Full size rods in 1911

[taliyev]

Gentlemen,

I need your experienced opinion about full size guide rods in 1911 guns. Outside of making nose of the gun just a tad heavier, does it really affect accuracy of the gun or this is just an urban legend? I am talking just about replacing short guide rod with a full size one in the Mil. Spec SA 1911-A1 without changing anything else. I know that almost all top of the line 1911 guns have those rods, but they also have more things done to them to enhance accuracy.... I realize that full size rod complicates racking of the slide using only one hand, but at the moment accuracy of the gun in my subject of interest....

Thanks!

[TMan]

You really need an answer from DoubleAction, but I'll throw in my 2 cents [how come no cent sign on my keyboard?]:

I seriously doubt you would see any increase in accuracy with a full length guide rod.

They do provide more support for the recoil spring, and it may make it easier to reassemble.

I've gone the full gamut in guide rods, including those being filled with mercury and ball bearings, and multiple internal springs. Those do work to some degree, but not noticable to me. I can see the difference when watching someone else shooting my guns with the enhanced rods.

If a full length guide rod is something you really want, then by all means get it, but don't expect it to make a gun that is shooting 5" groups to suddenly shoot 2" groups.

["DoubleAction"]

I'm sorry to the delayed response. I have both, without or with the full length rods. The full guide rods might create a drag to the smooth operation to the slide, especally the heavier rods. A lot the rods create friction between the barrel bushing,

["DoubleAction"]

There are exceptions to this full guide rods; those without bushings and the reversed rod plugs.