guide rod question - does the diameter matter

[Brian James]

I have a very basic question, i am looking at changing the guide rod in my semi auto and I have found replacement guide rod that is .07 inches in diameter, but the factory rods are .0989inches in diameter. Could the reduction in diameter potentially cause any problems? There are springs running over top of the guide rods, so with the new rods there would be more play.

We are talking about a 22lr - target ammo

Brian

 

[Ripstop]

It won't blow up but will probably reduce your accuracy. The face of the spring which contacts the slide would wander from side to side on an angle. Optimally you would like the guide rod to be slightly less in diameter than the inside diameter of your spring without binding.