1911 Full length guide rods

[Busta Capp]

Just curious if there is any advantages of the full length guide rods (smoother cycling?)? I just received a Norc Commander and it has a half length guide rod.

My initial reaction was to swap this out for a full length guide rod just because that is what I am used to in my Edge and Para. But I began to wonder if I am gaining anything by doing this, or is this simply a preference issue? Any thoughts appreciated.

 

[John Sukey]

Thwe 1911 served through two world wars and a few others after that without a full length guide rod. But if it makes you happy.......

 

[thecollector]

Full length guide rods convey that warm fuzzy feeling of total length kink-free spring cycling; I admit to that feeling also. The reality of the standard half length spring guide is that the recoil spring is still under full length kink-free control; the guide controls the back portion of the spring, and the recoil spring housing in the slide controls the forward portion of the spring from kinking. Technically you wont be gaining anything over the half length rod, except for that good feeling, that being said you may as well go for the full length rod.

 

[prproulx]

I had a Colt Commander that would'nt cycle properly with a full length rod. I put back the short one and it was fine. There is something different about the shorter distance the slide cycles.

I have learned to leave well enough alone.

 

[--Terry--]

The only thing I like about FLGR is that it adds some weight to the lower front end of the gun, and reduces a tiny little bit of felt recoil. But maybe it is just in my brain only......

 

[Maple Leaf Pilgrim]

My TRP Operator came with it. That's why I have one.

 

[NAA]

I actually prefer full length guide rods in my 5" 1911's....

Also, previously had a first gen Norc commander [no Armco tune... ] but it had a full length guide rod installed by the previous owner...worked fine...

 

[sambr]

My Valtro came with a FLGR and I switched my Delta Elite 10mm to one as well, for the Delta that was a big improvement over th phony plastic one with two springs.