1911 guide rod

What is the advantage to fit a 1911 TWO-PIECE GUIDE ROD?

ser2711 wrote:What is the advantage to fit a 1911 TWO-PIECE GUIDE ROD?

Personal opinion, but all they succeed in doing is removing funds from your account and moving them to someone elses. I've only seen one advantage to any full length guide rod system, and thats when you're using the same frame for a 22 conversion and as a 45 and need to change between 22 & CF stages.
I don't believe they have any effect on accuracy.

That and adding a slight amount of additional weight to the firearm

I use them in every build I do. I feel like the slide movement is smoother because the spring is captive for the entire length of travel. And as already stated, makes it way easier to pull the top end off if you use your lower for something else.

The only time I use them is for cone or bull barrel builds. Helps a bit with the recoil spring installation when you're using a reverse plug

if you want one I have one for sale

I saw them off to the correct length

Sorry KC, I couldn't help it!
Phil

I'm not sure if that's what he asked? two piece makes it easier to disassemble when using a full length guide rod. if you use a one piece full length guide rod, look for the ones that have a hole cross drilled in the rod about 1 1/2 inches from the end, you put a piece of wire in the hole with the slide pulled back and disassembly is a breeze, I have both two piece and single piece full length guide rods in the five 1911's I own, they just seem to cycle better for me , but like I've said before I don't know anything.

My RRA hardball 45 has a 2 piece full length. I find it more trouble to assemble than a GI, but if KC says he feels it's better then I'll keep it and stop complaining

I like full length guide rod too, seem to be smoother slide movement. I use one piece, if it don't have a hole for a pin I drill one makes it much easier to install  slide assembly when removed. As to weight I got 4140 steel tube from McMaster and make my recoil spring guide rod.

As I recall, the ones with the hole, will remove thru the back on most gunsmith’s guns, but, many commercial slides aren’t machined through, and it’s more difficult to remove them with the takedown pin in place.

james r chapman wrote:As I recall, the ones with the hole, will remove thru the back on most gunsmith’s guns, but, many commercial slides aren’t machined through, and it’s more difficult to remove them with the takedown pin in place.

This what Jim is referring to. The smaller diameter is to accommodate the flat wire recoil spring. The flat wire spring has a wider range. I'm running a 10lb but it does the job of 9-11lb. These are Wilson parts. You can also get the full size diameter to use with the standard coil spring.

Bill

I agree with KC, the full length rod just feels smoother. I really prefer the two piece and have never had one come unscrewed like the nay sayers say happens. For a one piece, I really like the Dawson No-Tool rod. Not cheap but truly a quality product (Like you expect from Dawson).

I’m going to take it a step further. I love the mercury filled full length guide rods. They’re difficult to find now a days, but I notice a slight difference in feel. I also like the added weight at the nose, the smoother cycling, the spring capture aspect.

+1 for the Dawson rods.

https://dawsonprecision.com/guide-rod-for-1911-5-bushing-barrels-tool-less-by-dawson-precision/

As stated by kp321, not cheap, but they make stripping the gun so much easier. Some gunsmiths have expressed disdain - I guess because of the cost and because they know how to strip guns blindfold - but I love them.