Safety/Tech Note

Before removing or replacing a two-piece guide rod in your 1911, be sure to remove the magazine, unload the pistol and lock the slide back by engaging the slide stop in the slide stop notch. Attempting to loosen or tighten the guide rod when the slide is in battery can cause the rear of the guide rod to rotate under pressure and wedge itself under the barrel. This could prevent the barrel from dropping out of the locking lugs when the slide is manipulated; effectively rendering the pistol inoperative. One of the arguments against a two-piece guide rod is that they sometimes work loose during the extended use of the firearm. This issue can be alleviated if the slide is locked back when the guide rod is being secured with the wrench because more pressure can be applied to the threads without fear of system lock-up. Implementing this procedure as part of your habit for disassembly also ensures your safety because a slide that is locked back with the magazine removed is indicative of a safe weapon.