Back in the 80's and 90's I built a total of around 40 1911's. Most were on cheap Fed Ord aluminum frames and reweld slides and surplus GI parts.
Of the early one I built the only one with a full-length guide rod, that was my personal gun. But as the years progressed, that was a desired feature that wasn't that expensive on a new build. In the long run those frames are short lived! About 800-1000 round count. When the dust shield below the front of the slide cracked, it was usually at the slide stop hole, and rendered the frame next to useless. I transferred my entire parts set to an Essex steel frame. I refitted the slide and bead blasted to white metal and Parkerized every piece (except springs). In the 20 teens I shot a Cowboy Action Class called "Wild Bunch". Loosely based on the movie of the same name, for handguns it used one 1911 and several magazines loaded with 5 rounds of LRN Ammo. The category for non-race guns didn't allow rubber grips or one-piece guide rods. (So, I replaced them with GI parts) I shot in competition maybe 15 times, that equates to 150 or so rounds, never a problem. The few thousand rounds of lead nosed, slow velocity, and very dirty rounds I shot in practice also never had a problem! If the gun runs smooth with "Cowboy" ammo and no guide rod, it will run smooth with Ball or SD ammo. So, my personal full size 1911 has no guide rod.
My two Para-Ordnance LDA 1911's have short barrels and multiple return springs and guide rods, from the factory. They work fine, so I won't "Fix" them!
The things I learned that are a must building 1911's are: 1) Good Barrel bushing fit; 2) Good and free moving springs; 3) precise fitting of the sear & disconnector; 4) Good magazines.
Ivan
