The Springfield Loaded Guide Rod

[teddy12b]

I recently picked up a Springfield Loaded 45. I've been waiting to get one for years and I finally made it happen. Now, I don't really have an opinion about having a guide rod vs not having a guide rod, but cosmetically I think they're alright. I'm really just trying to understand the reasoning behind the guide rod that comes on the gun that requires an allen wrench to take it apart. I don't really care for that because unless you have an allen wrench on you it prevents you from being able to strip the pistol without tools. I'm planning on replacing it a Wilson full length guide rod so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

This 1911 is not going to be a carry gun, or my bedside gun. I've got glocks for the serious stuff. The 1911 is just a range gun, and a history lesson to explain to noobs. All I'm looking to do is get the gun easier to break down without diminishing it's overall quality or reliability. Is there a reason for the allen wrench guide rod that came on the gun?

 

[Drail]

You can buy and install a standard short (G.I.) guide rod. The full length guide rod serves no purpose other than to sell them to people who think they "need" one. And it slightly complicates takedown as you have found. Give the full length rod and wrench to someone you don't like.

 

[red_zr24x4]

Both of my RIA's have full length guide rods and no tools are needed to take them down. I don't really see where they, RIA, FL guide rods complicate dis-assembly

 

[teddy12b]

Both of my RIA's have full length guide rods and no tools are needed to take them down. I don't really see where they, RIA, FL guide rods complicate dis-assembly

The guide rods you're talking about wouldn't complicate anything. The guide rod in a loaded is a different animal.

 

[SERparacord]

I recently picked up a Springfield Loaded 45. I've been waiting to get one for years and I finally made it happen. Now, I don't really have an opinion about having a guide rod vs not having a guide rod, but cosmetically I think they're alright. I'm really just trying to understand the reasoning behind the guide rod that comes on the gun that requires an allen wrench to take it apart. I don't really care for that because unless you have an allen wrench on you it prevents you from being able to strip the pistol without tools. I'm planning on replacing it a Wilson full length guide rod so I don't have to worry about it anymore.

This 1911 is not going to be a carry gun, or my bedside gun. I've got glocks for the serious stuff. The 1911 is just a range gun, and a history lesson to explain to noobs. All I'm looking to do is get the gun easier to break down without diminishing it's overall quality or reliability. Is there a reason for the allen wrench guide rod that came on the gun?

If you are going to use Wilson replacements, get this one.
Flat-Wire Recoil Spring Kit | Full-Size-Wilson Combat

 

[red_zr24x4]

The guide rods you're talking about wouldn't complicate anything. The guide rod in a loaded is a different animal.

Just pointing out not all guide rods need a tool to dis-assemble

 

[churchmouse]

1st congrates on the new 1911.
The 2 piece in the loaded is a bit longer than a one piece. Some say it is more stable and helps with felt recoil and stability.
I have both styles. I can not say i can actually feel a difference or see more accuracy with either of them. I do prefer them to a GI short piece. I have (2) loaded's 1 of which went to the SA custom shop for the full monti. In discussing the mods with them they were very persuasive on retaining the longer 2 piece rod. As they build these daily I still have it in the gun. I also have an allen wrench for it.

Is using an allen really all that irritating???

 

[kawtech87]

I swapped out the FLGR on my Loaded Springer for a Wilson drop in replacement one piece FLGR and couldn't be happier. Much easier to assembly/disassemble and you don't have re-tighten it every 100rnds or so.

 

[halfmileharry]

I swapped out the FLGR on my Loaded Springer for a Wilson drop in replacement one piece FLGR and couldn't be happier. Much easier to assembly/disassemble and you don't have re-tighten it every 100rnds or so.

Springfield has that issue taken care of now. Call 'em up and I'm betting they send out one of the new style. They did me anyway. No charge and no problems with it since. Oh, only took them overnight to get it to me. Top notch customer service for sure.

 

[churchmouse]

Springfield has that issue taken care of now. Call 'em up and I'm betting they send out one of the new style. They did me anyway. No charge and no problems with it since. Oh, only took them overnight to get it to me. Top notch customer service for sure.

Bingo.....

 

[kawtech87]

Springfield has that issue taken care of now. Call 'em up and I'm betting they send out one of the new style. They did me anyway. No charge and no problems with it since. Oh, only took them overnight to get it to me. Top notch customer service for sure.

No doubt! Springfield has among the best CS in the business. No argument there. But I also just do not like two-piece guide rods. I much prefer not needing a tool for take down.

 

[churchmouse]

No doubt! Springfield has among the best CS in the business. No argument there. But I also just do not like two-piece guide rods. I much prefer not needing a tool for take down.

I would say something smart-alack here about you not having the proper tools or skill sets to use them but I may be out your way to have a steak.........

 

[halfmileharry]

I would say something smart-alack here about you not having the proper tools or skill sets to use them but I may be out your way to have a steak.........

Keep it up and you just might be served a big helping of "porcupine" steak.

 

[churchmouse]

Keep it up and you just might be served a big helping of "porcupine" steak.

Not sure what that is and not sure I really want to know.

Never ever **** off the waitress or the chef "Before" you get your plate.

 

[Hop]

So what's changed on this new style loaded guide rod? I never want to clean mine because I have to go find the stupid wrench.

 

[kawtech87]

I would say something smart-alack here about you not having the proper tools or skill sets to use them but I may be out your way to have a steak.........

Meh, to tired and crummy feeling to make a witty comeback. My dad and my brother will be cooking tonight.

Keep it up and you just might be served a big helping of "porcupine" steak.

I have met Churchmouse. He doesn't drive a BMW.

 

[halfmileharry]

So what's changed on this new style loaded guide rod? I never want to clean mine because I have to go find the stupid wrench.

They sent me the complete rod and spring assy with wrench. It looks to be a little heavier.
I've got all types of guide rods on my 1911s and honestly I can't tell a bit of difference in any of them as far as shooting, accuracy, recoil, or dependability goes.

 

[teddy12b]

1st congrates on the new 1911.
The 2 piece in the loaded is a bit longer than a one piece. Some say it is more stable and helps with felt recoil and stability.
I have both styles. I can not say i can actually feel a difference or see more accuracy with either of them. I do prefer them to a GI short piece. I have (2) loaded's 1 of which went to the SA custom shop for the full monti. In discussing the mods with them they were very persuasive on retaining the longer 2 piece rod. As they build these daily I still have it in the gun. I also have an allen wrench for it.

Is using an allen really all that irritating???

It's not that irritating, I just like to be able to take weapons apart easily to clean them. I hadn't even thought about it coming loose while shooting, but I'm not too thrilled at the prospect of that. Mine is brand new just a couple months old, so maybe I won't have that issue anyway. When you talked to the custom shop did they give you a reason for what the two piece rod did for you?

 

[churchmouse]

It's not that irritating, I just like to be able to take weapons apart easily to clean them. I hadn't even thought about it coming loose while shooting, but I'm not too thrilled at the prospect of that. Mine is brand new just a couple months old, so maybe I won't have that issue anyway. When you talked to the custom shop did they give you a reason for what the two piece rod did for you?

They were saying it (the longer 2 piece) helped cycling in some way but the geometry escapes me. I do think the longer rod is the better option but I can not give factual info to that just my personal feeling.
The new 2 piece is supposed to be a better part.

 

[db1959]

I just got a Wilson 1 piece FLGR for my Loaded and can't tell the difference between the Wilson and the 2 piece.