I just need to check that I have done the correct things. I have a Colt Mk4 Series 70 Gold Cup National Match. In order to reduce felt recoil I was advised to install an 18 1/2 lb. recoil spring, a shok-buff, and a tungsten guide rod. The parts I got were Wilson Combat and Wolff. I did have a devil of a time getting all of these crammed in, my fingers are rather arthritic, but I did get them in. Everything seems to be okay, but I have only dry fired it. My major concern is that the factory guide rod is a tiny little thing, only a couple inches long, and the tungsten replacement is the full length, and is visible when I pull the slide back. I just want to make sure that this is okay.

Forgive me for being so insecure, this is my first modification on a 1911, and I don't have anybody around to talk to about it. Thanks for understanding.

Thanks CockedandLocked. I appreciate the words of encouragement. I do have a bushing wrench, my big problem was pressing the spring down far enough.

I'm actually pretty stoked right now, I took the Colt out today to check function and she did just fine. I put 2 mags through with 2 different weight ammos and everything was flawless. The felt recoil was noticeably less, also, so I'm glad I made the mods. Now I can set to work finding the ammo that gives me the best accuracy without breaking the bank.

Thanks again.