XD Talk

FTBoomer · 06-01-2012, 09:47 AM

SS guide rod or Tungsten insert?

Which would be more beneficial in USPSA?

Scouter19D · 06-02-2012, 06:26 AM

Well, theoretically speaking, the tungsten "should" be more beneficial, as it adds more weight. You're going to get a hail storm of opinions on whether you even need a heavier guide rod at all. My thought and practice is, buy the heavier 3 oz and see if you can even tell a difference. Personally, I don't feel adding an ounce under my barrel is going to make a noticeable difference, at least nothing that good form and grip technique can't already do. Since I shoot IDPA, the steel rod is all thats legal and offers very little weight. Not to mention it would turn my carry weapon into that much more of a brick if I put a tungsten on. Nonetheless, its something you'll have to try out. Best of luck.

FTBoomer · 06-02-2012, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scouter19D

Well, theoretically speaking, the tungsten "should" be more beneficial, as it adds more weight. You're going to get a hail storm of opinions on whether you even need a heavier guide rod at all. My thought and practice is, buy the heavier 3 oz and see if you can even tell a difference. Personally, I don't feel adding an ounce under my barrel is going to make a noticeable difference, at least nothing that good form and grip technique can't already do. Since I shoot IDPA, the steel rod is all thats legal and offers very little weight. Not to mention it would turn my carry weapon into that much more of a brick if I put a tungsten on. Nonetheless, its something you'll have to try out. Best of luck.

Thanks for the advise. Still not sure. I like the look of the SS since I have a BiTone 5.25 and will probably lean that way unless someone chimes in here and persuades me otherwise.

Scouter19D · 06-02-2012, 10:54 AM

Well, I've purchased the stainless guide rod, but have yet to install and shoot. Again, for the reason of CCW weight. I purchased from PRP. Again, my skepticism remains that this piece will do very little if anything to recoil management or flip reduction. Still, it's IDPA legal. What the heck.

Jeanjacket · 06-02-2012, 11:21 AM

Tungsten definitely "should" be the better choice, SS guide rods add about one ounce, tungsten adds about 4, BUT, if you're in production you won't make weight with a tungsten rod if you're inspected/chrono'd. Unless you take weight off some other part of the gun, Tungsten will be too heavy for the +/- 2 oz rule of production division.

If you shoot that XDm in limited then by all means go go go with Tungsten. It definitely will help with recoil management. Whether you actually notice it or not is going to be personal feel.

Downside to extra weight is that also may cause your barrel to orient itself lower when you aim, something definitely to be practiced.

SR-9 Guy · 06-02-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeanjacket

Tungsten definitely "should" be the better choice, SS guide rods add about one ounce, tungsten adds about 4, BUT, if you're in production you won't make weight with a tungsten rod if you're inspected/chrono'd. Unless you take weight off some other part of the gun, Tungsten will be too heavy for the +/- 2 oz rule of production.

He speaks the truth....I got bumped from production to open division because I forgot to take the tungsten guide rod out before the match! Was overweight by 1.something oz. including the +2 allowance....Go with the SS and get usd to shooting with it...if you still think tungsten will help that much...PM me and if I still have it maybe we can work out a trade....but my advise is to try SS first.

CW45 · 06-02-2012, 01:45 PM

Start with SS and then try tungsten and see if you notice any difference.

FTBoomer · 06-02-2012, 05:25 PM

Thanks guys. I'm shooting USPSA Limited. Something to think about.

Scouter19D · 06-03-2012, 06:55 AM

Told you much smarter people than I would be here....

Scouter19D · 06-10-2012, 12:38 PM

Ok, finally put the SS guide rod in, did a little IDPA practice yesterday. It's not gonna shoot the gun for ya, but I'm a believer. My taps were closer together, target acquisition was smoother, and I didn't feel like the 165 gr bullets were trying to break my wrists. the 180 gr were just pleasant to shoot. The $20 was worth it.