Don's Guide Rod FAQ

[Don]

Why use a different spring? Just a matter of preference. Many shooters of 1911s regularly swap out springs to modify the feel of recoil, so I was inspired to do the same with my XD40.

That's sort of a stupid name, can't you do better? Well, no one has said this but even I think this! The name just sort of fell into being while discussing the development and prototypes on the www.hs2000talk.com forum. I stuck with it as a humorous product name and well, maybe now it is just stuck.

I keep seeing talk of clipping spring coils, do I need to? No you do not. Early on in the development I was trying springs based on the 1911 models and didn�t know the right spring existed, so I was trimming coils to make it fit. That is no longer a step that you need to do. See the following for which spring model is correct.

I have an XD40 what spring should I get? A spring made for the Springfield Compact model of 1911 pistol will fit fine. They are made in the range from 18 to 24 pounds form Wolff Gunsprings and from Wilson Combat from 20 to 22 pounds. An 18# spring will match the factory stock spring force, but will still hold the slide closed against the striker spring. I like the 22# as it controls muzzle flip well and spreads the recoil force out over time, so it is better controlled in the grip. The 24# is even more reducing, but requires quite a bit of grip strength to cycle the slide by hand.

I have an XD357 what spring should I get? Same comments as the XD40, but some may appreciate the 24# spring even more.

I have an XD9 what spring should I get? The recoil on the 9mm is so nice even with the stock setup that I don�t feel strongly about a heavier spring in my 9mm. But many users love it, and feel it really brings the recoil down even further. The 22# spring is still my spring of choice for this model.

But I don't have a XD model, I have the HS2000. Will it work for this model? Yes it will. I did the prototyping with a HS2000 and a XD40, and the dimensions are the same in this working area of the pistols.

I have Tactical model, is there a guide rod for me? Yes, but...your factory rod will work just fine as it is, and you can use the springs for the standard or government model of the 1911 with no other changes needed. The factory rod is hollow, and so you can gain some forward weight by adding my stainless steel rod for the Tactical model. The factory rod weighs 23.19 grams/0.82 oz, the Don's Guide Rod for Tactical model weighs 39.76 grams/1.40 oz, or is 71% heavier. No washers are required for the Tactical model.

I have an XD357/40 Tactical what spring should I get? Many users report liking the 24# government model spring. With the longer slide you are able to get a better grip and I have not heard comments on it being too strong.

I have an XD9 Tactical what spring should I get? This is a new model and I have not read any reports from user on what they suggest. You are on your own but please report on what you find.

I have the new XD45, what do you have for me? You lucky bastard! As soon as I get my XD45 Service I'll start working on a protoype. I think the XD45 Tactical is like the others and might work with standard Government model 1911 springs. I should go hang out in that forum and pay attention to see what others might be finding out.

I have ported model, will it work in this? with the heavier spring, no. The ports already scrub off the slide speed and the heavier spring is too much. However if you just wanted to get rid of the factory spring for one that is easy to clean and looks sharp, then you could use an 18# spring with it and it should operate. I have not been able to test this idea.

How long will my spring last? The spring manufacturers give very short lives for the spring in the 1911 models, but they are selling springs and they want you to be paying attention. So I do too! Pay attention to where the pistol is sending the brass, and when it starts getting farther away you should consider changing springs.

How come I have all of these washers? I like and use the bronze material, but Delrin® is a good low friction material and many users asked for it. While looking for the Delrin stock I found Delrin-AF®, which is a Teflon® filled Delrin, and thought "this looks cool." (Delrin, Delrin-AF and Teflon are registered trademarks of DuPont Chemical Company. DuPont Chemical Company does not sponsor or endorse this application). I wanted to supply all the choices with each order, so the user can make the decision by direct trial. Use only one at a time, and store the rest for later.

Are you the only source for washers? Unfortunately yes. I searched all over for something close so that this would not be a difficult part to find. But I found nothing even close. But since this is the case, I will keep you stocked with washers for no charge. Email me at guiderod@gmail.com and let me know what you need.

How do I install your guide rod? Remove the slide from the frame, remove the factory spring assembly. Hold the slide with the muzzle pointed downhill, and set into the hood just one washer. Install the spring on the rod with the closed end of the spring against the head of the guide rod. Place the open end of the spring against the washer nearest the barrel. Placing the end there keeps the spring in place while you manipulate the rod through the hole. If the spring end is away from the barrel, it wants to slip down and out through the hole.

How come I don't have any more washers? You keep losing them.

Can you do a captive type spring and rod? I have a couple of prototypes out there that work just fine, but they use a button head screw in the end to keep the washer contained. It is a little bulky at the end, but does not look bad. Most users do fine with the loose parts and have no need for a captive design.

What if I want a lighter spring? New news (4-4-06) :P on lighter springs. The Commander sized springs will work as a direct drop in from 12# thru 16# on the 9mm/.357Sig/.40S&W XD Service models. The 12# and 13# are a bit shakey on holding the slide shut, but they do work when brand new. This does not mean you can get them to work. At some point you need enough recoil to move the slide all the way back no matter what spring, and you could not go lower without removing mass from the slide itself.

Link to Wolff Gunsprings part number 493xx

Link to Wilson Combat part number 10SC20 or 10SC22

[[TASF]Overkill]

What if I have a ported 40? Will a 20 pound spring work?

[Don]

You tell me and I'll post it. :P

[[TASF]Overkill]

Damn. A 6 dollar investment that might not work out. (Sigh)

I just ordered one of your rods (I've always wanted Don's rod) from James... But didn't feel like risking getting a spring I didn't need.

[[TASF]Overkill]

It seems like a lot of effort is necessary to get the rod installed and keep the spring from flying away. Is this normal? Yes.

Can I see exactly how to install the rod?
Through the magic of the Internet, yes. Click here.

[Don]

It gets easier with practice. And much like the magazine springs they will take a set that is shorter and easier to work with. I brace my forearms against my gut and work in close to the body, it seems to help the fine motor control.

[TASF]Overkill, pull your t-shirt down over the eyes for protection when installing.

How do I install your guide rod?... Place the open end of the spring against the washer nearest the barrel. Placing the end there keeps the spring in place while you manipulate the rod through the hole. If the spring end is away from the barrel, it wants to slip down and out through the hole.
That last little bit really does help if you are not doing it.

[Wilkenstein]

Why doesn't the 5" require a washer?

[Don]

The 5" or Tactical was designed from the beginning with a non-captive rod, so it just has a small hole in the slide that the rod sticks out of. The spring is well contained, and the rod just rides in the hole.

[DBake]

Is it recommend to shoot a new XD with the standard setup for blank # of shots before installing DGR and heavier spring?

[Ed Ely]

Originally Posted by DBake

Is it recommend to shoot a new XD with the standard setup for blank # of shots before installing DGR and heavier spring?

I have installed DGR on several of my new
machines from the gitgo. I do not believe
that there is a round count before installation,
purely up to the owner as when to install.

Ed