"Improving" guns seems to be one of the things we like to do! Not all mods are improvements, though...

This forum has done a good job of pointing out the pitfalls of improving your SD pistol with a metal guide rod.

The SD does not lend itself to a lot of other mods -- like a M&P or Glock -- but has enough to keep the new gun owner busy. I think the wider take-down plate is wonderful at the price, and admit I had trouble making the original take-own plate work (several folks have pointed out that it is a skill that can be learned, but I just had a lot of problems until I bought an aftermarket part).

The SD is not a bad gun to play around with modifying when you are learning about striker-fired pistols. It is not a terribly expensive gun (think of the expensive 1911's that have been destroyed by Bubba gunsmithing!) and most mistakes can be compensated for by buying a new part (except for the frame, which is serial numbered and not replaceable). But to learn how strikers function, see how interference-fit cross pins work, figure out how to remove and replace sights, install a new trigger, etc., the SD is a pretty good test bed.

Nothing wrong with keeping it stock, either. The SD is a very reliable and accurate pistol at a super price -- great value for the money.

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S&W Rover