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AR15.COM
10/25/2009 2:11:27 PM EDT
I am going to replace the guide rod in my Kimber Custom SS Target II which rod would you choose.  I am thinking a 2 piece guide rod because I like the one in my TRP.  But I am also considering the short guide rod which do you guys recommend.
10/25/2009 2:23:12 PM EDT
[#1]
I just took the two piece guide rod assembly out of my SA Stainless pistol. This is the most accurate pistol  that I own. How much of that is due to the full length rod I do not yet know.  I do not care for the full length guide rod because it makes disassembly more complicated than it needs to be.

10/25/2009 2:50:19 PM EDT
[#2]
I would put in a GI
10/25/2009 3:10:49 PM EDT
[#3]
GI for a 5" gun. Accept no substitutes.
10/25/2009 3:30:43 PM EDT
[#4]
The man asked for you to give reasons why you would do what you advocate. Is it really that freakin hard to type out a couple of sentences to explain your choice?
10/25/2009 3:54:30 PM EDT
[#5]
I've replaced the two-piece guide rods in my Springfields 'cause the darn things would unscrew during use, and they were a PITA to reassemble.  Other than a lot of buzz mumble and verbal arm waving, I've never seen any evidence that the complication of a full length system whether two-piece or single piece, was justfied.  The fact that the FBI REQUIRED that their semi-custom Springfields be provided with the traditional g.i. short rod system kinda says it all––to me at least.
10/25/2009 4:09:59 PM EDT
[#6]
I replaced my full length on my TRP with a GI setup cause I wanted to be able to easily disassembly the gun and almost all higher end custom pistols run the GI unit.  

Why fix what isn't broken?
10/25/2009 4:59:39 PM EDT
[#7]
I replaced the full length guide rods in both of my .45s. I use them in matches and have not noticed any decrease in accuracy or reliability. In fact the only time I notice the difference is when I take them apart to clean them.

Jim
10/25/2009 5:21:08 PM EDT
[#8]
I have over 50,000 rounds on my one piece.
Spring seem to last longer.
Disasembly is a snap as long as you know what your doing.
10/25/2009 5:23:57 PM EDT
[#9]
Taking down the 1911 is not the issue I think with full length or short gi is simple either way.  From what you guys are saying no bonus on short or long with accuracy or function but only take down.
10/25/2009 5:41:24 PM EDT
[#10]
Only problem I have seen with short GR is some spring rubbing on the frame but this has been mostly on very well used military pistols.
Have seen a couple break but Ive seen that with full length as well.
10/25/2009 5:43:43 PM EDT
[#11]
Why do u need to change it?  Does the current setup cause problems?
10/25/2009 6:24:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Current rod has gouges from the spring having an issue this weekend when I was running the Kimber.  This is not the first time I have had this spring gouge the rod.  I check to make sure the rod and spring were installed right and the spring was the right direction.  So I am going to replace the spring and rod due to this issue and the spring is starting to drag on the gouges in the rod.
10/25/2009 6:43:24 PM EDT
[#13]


I dont think theres a right answer for you. I would buy one of each for what they cost and decide for myself.

10/25/2009 6:50:25 PM EDT
[#14]
 Just did ordered a Wilson Combat 2 piece and a 1 piece GI guide rod... You read my mind.  If all else fails I will have a backup.
10/25/2009 8:24:07 PM EDT
[#15]
Quoted:
 Just did ordered a Wilson Combat 2 piece


LOL, well, if you think you've got guide rod problems now...

10/25/2009 8:47:40 PM EDT
[#16]
For me GI is the way to go for my carry gun, lighter and easier to clean. For target shooting I'll take a one piece tungsten guide rod to add some weight to the front.
10/25/2009 9:48:30 PM EDT
[#17]
Quoted:
GI for a 5" gun. Accept no substitutes.


Agreed.

Because:
1) more simple
2) it works as well as anything else
3) makes take-down easier
4) nostalgia
10/25/2009 10:00:23 PM EDT
[#18]



Quoted:


GI for a 5" gun. Accept no substitutes.


+1




 
10/25/2009 10:05:01 PM EDT
[#19]
I ordered GI length parts for my brand new TRP. EGW rod and Ed Brown plug. Though, I am disappointed in the quality of the Ed Brown plug. It's the only stainless one I could find.
10/26/2009 5:38:50 AM EDT
[#20]


10/26/2009 8:27:08 AM EDT
[#21]
Quoted:
I ordered GI length parts for my brand new TRP. EGW rod and Ed Brown plug. Though, I am disappointed in the quality of the Ed Brown plug. It's the only stainless one I could find.


Bummer, EGW makes a stainless plug, looks/works great, was only something like $12 on their website 2 months ago.
10/26/2009 2:33:31 PM EDT
[#22]
Quoted:
For me GI is the way to go for my carry gun, lighter and easier to clean. For target shooting I'll take a one piece tungsten guide rod to add some weight to the front.


Does the tungston rod make enough of a difference to be worth the cost?

Jim

10/26/2009 2:39:35 PM EDT
[#23]
For some reason,  the USGI style is "en vogue" again.

I grew up shooting 1911's and there is nothing wrong with the USGI stuff.




Despite what's popular on the internet gun culture,  the 1 piece full length is my favorite.

It  makes it easier to swap out my 22LR conversion.

It's also required on bull barrels


10/26/2009 6:24:57 PM EDT
[#24]
I use a 2 piece Wilson in my Kimber Eclipse and it has never loosened. Only draw back is it takes an allen wrench to disasseble it.
10/28/2009 5:06:43 AM EDT
[#25]
I prefer a GI guide rod and plug on a 5" pistol:

Ease of cleaning/maintenance/takedown
Don't feel the need for a FLGR
Press checks
One handed racking

I don't know that I'd buy a replacement specifically if I bought a pistol that has a one piece FLGR, but I have spares, so it's not hard for me to drop one in when I disassemble the pistol.  

Two piece FLGRs are a no go in my book.  Once a tool is involved for field/range maintenance I'm out.  Never shot one in a pistol long enough to have it shoot out on me, so I can't comment on that one.

~Augee
10/28/2009 11:52:17 AM EDT
[#26]
I just replaced the two piece FLGR in my PO P16 with a GI length guide rod and spring plug.It had the FLGR ever since i bought it and i wanted to change it for easier takedown.It shot good with the full guide rod and shoots just as good without it.So it works either way.
10/28/2009 7:04:53 PM EDT
[#27]
So I tried my guide rods out today.  Burned about 400 rounds of my 45 ammo so I am near empty and no where to buy currently at a good price.  But I think in all honesty I like the full length two piece better for this pistol.  The GI one was fine and it shot just as good but I like the extra weight in the muzzle end but I have to option to change it if I plan on carrying it to cut down some weight.  Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
10/28/2009 7:49:06 PM EDT
[#28]
I put a couple mags through my gun yeasterday with the GI length rod, and I can't really notice any increase in perceived recoil. (Although, I haven't shot it back to back with a FLGR in it.) Shoots smooth and has a nice "push" type of recoil, not a snap like some pistols. I see no need to go with an FLGR.


10/29/2009 6:10:44 AM EDT
[#29]
Quoted:
I replaced the full length guide rods in both of my .45s. I use them in matches and have not noticed any decrease in accuracy or reliability. In fact the only time I notice the difference is when I take them apart to clean them.

Jim


This.
10/29/2009 1:53:57 PM EDT
[#30]


11/2/2009 1:07:23 PM EDT
[#31]
I prefer large (full size) heavy steel guns, as I believe they are more controllable in that I can recover quicker between shots.  So 5" bull barrels are my favorite, with 1 piece tungsten FLGR and steel 1 piece FLGR to follow.  The 1st 2 options are excluded if you are shooting competitively with the gun.
11/2/2009 2:21:44 PM EDT
[#32]
If you can notice the difference in weight between a FLGR and a GI unit, you need to work out more
11/2/2009 6:18:42 PM EDT
[#33]
Quoted:
Despite what's popular on the internet gun culture,  the 1 piece full length is my favorite.

It  makes it easier to swap out my 22LR conversion.

It's also required on bull barrels


Not required for bull barrel.  My Springfield compact 4" uses a bull barrel and a GI spring guide, however, the plug is a reverse design.  Excellent function.
11/5/2009 7:06:14 PM EDT
[#34]
Have full and GI guide rods for my Springfield, and in all honesty had no problem with either.  However, on a whim at a gunshow, I picked up a full length piston guide rod made by Omega Arms, and that has become my favorite.  It reduces recoil to the point that it feels like I'm shooting a 9mm.  Double taps and follow up shots are fast and accurate.  The down side is that you must have Thumbzilla like strength when it comes to take down.
11/8/2009 4:12:27 PM EDT
[#35]


This.