I have a fulllength guide rod in my Mike Curtis built target pistol. There is a small hole drilled about half way along the rod that allows a small retainer to be placed in it so that with the slide off, you push the guide rod forward to compress the recoil spring and insert the retainer (little bent welding rod hook) which holds the recoil spring compressed and you can remove the whole assy, spring and guide rod from the rear without turning the barrel bushing. The only time I turn the bushing is when I have to clean the barrel, which isn't too often with soft shooting target loads. I like the FLGR just for this purpose.

Stu