In my newbie 1911 interest I keep coming across the references to the guide rod "debate". What is the difference between the FLGR & the GI versions? Is it just a matter of takedown ease or more of function, reliability or whatever else? I'm not somuch interested in the purist 1911 aspect as the function of the gun.Thanx.

A FLGR does nothing for the function of the gun. Simply makes it harder to field strip and makes it heavier.

 

Guess you now know which side of the debate I come down on

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

A FLGR does nothing for the function of the gun. Simply makes it harder to field strip and makes it heavier.

 

Guess you now know which side of the debate I come down on

 

Adios,

 

Pizza Bob

 

 

I call BS Bob!!! It adds to more consistant lock-up...

 

Here we go...LOL

A FLGR also makes it easier to just remove the slide assembly to put oil/lube on the rails (since I do that before every range session). No dis-assembly required. Just popo off the slide stop. To me, that is the big advantage. That said, I have the GI setup on my Colt Series 70 Repro.

I have two 1911s, a Kimber TLE/RL II and an RIA 1911 Tactical. Both came with FLGRs. I recently converted the FLGR to a standard GI GR and bushing on the RIA. It definitely makes the gun a bit lighter and run smoother.

 

In the end, it's a user preference. However, most 1911 owners run the more traditional setup.

They both work.

 

FLGR:

 

Pro: Adds a bit of weight upfront helping with muzzle control, can smooth out the feel of some lose fitting guns.

Con: Depending on which one you pick it can make takedown more complicated (the one I use is a simple one piece model that allows for bare hand takedown with no extra tools) and it makes certain weapon manipulations impossible.

 

GI:

 

Pro: makes for a lighter gun, easier take down, classic look, allows you to rack the gun by just pressing the plug against a hard surface.

Con: can feel sloppier in loose fitting guns, doesn't look cool unless you are true 1911 uber-fan in which case it looks awesome

Red-Herring Con: it can make the spring bind though this seems to be entirely theoretical.