Tungsten guide rod in 9mm 1911

[Pathfinder1]

What do you guys think of putting a tungsten guide rod in a 9mm 1911, for IPSC?

I have a Springfield Loaded with the 2 piece factory FLGR that I don't really like. So I was thinking if I was going to replace it anyway with a one piece FLGR, why not install a tungsten FLR to make the recoil even more outrageously light. Is there any reason anyone thinks it won't work correctly in a 9MM?

Edited December 28, 2013 by Pathfinder1

[al503]

There shouldn't be a reason it wouldn't work. The only drawbacks off the top of my head:

1. with the extra weight out front, your transitions might suffer

2. if you're shooting in singlestack division, you might be over the weight limit.

[ivan]

For IPSC: no problem

For USPSA: you'll probably be overweight.

-ivan-

[FreeJersey]

They are also very prone to breaking. Stick with ss.

[tk4]

If it doesn't push you over the weight limit, do it.

[twodownzero]

This thread makes me want to try to weigh my 1911s after installing an aluminum msh and magwell + tungsten guide rod. It'd allow you to adjust the balance toward the muzzle and maybe still make weight.

[Pathfinder1]

Thanks for the feed back everyone. It weighs in at 39 oz. with the 2 piece steel FLGR now.

The EGW TGR is 3.2oz, so I think minus the present GR, and adding the TGR I'll probably make weight.

Breakage may not (but yes is possible) be as much as a worry as the slamming of a .45 or .40.

al503 has a good point about transitions, but after using a Sig stainless X5 9mm (heavy ass gun) in the past, I think I may be able to tolerate the extra weight.

I think I'll give it a try...probably the EGW.

[EkuJustice]

Is that weight with an empty mag?

[Pathfinder1]

Opps, ahh, good point EkuJustice...it's 41.25oz with empty mag (Dawson). 43 oz is the limit isn't it?

So minus the present steel 2pc FLGR, then adding the 3.2oz of the EGW I think I can still make it. Obviously I'll have to weight the steel rod.

thanks

Edited December 29, 2013 by Pathfinder1

[warpspeed]

If the gun feels a but light up front, as many bushing guns do, it will help. I liked it in my shorty open 9mm gun but i wasn't trying to make weight.

[40S&W]

Need to balance your weight up front and in the grip. Otherwise. if it's muzzle heavy you will have a tendency to take more time sighting, because the muzzle will naturally point down.

[Bentsight]

They are also very prone to breaking. Stick with ss.

Really???

[EkuJustice]

I keep the weight in my hand on mine. My setup is Dawson magwell with steel arched msh. Vz grips without the back hollowed out and a GI guiderod Still shoots very flat.

[Pathfinder1]

Nice setup EKuJustice. If the tungsten rod feels too strange to me when it arrives and I try it, I may consider something like that and go to a steel FLGR. The reason I'm willing to at least try the tungsten FLGR in the 9mm 1911 is because I did install one about a year ago in my .40 SA XDM that I use for Limited major.

I just wasn't sure about use of one in the 9mm 1911 platform without asking for some opinions from 9mm 1911 shooters/owners first.

BTW the TFLGR in the .40 XDM works well and there definitely is a very noticeable difference. About a year now and no breaks yet...knock on wood.