Posted: 9/29/2008 5:42:56 PM EDT
| My TRP does not have a hole in the guide rod for a pin to be placed in it for disassembly? The manual illustrates this procedure but for some reason my new TRP does not have this hole? So what is the proper way to tear it down. I was able to get it apart by un-screwing the full length guide rod butt putting it back together was a pain. |
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You took it down correctly. Yes, they are a pain to reassemble.hinking.gif |
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yeah I took the slide off first and then had to unscrew the guide rod to get it out. getting it back together was a real pain cause that spring is under pressure and you have to match up the 2 halves of the guide rod to screw them back together. according to the manual it should have a one piece full length guide rod that has a small hole in it so you can use a pin to tear it down. But for some reason mine has a 2 piece full length guide rod in it. What do you guys think about going to a standard GI rod set up? |
Standard GI? That's what I retrofitted into my Springfield 1911, and I wouldn't go back. |
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Which TRP model do you have? The dissassembly procedure in the SA Owners Manual that is labeled "TRP Operator Dissassembly" or something like that, is for the Operator model only (the model with the light rail) which has the bull barrel and no barrel bushing. This model does, or should have, the hole in the guide rod. For the other two TRP models, you should be using the method in the Manual for the "Full Size Models", which use the barrel bushing system. These models do not have a hole in their two piece guide rods. It sounds like you have the TRP model without the light rail and with the conventional barrel bushing system. If that's the case, you might consider converting the G.I. guide rod system for easier reassembly, and improved operating reliability. The hardware is readily available for about $25 for the two pieces. No fitting is required. |
I used Ed Brown parts for my two pistols The link is EB. You will need the G.I. length guide rod, and SS plug. The total for the two pieces is about $25 + postage. Brownells also sells EB parts, and anyone selling standard G.I. plugs and guide rods could help you. Not everyone has an issue with the two-piece guide rod. I did, with the darn thing unscrewing, and the difficulties in reassembly. You will find that the plug has a razor sharp edge that must be pushed against with your thumb during reassembly. Since no one could identify any advantage(s) of the two-piece design, it was time to switch. Its interesting that Springfield doesn't use the two-piece guide rods in their custom shop pistols, and its alleged that the Government specified the G.I. system in their 1911 Pro pistols purchased for the FBI. |
The SAs are shipped with a 16# spring which is standard for the full-sized 1911. Saw no reason to change. The springs in my pistols were new and were compatible with the new plug and stubby guide rod. No problems. |
So an Ed Brown 881-STD-S (stainless recoil spring plug) and a 882-STD (recoil spring guide) are the right prescription? I know it is an internal part but does anyone make a stainless GI spring guide? It sounds like the issue is with the two piece guide rod? What are the pros and cons of a one piece full length guide rod vs. the GI guide rod? |
The part numbers noted are what I used, and what I believe are the standard replacement parts for the two-piece systems. Brownells sells these same EB parts as well, but EB was the only supplier I could find that had a stainless plug.Wilson Combat sells a stubby guide rod and plug for $9 for the set, but the plug is blued, and not stainless. I don't know of anyone who offers the stainless stubby guide rod, but that doesn't mean that they're not available. My experience (all of it negative) was with the two-piece system. If there was a desire to add weight to the front of the pistol the single piece, full length guide rod would probably be the way to go, but I'll defer to someone who has used one. My opinion, based, on no experience, that any departure from the G.I. system is a marketing gimmick. As I noted above, the FBI speciied the G.I. system for their 1911s and I'll use that as that to justify my preference. |
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If you enjoy a two piece guide rod then the Ed Brown part seems to be the way to go as others suggested. I have it on my Carter Custom and it is problem free as long as you don't lube it. It has a large Allen wrench slot so you disassemble with the provided Allen wrench. The front part then comes free and you field strip the gun as normal. It's one quick extra step but it's easy and it comes in stainless. So far it has not loosened and I doubt if it will. |