Changing from Extended Guide Rod to Standard on 1911

I just changed out the two-piece extended guide rod for a standard recoil spring guide and plug. I used the same recoil spring, but I had some trouble getting the slide to close today at the first range session since the change out. Do I need to replace the recoil spring?

Usually not....how did it work after that?  I'm wondering if your guide rod got a little off kilter and was binding up the works.  That's happened to me a few times.

With that said, it probably wouldn't hurt to replace it, but I don't think that would cause trouble getting the slide closed.

Did the rim of the round that was stripped off the magazine get stuck in front of the extractor?

I was pretty beat when I posted this. I'm pretty sure that it is an extractor issue. I cleaned the extractor and channel after my first outing. I think it's time I modify and tune it. If I had a 18# recoil spring laying around, I'd probably install it as well, because the brass was really getting thrown a long way.

In bullseye guns Full length guide rods are useless, they provide no improvement to accuracy. The same spring will be fine if it worked good before pulling the rod out.

Make sure the loose end of the spring is forward. It CAN make a difference.

DavidR wrote:In bullseye guns Full length guide rods are useless, they provide no improvement to accuracy. The same spring will be fine if it worked good before pulling the rod out.

I'll disagree with you on that Dave.  This is a "feel" thing.  You're correct that there is no improvment in accuracy, but I and others do like the feel of the full length guide rod compared to a short GI rod.  Just a matter of personal choice in my opinion.

My point was accuracy, many things can effect feel. I never felt a difference myself. What is different feeling to you when a gun has one ?

A smoother inline feel, instead of the spring bouncing around inside the slide.  Just a smoother linear motion as the slide comes to the rear.

A full length guide rod will allow the recoil spring to cycle more consistently. It also will allow you to tune your recoil spring to your load since a one pound change in the spring can be seen in the ejection pattern/performance of your pistol.