using a standard GI guide rod/plug.  Other than easier disassembly .

The full length rods give a bit more weight out front, giving a bit less muzzle flip. Doubt you will even notice.
4/28/2015 4:41:07 PM EDT
[#3]
I switch out the full length guide rod on my LW operator to a wilson guide rod.
No change but now I don't have to see that ugly full length rod when I pull the slide back.
4/28/2015 6:13:26 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
I swapped out the FL guide rod with a standard Ed Brown guide rod and it did not negatively affect performance.  I got the rod and plug from Brownells I think.
View Quote

I did the same thing but got the parts from Midway

I also changed IL MSH with and Ed Brown MSH

4/28/2015 7:33:51 PM EDT
[#5]
if you remove the ledge at the rear of the spring tunnel in the slide, so the plug can come out the back.... lock the slide back, mark a spot on the guide rod just in front of the bushing... drill a small hole in which you can insert a "L" shaped clip.... to field strip, lock the slide back, insert clip, release slide stop, and the unit comes out in one piece... much easier than fooling with a bushing wrench and retaining the plug, especially with a heavy spring

4/28/2015 7:36:54 PM EDT
[#6]
I changed mine out with the Wilson GI guide rod and flat spring and standard plug, to me it seems a lot smoother.
4/28/2015 9:41:41 PM EDT
[#7]
Plus the short rod allows easier malfunction clearance as you can push the front of the slide against a solid object such is not possible with the flgr
4/29/2015 1:20:57 AM EDT
[#8]
First thing I did with my loaded was ditch the FLGR for a GI setup. Never fired it with the ILS or the FLGR.  I have never noticed any difference I. Recoil with a FLGR unless it's a tungsten one.
4/29/2015 3:16:27 AM EDT
[#9]
I also swapped to GI setup on my loaded model. I think I got the parts from CDNN.
4/29/2015 9:23:35 AM EDT
[#10]
First thing I took off my RIA Tactical. I shot it 225 rounds then put in the old colt one I had in a box. I knew I saved it for something.
4/29/2015 9:35:33 AM EDT
[#11]
The GI rod can be any brand, but get a nice quality plug--since that's the part you can actually see.
4/29/2015 10:08:11 AM EDT
[#12]
I have been switching over to the Wilson Combat flat recoil spring kits.  The springs last much longer than round ones and it is the GI rod setup.  Choose the bushing you like.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/498846/wilson-combat-flat-wire-recoil-spring-kit-1911-government-5?cm_vc=wishList
4/29/2015 1:58:48 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have been switching over to the Wilson Combat flat recoil spring kits.  The springs last much longer than round ones and it is the GI rod setup.  Choose the bushing you like.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/498846/wilson-combat-flat-wire-recoil-spring-kit-1911-government-5?cm_vc=wishList
View Quote

Just buy the ISMI, that's what the Wilson springs are, anyway--and they come in more weights.
4/29/2015 2:03:49 PM EDT
[#14]
Only time I used FL rods was for a switch top gun.

It allows the whole upper to be quickly swapped with everything remaining together.
The only loose part is the slide stop.

Ramped .38 super to ramped .45 ACP.

Both run just fine.

I did have to adjust the ejector groove in the slide.
Just a few thousandths.
4/29/2015 2:45:04 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote History
Quoted:
Plus the short rod allows easier malfunction clearance as you can push the front of the slide against a solid object such is not possible with the flgr
View Quote


I've done it with both setups on 6x6 uprights.