Break-in Period??

[eggmcmuffin]

I just bought a new Springfield Custom Loaded Full Size (PX9151L) and brought it home to explore. It disassembled without any problem, and then, holy ****, it took me the better part of an hour to reassemble it. The problem was getting the two-piece guide rail to cooperate with a recoil spring that has enough tension to launch Evel Knievel clear across the Grand Canyon. It ruined my life. As a newcomer, I'm hoping that the 1911 needs a day at the range to "break-in." If not, would I risk damaging the piece if I installed a lighter recoil spring? Also, would it be possible to install a one-piece guide rail to replace the two-piece guide rail that came standard?

Many thanks.

[longshot-nm]

I replaced the 2 spring system in my Champion with the guide rod and spring from a 4" Kimber. Have to use the Springfield plug. Now my sights don't try to leave the slide.

[Chuck S]

Unless the pistol has a "bushingless" slide and bull barrel fit the standard M1911 recoil spring guide and muzzle plug. Full length guide rod just makes the pistol heavier.

-- Chuck

[PROGUN]

got a "mil spec" whos g/r plug -when it`s get loose- may out-shoot my target loads. :) don`t know how you do it, but with the hammer back, safty on, muzzle up, i compress the plug with the broad edge of the bushing wrench, then with the thumb of the hand holding the muzzel turn the bushing to catch the edge of the plug, then it`s easy to complete the job with the wrench.WON`T do it without safty glasses! all this said,thinking you have a standard 16lb spring. lol

[harytaint]

Toss your 2 piece rod and go back to the GI set up. Trust me I did this with a Sprinco recoil device and it can be taken down by hand in 5 seconds flat with no tools. The 2 piece rod would unscrew on me after several rounds so I used blue locktite to fix it. The problem was that after a few time of adding locktite there was a buidl up and then the rods would not seat flush any more. I had to then pick out all the old locktite and do it again. Get a closed ended recoil spring plug and short guide rod and you will love the set up much more, trust me.
There is no benefit to a full length guide rod on a 1911.