[dasmi]

I just picked up a CZ 75B SA, and so far, I just love it. Got a question, though. I noticed the guide rod isn't full length, and is plastic. Guiderod.com has a stainless replacement. Is this a worthwhile upgrade? I tend to like metal more than plastic, but would it help with reliability, longevity, or accuracy in any noticeable way?

 

[sgphoto]

<I tend to like metal more than plastic, but would it help with reliability, longevity, or accuracy in any noticeable way?>

There's nothing wrong with the plastic rod installed by CZ. I've not heard of any failures of the plastic rod.

There's the placebo effect that sellers of these rods hope you get. You buy it, you believe it will make your gun better, and it may have a metal effect. Of course you've been relieved of some money as well.

There's the "group think" mindset as well. If everyone else has a metal rod, you've got too have one too. If the big boys have them (and sell them) why, it must be good!

In this case this is a solution in search of a problem. It's your money and there's always someone hoping to make it disappear and reappear into their pockets.

AFAIC, after-market metal guide rods for CZs fall into the category of shoe-string stretchers, sky hooks and Flying Spaghetti Monsters. YMMV.

Steve

 

[dasmi]

Thanks, that's kinda what I figured.

 

[nelson]

The metal guide rod probably helps most with controlling recoil and muzzle flip given that it weighs more than a plastic guide rod, but since the CZ weighs over 2lbs anyway, neither is really an issue.

 

[arminius]

I beg to think different:

while the plastic part >might< last a long time, it is for sure a cost cutting measure.

As guns and self defense are concerned, I am a "belt and suspenders" man!

I prefer steel!

And I DO use a long guide steel rod in my 1911 and a steel guide rod ( with proper, strong, spring ) in my Glock ...

and I replaced the plastic follower and mag base in my CZ 550 with original metal parts ... and I noticed the el cheapo secured main spring nut in there and secured it with LocTite!

In guns "later" often means "cheaper", worse quality control" and "manufacturing shortcuts"!

Just my 2 cents, YMMV!

H

 

[bompa]

I asked the same question at CZUSA quite a while ago and was told that the plastic guide rod,short.was in fact better than the metal one..It added a bit of buffer type affect and that was good..I changed from metal to plastic at that time and have never had a problem in that area,actually no problems anywhere with mt CZ's..

 

[romeofoxtrot]

Bompa--
I asked that same question to CZ only a little while ago regarding the P-01 and was told that all the intensive testing with +P ammo, etc. that the P-01 went through was all done with that polymer rod, and it came through fine. The P-01 and more recent models probably have had more R&D effort put into them than any others ever. Although I am loathe to admit it, it is looking all round like polymer is often just about as good if not tougher than steel in some roles. I guess the future has arrived.
--Ray

 

[mbott]

I noticed the guide rod isn't full length, and is plastic.

Since the CZ 75B SA doesn't have a full length guide rod to begin with, I'll assume you don't plan on drilling a hole in order to install one.

--
Mike

 

[strider72]

I have never had problems with my Glock 19 plastic guide rod and have had quite a few rounds through it with no problems. I think the whole steel guide rod is more about opinion than actual real world use and have been an opponent to the full-length guide rod in a 1911 mantra.

 

[weshowe]

Gents,

My CZ-75B came with a steel guide rod from the factory and ran fine. Can't vouch for the longevity of the plastic rod, but I've never heard of one failing. Certainly, it's not something to get overly concerned about.
When full length guide rods first became popular for 1911's they were installed in my Government Models and Commanders...supposedly to make them more reliable and run smoother. After all, the the "gamesmen" used them they must be OK! A few years later I stopped using them because they didn't allow you to cycle the pistol, in an emergency, by pressing the lower portion of the muzzle against a hard object and pushing in order to clear or load.
Still got the guide rods, but haven't used them in years and never could really tell a difference in practical usage. Suppose they'll just rust away one of these days.
If the guide rod came as O.E.M. from the manufacturer I'd say use it, but if not I wouldn't waste the money...

Wes

 

[bompa]

I just replaced the plastic guide rod in my S&W M&P with a metal
rod from Wolff because I wanted to try a reduced weight recoil spring.. The factory plastic captive spring and rod might make it easier to field strip but I like the option of changing springs to match the ammo being used..