cpa5oh Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Is it highly recommended to run a polymer shock buff with a tungsten guide rod? I was told they were prone to "shattering" - I don't mind spending the money on a new guide rod now and then, but I also don't want to have it break in the middle of a stage/match. I don't really like the feel of the recoil with the shock buff - it's almost like the gun recoils in two stages. I'd do without it if I'm told that running the guide rod without it wouldn't make it a certainty that I was going to have to clear a death jam at the safe table mid match. Second part of the question is whether running a 10 lb recoil spring makes it more certain that I need a shock buff. I think the gun came with a 12 - I like the way the gun feels with the 10 much much better. But again, wouldn't be worth it to run the lighter spring if I'm inviting a gun failure. Thank you so much for any advice you can provide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgj3 Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 (edited) I think this is another issue where sometimes a part works and sometimes it fails when put under too much stress. I have multiple firearms with tungsten guide rods and I have yet to have one "shatter" in 15-20K rounds over the past 6-7 yrs. I have them in M&P's without buffs and in 19/2011's with buffs. It puts weight where I like it. I'm a fan. I don't think there is a clear answer to your question about min recoil spring weight or requirement for buff. But, the closer you get to the edge, the more likely stuff will break, tungsten or not. Edited April 3, 2015 by wgj3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan550 Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 I'm running light loads (NRA Action Pistol/Bianchi) but I use a buff as an indicator for when it's time to change recoil springs more than anything else. When the buff starts to show marks, it's time to change the spring. With a tungsten rod in there, it helps keep the gun more steady since the added weight isn't moving. Alan~^~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul-the new guy Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 The head of the guide rod isn't tungsten so a shock buff won't matter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
818-DVC Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 They do crack though. Don't ask how I know. In my new 2011, I'll be rocking the shock buff w tungsten. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mach1soldier Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 You can always look at your barrel around the link after 500 rounds or so. If it is beat up, you either need a stiffer spring or a shock buff... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Postal Bob Posted April 3, 2015 Share Posted April 3, 2015 Whether or not a 10 lb is ok for your gun, depends what caliber you're shooting, which you didn't say. If a 9mm, it's fine, if .45 it's bad. I've had a tungsten rod in my 2011 now for 2 years, and 3,000 + rounds with no problem. If the recoil springs are appropriate for what loads you shoot, you shouldn't have problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpa5oh Posted April 4, 2015 Author Share Posted April 4, 2015 I left out some information - the gun is a 2011 and I'm shooting .40 major. My gun has an STI reverse guide rod plug...the EGW tungsten guide rod I bought came with a standard guide rod plug...not sure if this means I'm going to be prone to problems or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasonub Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 I use a buff too with 10 pounds recoil spring on an sv shooting 40 major for years. Im now trying an aluminium buff from dawson. That should make the 2 stage recoil go away. Though i dont feel the 2 stage recoil on a wilson buff. Too busy observing my sights Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbok_05 Posted April 4, 2015 Share Posted April 4, 2015 Jason, where did you get the aluma buffs? Mind sharing the info? Btw, Im from Manila also. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Ryder Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 Use the shok buff. Mr. Chuck said so. I will prevent damage to the gun. "Absolutely"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonglee0507 Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 Jason, where did you get the aluma buffs? Mind sharing the info? Btw, Im from Manila also. Thanks in advance.Jason gave me dawson aluminum shock buffs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wgj3 Posted April 5, 2015 Share Posted April 5, 2015 I run an aluminum buff over a polymer buff, but its a 6" gun, so I have some extra slide travel to work with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbok_05 Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 bonglee, i think we met at Daphne shoot. But im not sure if it was you. You went Saturday right? Can you spare 1 aluma buff? hehehe.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonglee0507 Posted April 8, 2015 Share Posted April 8, 2015 No more to spare boss Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
93notch Posted April 9, 2015 Share Posted April 9, 2015 so i am shooting a 45 edge and want to find a recoil set up. I currently have the recoil master and would like to lighten the recoil and maybe add some weight to the nose of the gun. I was looking at the tungsten rod but not sure on the recoil spring or if the shock buff would be good to add. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpa5oh Posted April 10, 2015 Author Share Posted April 10, 2015 I ran an aluminum shock buff tonight - took away the two stage feel of the recoil, didn't have any malfunctions. I'll run it going forward and will just have to see what happens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ivan Posted April 10, 2015 Share Posted April 10, 2015 (edited) My experience with the aluminum buffer is that while it lasted longer in the gun than synthetics, it still fails, just more slowly, while continually throwing off aluminum shards into the gun's internals. I discontinued it's use after going through a couple of them, as I feared trigger interference (which I never experienced... I just feared it). -ivan- Edited April 10, 2015 by ivan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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