4566 TSW Recoil rod pitting question...

[TSW Guy]

I purchased a 4566TSW last year that was used but was well cared for. The frame and slide looks brand new and judging by the bore was shot minimally. The one thing I'm concerned about is the recoil rod. It's galled and pitted from the front to the center of the rod. Is this common with 3rd gen .45's or is it something I should be worried about?

 

[TSW Guy]

I purchased a 4566TSW last year that was used but was well cared for. The frame and slide looks brand new and judging by the bore was shot minimally. The one thing I'm concerned about is the recoil rod. It's galled and pitted from the front to the center of the rod. Is this common with 3rd gen .45's or is it something I should be worried about?

 

[CTPete]

Never heard of that happening. No worries - it can easily be replaced with a new one.

 

[Spotteddog]

While it wasn't on a 4566 (which I assume also has an aluminum guide rod?) my brother in laws P-85 Ruger exhibited the same flaw. On his, the galling was in a position that would prevent reliable, repeatable lock up. It never affected cycling, but it did allow very slight barrel position changes enough when in battery, to make the gun wildly inaccurate. The groups the gun could/would shoot before and after, were a difference on the order of 5 " @ 50 feet pre-, 2 1/2" post.

 

[martialcomp]

I just bought a Smith and Wesson 5906 TSW. It too is in like new condition.

However, like you, I am also surprised at the shape of the recoil spring guide.

I am going to order a new one from Smith and Wesson in a few days. I think they cost 10 dollars.

 

[martialcomp]

What the heck, might as well put in a picture of my new goodie.

 

[TSW Guy]

I spoke to the previous owner and he only put about 300 rounds through it before deciding it wasn't for him. He used a variety of manufacturers like Blazer, Winchester and Federal ball ammo all 230 grain. It's just very surprising to me that the guide rod of a premium pistol would be in this condition after only a 6 boxes of ammo was run through it. I really need to get a replacement digital camera so I can post a pic.

 

[Spotteddog]

You never know who secondary contractors might be, or for how many units? The specs on each and every one are impossible to check. I'd say, if they're as inexpensive as described above, get two, so one can be used as a prototype. (You'll see why in a minute). Run Hell out of the new one, keeping an eye on it during cleanings. If it has the surface treating necessary to prevent further trouble, bonus! If not? You've got a shiny new virgin example to hand over to a machinist. This, to make a custom S/S or tungsten duplicate out of. Hell, are you sure the performance center doesn't know of someone making them already? Just for giggle's, check Brownell's current catalog, too.
Tell us what you find out TSW?

 

[Scooter2]

If your recoil spring guide rod is aluminum, that's probably the trouble. S&W changed to a steel guide rod at some time. It looks like SS. My 4506 had the aluminum rod and I ordered the new one from S&W. It is a much better looking part than the original.
Scooter2

 

[martialcomp]

I called Smith and Wesson today to order a new recoil spring guide. They were out of them.

It is on back order.

They are going to send me one when they get them.

The guy isn't even going to charge me. I told him that I bought a ANIB 5906 TSW and the recoil rod looked like it has been through a war but the rest of the pistol has almost no wear.

 

[mrerick]

I've had the same problem with a 4566TSW that was manufactured in June, 2006. Just ordered 2 replacement recoil spring guide rods at about $10 each from S&W parts. Apparently no more freebies...

My used 4566TSW also looked almost new, with the pitting and galling of the aluminum rod the only flaw. The gun cycled properly in my first 50 rounds of testing.

Looked to me like the sharp stainless steel edge around the hole the rod fits into could have been peening or shaving the aluminum rod.

Hope that the new ones are stainless steel! BTW... the customer service rep I talked to said that the rod is also used in the 1066.

 

[martialcomp]

I got my recoil rod several weeks ago. It looks great.