New XD. roughed up guide rod cap - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

66rambler · 07-23-2006, 03:49 AM

Howdy folks,
Well, the new XD-45 Service came in. So far, I have put a whole variety of FMJ, and HPs through it with no FTF or FTE. The problem is that after just 100 or so rds, I noticed that the rearmost end of the recoil captive spring guide rod was a bit chewed up ( the end that contacts the frame). Before my next trip to the range, I took some emery paper and smoothed in out. Lo and behold after returning from the range, and after another 400 rds through it, the same area showed more small burrs. I am thinking that perhaps the frame contact point may need some smoothing out.
I have read the thread discussing the lack of a crescent cut where the guide rod sits. From what I hear, this recess is present in the 9mm and 40S&W version of this pistol, but not in the .45. I have to wonder why. My HK USP Compact has one as well. This recess keeps the guide rod centered. Has anyone contacted Springfield about this? Has anyone had a gunsmith mill out a slight recess?

Just checking if anyone else has experienced this.

66Rambler

happygunner · 07-23-2006, 10:18 AM

Keep watching it and if it gets really bad order another from S.A. for $14+shipping. The kicker is $7 FedX shipping charge for a small spring Assy.

BBunin · 07-23-2006, 02:12 PM

Getting another guide rod will just mean that the same thing happens again.

Call SA and let them make it right.

Don · 07-24-2006, 03:52 PM

The guide rod sits againts the barrel lug only until the slide is installed, and then the head rests agains the flat on the takedown lever and is constrained by the locking block on where it can go. It will always show some wear from the takedown lever on the flat surface. If it is really chewed up then maybe there is burring on the edges of the lever. You could smooth these out yourself with little effort.
If it is the edges that are getting beat, then these are burring up in the reccess of the locking block, and again you could smooth the edges a bit there, or not.

Tomcat088 · 07-25-2006, 05:53 PM

66rambler, Don is the man to talk to about guide rods and all those parts, but I did want to mention one thing. The XD-45 uses a totally different recoil spring/guide rod assembly, and is not a captive spring. The rod just sits inside of the spring, and is held in the gun by a flat edge that is attached to the bottom of the block. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there as a possible explanation as to why the .45's don't have that problem. But we have a different problem, when you remove the guide rod, be careful or things could go flying everywhere, lol.

RoiBoi · 07-25-2006, 07:30 PM

Actually, the XD-45 Service (4"), which I own, has a captive spring, while the XD-45 Tactical (5") does not have a captive spring.

Tomcat088 · 07-26-2006, 12:02 PM

ohhhhh, thank you for the clarification RoiBoi. I haven't seen an XD-45 service. I've seen all the other calibers, but I haven't seen the 45 service. Thanks for the correction, and my sincerest apologies if i misinformed anybody.

Wu Wei · 07-26-2006, 08:25 PM

I have a .45 Service and the end is not chewed up at all..I have no expertise, just chiming in. I think there must be a problem with yours. I would call SA immediately if I were you.

ko3000 · 07-28-2006, 03:27 PM

On my XD45 the peice you are talking about is not in bad shape after +2000 rounds. The orginal black finish is no longer seen and the metal is a bit scratched up but no real gouges or cut marks in it. Talk to a specialist about it at SA as soon as possible.

exexpat93 · 09-05-2006, 10:27 PM

I have a love hate relationship with this part of the guide rod spring assembly. I understand it's function but it does look awkward. First range session was hard on the finish at the end. I imagine it is hard to put a coating or finish exposed to the fire, expelled burning powder, and heat of the blast coming out. No metal on metal contact, gouges, scratches, etc. I used some black automotive touch up paint to recoat the end of the rod that pokes out and it is not lasting. No corrosion either. Just a fact you have to live with - with the XD I imagine. Rest of the Tennifer/Melonite finish is doing fine - smooth as a baby's bottom.

07-23-2006, 03:49 AM	#1
66rambler XDTalk Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 57	New XD. roughed up guide rod cap Howdy folks, Well, the new XD-45 Service came in. So far, I have put a whole variety of FMJ, and HPs through it with no FTF or FTE. The problem is that after just 100 or so rds, I noticed that the rearmost end of the recoil captive spring guide rod was a bit chewed up ( the end that contacts the frame). Before my next trip to the range, I took some emery paper and smoothed in out. Lo and behold after returning from the range, and after another 400 rds through it, the same area showed more small burrs. I am thinking that perhaps the frame contact point may need some smoothing out. I have read the thread discussing the lack of a crescent cut where the guide rod sits. From what I hear, this recess is present in the 9mm and 40S&W version of this pistol, but not in the .45. I have to wonder why. My HK USP Compact has one as well. This recess keeps the guide rod centered. Has anyone contacted Springfield about this? Has anyone had a gunsmith mill out a slight recess? Just checking if anyone else has experienced this. 66Rambler __________________ Freedom aint free ! Thank you Vets and current warriors! Last edited by 66rambler : 07-23-2006 at 03:51 AM.

07-23-2006, 10:18 AM	#2
happygunner XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Houston Tx Posts: 1,129	Happens Keep watching it and if it gets really bad order another from S.A. for $14+shipping. The kicker is $7 FedX shipping charge for a small spring Assy.

07-23-2006, 02:12 PM	#3
BBunin XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 2,029	Getting another guide rod will just mean that the same thing happens again. Call SA and let them make it right. __________________ . When seconds count, the police are only five minutes away. ------------------------------------ MY PARTIAL TOY LIST XD-9 5" (Production) XD-40 5" (Limited10) SA 1911 Loaded (Limited10/SingleStack) STI Spartan (Limited10/SingleStack) Kahr PM9 (CCW) KT P3AT (CCW) Remington 11-87 (Trap) Remington 870 Express (HD/Trap) Misc Rifles for fun and hunting

07-24-2006, 03:52 PM	#4
Don XDTalk 4K Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Pullman, WA Posts: 4,181	The guide rod sits againts the barrel lug only until the slide is installed, and then the head rests agains the flat on the takedown lever and is constrained by the locking block on where it can go. It will always show some wear from the takedown lever on the flat surface. If it is really chewed up then maybe there is burring on the edges of the lever. You could smooth these out yourself with little effort. If it is the edges that are getting beat, then these are burring up in the reccess of the locking block, and again you could smooth the edges a bit there, or not. __________________ Don geek with guns Why don\'t you all f-f-f-fade away.... FAQ - Don\'s Guide Rod

07-26-2006, 08:25 PM	#8
Wu Wei XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Madison, WI Posts: 658	I have a .45 Service and the end is not chewed up at all..I have no expertise, just chiming in. I think there must be a problem with yours. I would call SA immediately if I were you. __________________ "Since when do lyrical skills have to do with killin' a cat? / What kind of chitlins is that?" -MF Doom Humans have always carried a projectile weapon, a blade, and fire. Who am I to discard my humanity?

07-25-2006, 05:53 PM	#5
Tomcat088 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 688	66rambler, Don is the man to talk to about guide rods and all those parts, but I did want to mention one thing. The XD-45 uses a totally different recoil spring/guide rod assembly, and is not a captive spring. The rod just sits inside of the spring, and is held in the gun by a flat edge that is attached to the bottom of the block. Anyway, just thought I'd throw that out there as a possible explanation as to why the .45's don't have that problem. But we have a different problem, when you remove the guide rod, be careful or things could go flying everywhere, lol.

07-25-2006, 07:30 PM	#6
RoiBoi XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 7	Actually, the XD-45 Service (4"), which I own, has a captive spring, while the XD-45 Tactical (5") does not have a captive spring.

07-26-2006, 12:02 PM	#7
Tomcat088 XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lubbock, Tx Posts: 688	ohhhhh, thank you for the clarification RoiBoi. I haven't seen an XD-45 service. I've seen all the other calibers, but I haven't seen the 45 service. Thanks for the correction, and my sincerest apologies if i misinformed anybody.

07-28-2006, 03:27 PM	#9
ko3000 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 372	On my XD45 the peice you are talking about is not in bad shape after +2000 rounds. The orginal black finish is no longer seen and the metal is a bit scratched up but no real gouges or cut marks in it. Talk to a specialist about it at SA as soon as possible. __________________ XD45 ACP Service XD9sc OD Green Sig Pro 2022 S&W Model 442 .38+P Glock 17 "Jodie" (Pitbull)

09-05-2006, 10:27 PM	#10
exexpat93 XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 176	Finish On "Stand Off" Stub I have a love hate relationship with this part of the guide rod spring assembly. I understand it's function but it does look awkward. First range session was hard on the finish at the end. I imagine it is hard to put a coating or finish exposed to the fire, expelled burning powder, and heat of the blast coming out. No metal on metal contact, gouges, scratches, etc. I used some black automotive touch up paint to recoat the end of the rod that pokes out and it is not lasting. No corrosion either. Just a fact you have to live with - with the XD I imagine. Rest of the Tennifer/Melonite finish is doing fine - smooth as a baby's bottom.

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