Posted: 4/22/2026 12:52:07 PM EDT
[Last Edit: irguy307][Edited]
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So I purchased a new Delta Elite rail gun back in February. I’ve put about 500-600 rounds through it. Great shooter. However, the guide rod appears to be wearing out. The thin metal buffer plate that sits between the guide rod and recoil springs has come loose and there are a couple strands of plastic protruding from the guide rod itself. I’ve looked everywhere online and can’t find that guide rod in stock. Called Colt and they told me they couldn’t sell me any parts directly, but did offer to RMA the pistol. While that’s certainly an option, for a part that, to my understanding, is expected to wear out relatively quickly, I was wondering if anyone had found a better/alternative solution since DE parts seem so hard to come by. Can attach pics if needed, this is my first 10mm 1911, so I’m still learning all the intricacies vs 9mm and 45. Thanks ETA- ammo has been largely Federal, Blazer Brass, and S&B 180gr FMJ. Plus one box of Underwood 200gr JHP |
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Probably the biggest issue with trying to get factory Colt parts is that Brownells (home of perpetually out of stock parts) and Midway (doesn't carry a full line of common wear parts) are their two vendors. As much as I like their dual recoil spring setup, it also has this issue, so my .38 Super government uses a conventional recoil spring setup. You could do the same with your DE; as long as it is sprung right it shouldn't lead to any adverse wear. Colt is the only manufacturer using delrin guide rods. |
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Originally Posted By AK-12: Probably the biggest issue with trying to get factory Colt parts is that Brownells (home of perpetually out of stock parts) and Midway (doesn't carry a full line of common wear parts) are their two vendors. As much as I like their dual recoil spring setup, it also has this issue, so my .38 Super government uses a conventional recoil spring setup. You could do the same with your DE; as long as it is sprung right it shouldn't lead to any adverse wear. Colt is the only manufacturer using delrin guide rods. I had considered this as I believe Wolff offers a single recoil spring for the DE. I had assumed that Colt continued to use delrin as a “sacraficial lamb” for the 10mm, that the guide rod would be damaged/destroyed before the frame. If I could theoretically move to a conventional recoil system, could I also use a dual spring guide rod for a 9mm/45 gov model? Using the DE springs of course. It seems Brownells actually stocks that part. Thanks for your help. |
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Originally Posted By irguy307: I had considered this as I believe Wolff offers a single recoil spring for the DE. I had assumed that Colt continued to use delrin as a “sacraficial lamb” for the 10mm, that the guide rod would be damaged/destroyed before the frame. If I could theoretically move to a conventional recoil system, could I also use a dual spring guide rod for a 9mm/45 gov model? Using the DE springs of course. It seems Brownells actually stocks that part. Thanks for your help. You could; my 10mm is a Dan Wesson and it came with a 22lb recoil spring and 18lb mainspring with conventional guide rod and plug. It has about 800 rounds of 180gr @ 1250FPS ammunition through it with not signs of adverse wear, thought 18 lbs seems really light for a mainspring so I may step it up to a 23 lb. |
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Wolff still lists springs for the 1911/DE. Wolff/Gunsprings.com Note that factory standard weight is 23 pounds. Either get that or one of the extra power springs at 24,26,28lb. You'll also need a guide rod to replace that crummy unit CoLT installs. |