SW1911 guide rod recommendation

[Kevin58]

I want to swap out the full length guide rod/spring/bushing with a GI length short guide rod. What parts do you recommend and from what company?

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[AveragEd]

Why do you want to replace what seems to work well as it is? You aren't the first person I've seen post something on the Internet in aversion to full-length guide rods so I'm curious.

Ed

 

[t-bird]

I learned years ago that when I tried to make 1911's better that they where better left all stock. I could take a reliable 1911 and turn it in to a unreliable 1911 with just a few new parts. Best of luck and would love to see some pic's of your Smith.

 

[arjay]

Evolution gun works (egw) makes good stuff.

 

[BigBill]

I tried the FLGR KIT with the 18lb spring in my 1911a1 norinco build. I fitted a new military surplus USGI barrel and a national match barrel bushing. I did all the work fitting myself. I notice the FLGR speeds up the cycle timing buy cutting down on the over travel. The added weight up front keeps the recoil under two inches. She shoots cloverleafs and clusters at 25 yards no matter who shoots it.
Plus the speed in which it cycles she's a low budget race gun. I'm using Russian wolf 45acp ball ammo with this kind of accuracy. I haven't tried my 200gr swc target loads yet.

I noticed a problem on every 1911 I look at(used) the front rails show more wear over the rear rails. When I first tried the 18lb recoil spring without the FLGR I could hear the recoil spring binding as it coils as I pulled back the slide. I believe this added horizontal force is wearing the front rails more. On my new 1911's I installed the FLGR /18lb spring. One has over 500rds through it now with no front frame rail wear yet. All my 1911's have the FLGR installed in them now. Plus everything is lubed with moly.

I never had a reliability problem.

I haven't had time to experiment with the 16.5, 17, 17.5, 18 recoil springs standard and variable wound coils.

The improvement I'm seeing and witnessing in my norinco 1911 I have to say I'm impressed and 1911's rock. I would carry my 1911 anywhere with no fear of ever having any problems.

I also polish every feed ramp on all my new 1911's too.

Do not remove your FLGR, lube it and the recoil spring with moly and the frame rails.

 

[Kevin58]

Thanks arjay for actually answering my question.

 

[AveragEd]

I'm sorry I didn't answer your question but then, I didn't know the answer. But you DO know the answer to my question, so how about it? Enquiring minds have to know and all that...

Ed

 

[icemn]

Wilson Combat GI guide rod, Ed Brown plug ( and EB drop in bushing if non E series). If E series, EGW angle bore bushing and long plug. For heavy loads in a gov't., may want to try an 18.5 lb recoil spring. 20 lbs for commander.

 

[ca survivor]

Wilson or Ed Brown, and like you I change all my FLGR to the GI type.