Some thoughts on the original 1911 guide rod from custom_handguns on instagram.

There is a very simple part on the 1911 that is maligned, misunderstood and IMO has never been improved on by modern technology. I have seen multiple failures leading to malfunctions and even frame damage caused by “aftermarket” solid stainless 1911 recoil spring guides to the point where I will only use a Colt part in my carry guns. The guide rod is designed a very specific way to interact with the frame abutment. It has to be very hard, harder than the frame and practically as hard as the slide so it doesn’t deform from recoil-excess deformation of the flange is an absolute show stopper. The Government wanted this part a certain way for 100 years for a reason. Not everything you buy from Brownells is an improvement.