contained guide rods

[Jay26]

I see the advertisements for the steel guide rods claiming that they reduce recoil and increase accuracy. Anyone use one of these, and if so did it make a real difference?

[Cleric1stClass]

correct me if I am wrong, and I am sure many will, but I have heard from some Glock armorers that they dont like replacing the guide rod with any other material other than what it is stock. which is why many dont like the lasermax

[Wolf Raider]

Technically the increased weight will reduce the transferred energy because it has greater inertia. Will you feel any difference from such a small increase in weight? No. Will you shoot better because of the miniscule reduction in felt recoil and muzzle flip? No. I’ve tried various steel guide rods and spring weights and never noticed a difference. Will they last longer? Maybe, but not enough so that it makes a difference to me.

If combined with a total package; heavier rod, ported barrel, springs, muzzle weight, etc, you could reduce the muzzle flip and felt recoil, but you may also reduce the reliability of the weapon. Spend the money on ammo and practice more. That WILL increase your accuracy.

[WinstonSmith]

A tungsten guide rod (which adds about twice the weight of the stainless steel rod) makes a big difference in muzzle flip. I also use a heavier spring to reduce overall felt recoil. It's worth it to me.... and so far no reliability problems.

[Custom Glock Racing]

No guiderod will effect mechanical accuracy.

The weight of a steel rod is subtle and wont be noticed by many, Tungsten has a much larger effect.

Winston, please stock presenting yourself as a spring expert. You basically tried one setup and dont really know what the various weights do or how they effect the gun.

[kraigster414]

First off let me say that I am not a spring expert either nor do I play one at GT, just an avid shooter like most of us. But on the subject of springs (though I know the emphasis has been on rods not springs in this thread but it's all related):

I've installed the Wolf non-captured recoil assembly in my Glock 27 since converted to .357 SIG. My opinion, and anyone is free to disagree, is that in the case of the Glock subcompacts, particularly the hard-charging G27/33, the Wolf is a stronger part. My OEM captured recoil assembly fell apart after 300 rounds in a brand new, recently manufactured G27. In a carry weapon, this is the kind of thing that can get you killed so I've never returned to the stock recoil assembly in a Glock subcompact. Anyway, I have tried the Wolf now with both the Wolf factory rated 16# and 18# springs. Both cycle my G27 reliably after thousands (seriously) of rounds fired. Zero malfunctions. I do however find the 18# spring better suited to the .357 SIG in a G27/33. There is less (felt) "slam bang" on the slide and the cycling to my untrained brain seems smoother and more uniform from beginning to end.

I think you need to find what works for you and I don't necessarily think you need to have a PhD in Springs to make a valid determination. Just my 2-cents. Having said that, there is no substitute for practice, practice, practice both to ensure your competency and the integrity of your weapon.

[J.P.]

The guiderod alone will not improve accuracy of the gun.
Heavier rods will help reduce muzzle flip but the mostimportant factor is spring weight.
For example,I run a 13# spring on my G17s and the muzzle fip is diminished noticeably.
The weight of the stainless guiderod isn't noticeable to me but I use it because it's better than using a stock rod with aftermarket springs.I don't trust Tungsten because it is brittle and also the sports I shoot outlaw it.

[kraigster414]

Get a Lone Wolf (completely drop-in) ported barrel for your Glock for a hundred bucks, no trip to the gunsmith required, and you will notice a big difference in felt recoil, muzzle flip, and the ability to get back on target faster. The difference in my Glock 27 was dramatic and accuracy was significantly improved with the LW ported barrel. Narrow things down to the right spring and the right rod and you've got a whole new gun.

[lionheart]

I am curious about the Tungeston rods. (read: I want one :supergrin: ) But someone told me they were smaller in diameter than the stock guide rod.
I am assuming that he may have gotten a cheap (aka crappy) one.

Does anyone recommend one in particular?