1911 Help

[bjtraz]

Hi,
Need some info/help from "the Experts" ;-)

I recently purchased a mil spec redcoil spring plug to replace the one that came stock on my Taurus, I didn't like the sharp edges that cut into my finger while field stripping. What I didn't realize was that the sharp edges were caused by the opening that allowed the full length guide rod to pass thru on recoil. Now my problem is: keep the plug and live with sharpness, or purchase a short guide rod and replace them both (This is possible, right?). My question is: what is the advantage of a full length rod? Does it outweigh the convenience of the new plug? What is a good brand to buy (Plug is Wilson Combat)?

This is my first experience with a 1911 since my military service days in the 1980's. Thanks for your time.

Brian

[Timothy]

Brian,

Your gonna get a lot of opinions on this one.  I have a Para with a full length guide rod and reverse plug.  I recently bought an Ed Brown stock (short) guide rod and standard plug to revert it back to the way John Moses Browning designed it.  I'll post my opinion at that time.  

Whatever you do, make sure you buy the correct rod and plug for the gun you have.  I have a Commander 4-1/4 and it does have a different rod and plug than a 5" GI length frame.

[CDR]

Do yourself a favor and get rid of the full length guide rod.  It serves no useful purpose and only contributes to reliability issues with your 1911. It may look cool but, as Clint Smith says about 1911 full length guide rods...."If you want to be cool, stick an ice cube under your arm".  Lose the full length guide rod.....JMB knew what he was doing, and it didn't include one.

[tombogan03884]

Another thing about the "proper" short guide rod is that it simplifies disassembly

[CDR]

Another thing about the "proper" short guide rod is that it simplifies disassembly

Definitely......I never understood the whole paper clip thing and why anyone would put themselves through that hassle...and for decreased reliability??   

[Sponsor]

[deamonpi]

The only difference in the 2 types of guide rods, from all the info I have gathered, is as follows.  The longer guide rod makes it harder to disassemble.  Other wise there is no advantage either way.

[TAB]

The only difference in the 2 types of guide rods, from all the info I have gathered, is as follows.  The longer guide rod makes it harder to disassemble.  Other wise there is no advantage either way.

it also changes the balance point of the gun...

[MAUSERMAN]

I bought a Springfield loaded not to long ago and i hate the full length guide rod. The standard rod does make it eazy to maintain and put in an order to brownells as i write this. The main spring housing is my real problem. Arched or flat?

[deamonpi]

it also changes the balance point of the gun...

that may be, but is not an advantage or disadvantage.  That amounts to a personal preference, though of course it should be considered.

[GUNS-R-US]

I think I would go ahead and get a short rod to match the new plug you just got and then you will have both setups to try out and pick the one you like best. It really comes down to a personal preference because they both will work just fine. The only real advantage to not having the full length rod is the ability to rack the slide on a table edge if you were forced to load the gun one handed!

P.S. One more thought, when it comes down to what matters in a fight the full length guide rod is an accessory that won't do any thing to your firearm to make it better or help you to win or lose the fight!!