[ZacharyG]

Afternoon, Gentlemen (& ladies if applicable) -

First off, I am new to the forum and a new 1911 shooter and I have to say that this is a great site! I recently purchased a NIB SA custom loaded full size and have put 700 rounds through it over the past couple of weeks (FMJ,HP,SWC)with only 2 or 3 hang ups on the SWCs. My problem is this - after every 10 rounds or so, I have to tighten the recoil spring guide rod assembly with the allen wrench that SA so kindly supplied with the pistol. Is this normal? Is there a quick fix or do I need to replace it? Like I said, I'm new to the 1911 so I don't have a frame of reference. Also, if this is a normal condition, how much torque should I be using to tighten it up?

Any ideas?
Thanks

 

[Shane1911]

Maybe not normal, but very common. I will not use a 2-piece guide rod for this reason. Get a one-piece, or do away with the FLGR all together, and use the GI (short) style.

If you insist on the 2-piece, Loctite will hold it together a bit longer (not much).

Welcome to the forum!

 

[ZacharyG]

Thanks for the info, I've been looking at some Wilson flgrs. I'll give it a shot :smile:

 

[Number 6]

I, too, have an SA w/a 2-piece guide rod. Mine is worse than yours; it has a BLADE slot instead of an Allen head.

If there is a more worse-than-useless item than a 2-piece guide rod to ruin a good gun with, let me know. Get a 1-piece; look at tungsten if you want more weight, and the double-spring jobs if you want more frame protection. I find Shock-Buffs a cost-effective item on my 1911's (4 and counting...)

 

[ZacharyG]

Number6 - A blade slot! What's next, duct tape?
Thanks for the reply. I was beginning to think that my otherwise awesome 1911 was a freak. It's good to know that it's not. I am happy to say that I just recvd a shock buff kit from Wilson - one piece gr, shock buffs, a #18 spring and oh yeah, a couple of new magazines (just because). Hopefully this will solve the problem and I won't have to worry about launching pistol guts down range.