Replacing guide rod-revolver guy question

[Dean Hoffmann]

All of my 1911s have full length guide rods except for one springer. Is it possible/desirable/safe to replace the short guide rod with a full length one of course this would mean changing the recoil spring and cap. The only reason the question occurred to me is that the springer seems to have a lot more felt recoil and muzzle flip than any of my other guns. The gun is a SA Champion. Thanks. I posted this on the SA forum, but thought that perhaps this was the right place to ask the question.

[usajeep1]

Dean, it's very easy to replace a short guide rod with a full length one. Lots of people do it, and lots of people make them, Wilson,Chip Mckormick, etc... Its very safe, reliability usually doesn't suffer, possibly less recoil (depending upon spring weight and ammo). If your looking for something a little neater, and probably around the same price, Sprinco makes a full length 2 piece guide rod/shock absorber/recoil reducer for around 75-100.00..Check them out at sprinco.com, I saw them at a recent gun show and thought it was kind of neat. Erick...

[Dean Hoffmann]

Thanks Erick, I love this pistol, but it just beats the kapok out of my hand every time I take it to the range. My wife's and my Kimber Pro Carrys are both 4inch barrels but do not beat you up like the Champion. I've looked at a lot of the full length Guide Rod "ensembles", but none of the verbiage in the catalogues addresses the complete change over from short to long. I think that I'll order one of the kits from SA and check it out and progress on to the springco if that works. Did you ever have one of those nights when you couldn't type for diddley. I've about worn the paint off of the back space key tonight. Thanks, Dean

[usajeep1]

Dean, if you get one of the sprinco kits, let me know how well it works! I have an auto ordnance I would like to put one on, but I don't want to spend the money if it doesn't help. To reduce recoil on it now, I just have a lighter spring in it, and I shoot target loads. Although, I havn't shot it since getting the 25th. Good luck, Erick...

[Dean Hoffmann]

Will do buddy. The Wilson Combat magazines performed flawlessly yesterday. They were worth 30 bucks apiece. I tried them in all our 1911s, with not a single hiccup. My thumb is tired today though from reloading the magazines. Managed to shoot 500 rounds after church. Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition. Dean