Polymer guide rods

[MAUSERMAN]

Do polymer guide rods have a life span?

[TAB]

it does not matter what its made of, it has a life span.

[True_Texan]

it does not matter what its made of, it has a life span.

Damn! You are a bigger ass then the one in your avatar.

With modern chemistry, polymer rods may outlast metal ones. With the ability to add self lubricating and reforming molecules into the formulas, they can make some pretty long lasting stuff.

[fightingquaker13]

Probably depends on the gun. During the 15 minutes I owned a kel-tec, I called customer service and talked to one of the techs. I was looking for advice on fixing the trigger (an imposibilty so I sold it), during the conversation, I asked if I should replace the guide rod with stainless as it was only a few bucks. I was told unequivically no, that all it do would was cost money I didn't need to spend. Likewise, I had a Glock 17 for fifteen years and never had a problem. Different makes, higher calibers, your milage may vary, but given the fact that steel guide rods are pretty cheap ($20 or so) I doubt that they're put in the gun as a conpromise cost saver. Just my .02.
FQ13

[ericire12]

Damn! You are a bigger ass then the one in your avatar.

Now thats funny, right there!

[Sponsor]

[PegLeg45]

Damn! You are a bigger ass then the one in your avatar.

With modern chemistry, polymer rods may outlast metal ones. With the ability to add self lubricating and reforming molecules into the formulas, they can make some pretty long lasting stuff.

You're right....never underestimate the power and longevity of "things other than steel".
I've witnessed a poly-coated rubber hose wear into a steel line and cause the steel hydraulic line to leak, without damage to the hose.

[Steyr M40A1]

In the Steyr M and S series of pistols the M (full size) came with a polymer guide rod. The S (small) series had a metal one.
One of the Steyr Club members built a stainless replacement for the polymer rods and was copied by another person or two.

So is there a difference?

I think so. After replacing my factory plastic rod with a stainless one I think the gun is better balanced, and the action became smoother. The only difference was the rod and not the spring.

I have seen video of a person putting so many rounds out of a block, I mean g, that he was able to melt the rod into failure, but then again who is going to put 2k rounds through a pistol in one sitting.

[fightingquaker13]

I have seen video of a person putting so many rounds out of a block, I mean g, that he was able to melt the rod into failure, but then again who is going to put 2k rounds through a pistol in one sitting.

Someone who deserves to get shot when his weapon "fails"? Cause call me a "Bill Ruger Appeaser", but I think 1500 consecutive rounds, is enough for SD. I've heard the same thing will happen to a high end 1911, if you just put a little mud in the barrel. I can't imagine the steel vs plastic rod makes that much of a difference weight/balance wise, but if you say it does I'll believe you. The thing is, if it were an issue, you would think PDs would have demanded them years ago. Its not an expensive part, and demands no gun smithing to replace. Given that Glock offers 4 different trigger groups as of last count, you'd think that they would make a $20 dollar rod available if there was a demand.
The fact that they don't tells me something.
FQ13

[bjc1369]

I don't care if polymer works just as well, I want steel.  In fact, I want solid stainless steel.

[Badgersmilk]

SS ones will look a little somtin like this after about 600 rounds...  (Same as the day I put it in.  Not a single scuff or mark on it).  I and my buddy I often shoot with both think it made the gun cycle a hair faster, lock much more solidly, and its noticably a bit more noisy and metalic sounding when cycling.  I changed to the SS guide rod about 50 rouds after I bought the gun just because the plastic one already had marks on it, and that part being floppy plastic I could scratch into with my nail wasnt very reaassuring...
G30:


The company I bought from advertised "better balance"...  With a full double stack magazine of .45ACP in this little thing...  BS!  The whole assembly with the springs on it probably weighs the same as a single live round.  False claims aside.  I'm very happy with it!