Does anyone know where to get hold of a steel guide rod?
Alex

Yes, but they are a waste of money.
Buy a spare stock assembly and replace as needed--eventually.
The guide rod is the same material as the frame.

Yeah wolff sells them. $30 would buy quite a few plastic stockers as well.

I have over 15,000 through my current sigma and while the guide rod is a little ragged, its still going strong.

My guide rods have been ordered from Steve Bedair. I don't know if he makes one for your gun, but you can send him yours and he normally can make a steel replacement rod. Contact him to see if it's doable. Here's his site: Steve Bedair Stainless Guide Rods for Handguns

when my factory plastic one got a little ragged on the end. I call SW and they mailed me a new one at no charge..

Found these on Wolf's site .. and they are reasonably priced "I like reasonably priced!"

http://www.midwayusa.com/Search/#gui..._1-2-4_8-16-32

Anyway they have various spring weights... I have fired 500 rds through my gun with nary a hiccup so dont want to change the spring wieght... So what spring rate is it?
Alex

One thing that perplexed me since I started teaching the First Steps training courses is the # of companies that put out quality pistols and have those darn plastic guide rods.A Beretta 92 9mm is a quality gun and the plastic guide rod is just CHEAP.Good luck finding a metal rod

One thing I learned from being a USPSA CRO is that the aftermarket steel guide rods fail much more often than the stock ones, expecially in "plastic" frame guns. The retainer ends tend to break off.
Also, the flat-wound springs in Glocks and Sigmas last far longer than the round piano-wire aftermarket replacements.
For $35, you can buy an aftermarket assembly that fails more often than the stock $8 assembly.

LOL .. That is funny!!

Anyway ... my xd comes with a metal recoil rod and works just fine. The idea of buying extra parts that we already know has a limited life expectancy seems silly when i can buy a part that I know will last a life time. Now granted most of us will ever be in the situation but .. This is a ccw. Having a replacement part in my closet when it breaks if I need it doesnt do me much good.
Alex

glock 19 guide rods are the same as the 9mm sigma as far as i know

I don't think they interchange.

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The kool-aid Sigma drinker

They design poly frame guns with poly guide rods because of frame flex. Changing them out to metal will sometimes just give you a metal part that costs 2-3x more and other times will cause malfunctions, especially if you attach lights or laser to your frame. I jumped on the metal guide rod bandwagon once in a Glock 19; 15 rounds and 3 malfunctions later I went back to the stock assembly.

I'm not an expert, and don't claim to be one. But, why a poly frame would have anything to do with the guide rod eludes me. The slide and barrel, firing pin/striker and extractor are all metal. Just saying.

I also like the idea of a steel guide rod. My reason is that I believe it will function slightly better. I only suggest that because metal is smoother and slicker it stands to reason it would function better. Could it be that the only reason for giving us a plastic guide rod has to do with weight?

I wouldn't mind having a metal trigger also. I just haven't gotten used to the plastic ones they are using now days. They make a metal trigger replacement for my carbine.

I am not speaking out to irritate the purists on here that insist that stock is the only way. This is a forum to exchange ideas, right?

Wolf springs has a guide rod and springs of differing strength. I personally would not go any lighter on the spring, but possibly stronger. I replaced my LCP guide rod spring with a stronger one. I believe that it will help on the wear and tear when I fire hotter ammo. But, like I said I am not an expert and am just reasoning.

I do like the stock spring, but I doubt it will work with the steel guide rod.

There's nothing wrong with the stock guide rod.

I don't look to fix things that aren't broke in the first place.

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SD9VE, American perfection!

I don't believe I said there was anything wrong with the plastic guide rod.

I have a Holley carb on my Mustang, replacing the stock two barrel carb. I know there are some out there that will tell me that I have messed up my car, but everyone to their own, I always say. I also replaced the stock three speed with a five speed with overdrive.

I do respect those that say a stock Sigma should stay stock. But, I guess there would not be a market for after market products if those items didn't produce positive results. Just saying. I am not saying that anyone is wrong in their preference. I just believe that if folks didn't use their imagination, then we would still be using cap and ball for home defense. I am sure that there are some that would say that cap and ball is perfectly viable. I am not disagreeing with anyone. I just believe that options and experimentation are neat, UNLESS you use your weapon in your law enforcement job.

I hope I have not offended any of the purists that post on here. I don't mean to argue, only to pursue a conversation with the aim of hearing differing opinions.

I wasn't referring to you at all sir, and no offense taken.

I think mlk18 and OKFC05 have got this thing figured out pretty good.

My theory is also flex. I think the plastic rod would do what it has to do when the gun is fired, while the steel rod, would absorb allot of stress on the end of the rod. Just my guess.

Check out this Glock video:

YouTube - slow motion glock

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SD9VE, American perfection!

Quit asking and just do it.
Report back with findings.

I've never had a function failure on either my 9VE nor my 40VE so I don't have a need to change anything.

then there retarded. or purists.. either way you can't beat a holly.
sorry off topic.

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sw9ve, 24/7 pro Ds, Hs M4

I purchased a wolf guide rod and spring...stuck it in...no real change in anything.......will it hold up better and last longer??probably....replace one "just because"....not so sure..just my two cents...

Retarded people type "there" when they mean "they're".

Why so harsh? I believe JC85 was just using a bit of levity.

Forums such as this are based on opinions, questions and suggestions. Hopefully, we don't bash or ridicule folks for expressing their opinions.

Like I said earlier, I respect a purist view, but on the other hand I also respect those that are innovative.

How many different opinions do you hear when you ask the forum for their thoughts on which ammo to use? No one has the answer that is set in stone.

How boring would this forum be if everyone just said how great their sigma is and how they have used up 1500 rounds of ammo in theirs.

By the way, what would have happened to the M16 if we settled on Mattel's AR15? Remember how the AR used to jam all the time? Look at how many changes have been made and how many different variations of the AR15 that are out there now. By the way, S&W is on what version of the Sigma now? Glad they didn't settle on the "F" version, because this VE version is much improved.

So, before castigating one for modifying their sigma, perhaps it would be more thoughtful of you to inform them of how others have tried that idea and how they failed, INSTEAD of saying, "my sigma works fine stock", or "if they wanted it to be that way, they would have manufactured it that way."

By the way, even though some of you give gruff answers, I still appreciate and value your experience.

If you are expecting proper grammar on a weapon forum, you will probably be disappointed.

Here's some things I have learned on here:

Sigmas have long trigger pulls. There is probably not much you can do about that, because the striker must be cocked before being released. They have a double action style mechanism, similar to a revolver.

Glocks have shorter trigger pulls because they are partially cocked by the blow back action.

Sigma's used to have a gritty action, but it seems that the new versions out have a smoother action.

Sigma action can be smoothed out by two methods, repetitious use of the action(firing it) or breaking it down and polishing the action.

Sigma action will get easier and lighter after prolonged use. Or, there are spring modifications that will make the action lighter.

Changing or removing springs from Sigmas may/MAY cause malfunction and fail to operate when required. This is will not cause injury but may make the pistol useless and the shooter defenseless in exigent, self-defensive circumstances.

The majority of those that post on here seem to feel that Sigmas are a defensive weapon and not a range or competition quality piece. (there are some that do compete with them though)

Although Sigmas, like other brands seem to resemble Glocks, they are NOT Glocks and should not be compared to Glocks.

Sigma's sear block assembly is not like Glocks, therefore it operates differently.

Sigma's accessory rail is proprietary.

Sigmas utilize a "magazine" NOT a "clip."

S&W has an excellent warranty program. Warning: Any modifications to the operation design of the pistol may void any warranty obligations by the manufacturer.

S&W is American made.

Sigma is probably the best "bang" for the buck.

Did I miss anything?

Just one thing sir.

Sigmas are chick magnets! LOL!

Everybody have fun today!

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SD9VE, American perfection!

"Simas are chick magnets"

leejack, I forgot about that one. Being on the plus side of 60, I guess that one eluded me. Just my luck to forget the most important feature.

Thanks for the reminder, friend.

You're welcome sir!

All kidding aside, I think the sigma really is allot of fun. We always have a great time shooting it. For my money, it's very much under rated.

No failures of any kind to report here!

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SD9VE, American perfection!

I'd add one more based on experience, if I may.

A modified Sigma is more likely to fail to reset the sear with hot defense loads than with range ammo, due to faster slide motion.
No amount of "testing" with range ammo will predict whether the sear will reset with the hottest loads.

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Science plus Art

Thanks OKFC05. That's a great point. I guess that would kind of fit that idea that you fiddle with your pistol at your own peril.

leejack, I almost feel guilty when I consider the fun I have firing the sigma. ALMOST. Of course I still feel a sense of guilt over being retired now when others are going to work in the morning. Well, ALMOST.

aha. Didn't know the grammar police lived here.
Obviously you don't like holly carburetors? Fuel injection fan myself.

when it comes to my pistol theirs things I like about it and things I don't. Same with my car. But you have to ask yourself is it worth to put X amount of dollars into something that originally cost XX amount? Or would it be better to purchase something different with the look and feel I'm trying to achieve.
I'm all for the upgrades and mods but on the other-side of the coin I enjoy having things Stock. To each their own I suppose.
Their, there. they are. they're.. I must of missed that day of class. Thanks for pointing it out.

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sw9ve, 24/7 pro Ds, Hs M4

MDLNB: WELL SAID, Well Said.
+5 for spelling, +5 for grammer as well.
Moderator: Make it a Sticky??

Bravo MDLNB you've Hit The Nail On The Head And Have Driven It Flush...

Lee what Lube are you using on your Sigma? My Sigma Chick Magnetism Factor Has Indeed Diminished As I Can See No Fault In My 60 Plus Charm.

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John McCaw
FFL/SOT2

John, your problem may be related to a modification factor. If you modified your sigma in any way, you may have incurred a chick magnet malfunction. I believe the warranty specifically states that any alteration of SPRINGS or action may cause the sigma to fail to attract (FTA) SPRING chickens. Although, you may be able to remedy this situation by adding a hi-viz replacement front sight. Your problem may be that you just can't SIGHT the SPRING chicks. Remember, before doing any maintenance on your weapon, first unload so as to avoid any accidental discharge.