Where to learn about guide rods, springs? - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

mongoose33 · 06-15-2008, 06:13 PM

I've been reading about guide rods--or trying to. I've read threads here in the Don's GR forum, read his FAQ, and I'm not finding a good source of information about why I might want to change a guide rod, what benefit results, and so on.

I know that one can influence the feel of recoil by changing the spring(s), but I find nothing particular about changing the guide rod in a 9mm Service. I also know that the weight of the guide rods can be changed to some effect.

Is there a source out there that explains this?

TIA.

M.

nw_gun_nut · 06-15-2008, 06:45 PM

Have to agree with you. I also have the 9 service and have been researching the Don's guide rod. The "tinkering" in me wants to change it for the "mod/custom" factor, but have also found no specific called out reason to change the 9mm factory set-up. Even the factory spring is the correct recommended rating for the 9mm. Still may get one, but not sure yet why. Maybe once we shot one side-by-side, we would know what the hype is. It's also not a perminate change, and fast to swap out.

Another reason I plan to get one, so I can use my factory one as a spare in my range bag.

MJ

C-Bone · 06-15-2008, 06:50 PM

I was wondering this myself.

Craigers3413 · 06-15-2008, 07:47 PM

to be truthful there really isnt that much that a solid guide rod does.. a couple things it does do is add a bit of weight under the mizzle which some claim reduces muzzle flip and brings faster follow up shots... the real value of it is that the solid rod would most likely outlast a hollow rod and less likely to warp or bend. but for most people it just looks cool. its 20 bucks, it might help it might not.. for the price it worth it.

**mhillsing23** · 06-16-2008, 06:20 AM

There reasons why most users have replaced the guide rod...

A weighted guide rod will obviously add weight to the front and reduce muzzle flip.

Solid guide rods (like Don's) are more durable than the factory guide rod, though there haven't been many problems with the factory guide rod.

The ability to change spring weights allows the user to customize the feel of the recoil.

The chrome "bling" looks good to some users.

...I still have the factory guide rods in my XDs. I like 'em the way they are. If you are just looking for a backup you can get the OEM recoil assembly from Pistol Gear.

06-15-2008, 06:13 PM	#1
mongoose33 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 878	Where to learn about guide rods, springs? I've been reading about guide rods--or trying to. I've read threads here in the Don's GR forum, read his FAQ, and I'm not finding a good source of information about why I might want to change a guide rod, what benefit results, and so on. I know that one can influence the feel of recoil by changing the spring(s), but I find nothing particular about changing the guide rod in a 9mm Service. I also know that the weight of the guide rods can be changed to some effect. Is there a source out there that explains this? TIA. M. __________________ . Occam's Razor: If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it's a duck.

06-15-2008, 07:47 PM	#4
Craigers3413 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Northern VA Posts: 127	to be truthful there really isnt that much that a solid guide rod does.. a couple things it does do is add a bit of weight under the mizzle which some claim reduces muzzle flip and brings faster follow up shots... the real value of it is that the solid rod would most likely outlast a hollow rod and less likely to warp or bend. but for most people it just looks cool. its 20 bucks, it might help it might not.. for the price it worth it. __________________ XD-45 Tactical w/ Insight M3 -- Sig P226 .40 SRT -- M&P 9mm -- Beretta 84f

06-16-2008, 06:20 AM	#5
mhillsing23 XDTalk 3K Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: +38 26 31 -90 22 48 Posts: 3,169	There reasons why most users have replaced the guide rod... A weighted guide rod will obviously add weight to the front and reduce muzzle flip. Solid guide rods (like Don's) are more durable than the factory guide rod, though there haven't been many problems with the factory guide rod. The ability to change spring weights allows the user to customize the feel of the recoil. The chrome "bling" looks good to some users. ...I still have the factory guide rods in my XDs. I like 'em the way they are. If you are just looking for a backup you can get the OEM recoil assembly from Pistol Gear. __________________ Governments tend not to solve problems, only to rearrange them. - Ronald Wilson Reagan

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06-15-2008, 06:45 PM	#2
nw_gun_nut XDTalk Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NW corner Oregon Posts: 46	Have to agree with you. I also have the 9 service and have been researching the Don's guide rod. The "tinkering" in me wants to change it for the "mod/custom" factor, but have also found no specific called out reason to change the 9mm factory set-up. Even the factory spring is the correct recommended rating for the 9mm. Still may get one, but not sure yet why. Maybe once we shot one side-by-side, we would know what the hype is. It's also not a perminate change, and fast to swap out. Another reason I plan to get one, so I can use my factory one as a spare in my range bag. MJ

06-15-2008, 06:50 PM	#3
C-Bone XDTalk Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: East TX Posts: 96	I was wondering this myself.