S&W Guide Rods

[seang]

Do the commander and the fullsize Smith 1911's both have full length guide rods? What is a GI Guide Rod? Thanks

[aglocker1911]

Yes most Smith 1911s have a full length guide rod. I'm not sure, but I think I read that their new "Gunsite" model has a GI set up. A GI set up,BTW, is a short guide rod and a solid bushing plug that leaves the sping unsupported in between. Some people swear by FLGRs, others swear at them! My opinion? I always put a Full length rod in any 1911 that doesn't come that way. In fact, the addition of a FLGR was the only change I've made (or plan to make) to my new Revolution.

[Drjones]

Originally posted by aglocker1911
Yes most Smith 1911s have a full length guide rod. I'm not sure, but I think I read that their new "Gunsite" model has a GI set up. A GI set up,BTW, is a short guide rod and a solid bushing plug that leaves the sping unsupported in between. Some people swear by FLGRs, others swear at them! My opinion? I always put a Full length rod in any 1911 that doesn't come that way. In fact, the addition of a FLGR was the only change I've made (or plan to make) to my new Revolution.


Why do you like FLGR's?

[aglocker1911]

One reason is pure "style". I like the look a FLGR gives my pistol. I don't find the old complaint "it makes it too hard to strip" to hold any water. They both disassemble with the same ease as far as I'm concerned. And I do feel that a FLGR keeps the spring from kinking when cycled. I know many have the exact opposite feelings. Nothing seems to stir 1911 owners up as much as the old FLGR/GI debate (Except maybe for when you bad mouth Kimbers!)

[TexAg]

Its funny, I just read in "Combat Handgunner" a review on a S&W 1911sc and the author said he removes all FLGRs on his 1911s if they come with one. Who knows? I don't claim to.
I've read non-FLGRs sometimes are more accurate and read some aren't and read the recoil sping does not kink on non-FLGR guns, but there must be a reason S&W engineers are putting them on their guns, but then again, the 1911 sure seemed and seems to work fine without. I do know that I would NOT want to get one that required an extra tool for feild stripping.

[Skpotamus]

Personally, I like FLGR's in my guns. It seemed to increase the accuracy of my old para ordinance. They definitely feel smoother when hand cycling. And I'm used to having them in all of my other semi autos. Glocks, Sigs and H&K's all have them, and so do my 1911's.

I think know if guns really need FLGR's, but then again, I can only think of one pistol right now that doesn't have one, and even then, only some of those guns don't have them, and that's the 1911.

[aglocker1911]

As long as you are talking about a 5" pistol, and you stick with a one piece FLGR, there are no extra tools needed for field stripping. A two piece of course requires an allen wrench. Take em or leave em. But don't act like they make the gun "twice" as hard to strip. And no, I wouldn't feel a 1911 with a GI set up is any better OR worse than my use of a FLGR. Just personl preferance, right?