I’m fixing to do some testing. The smith for this build says that the flat wire springs and FLGR last longer for him and stack in a more linear fashion, which definitely seems plausible.

Flgr with a standard coil spring? I’d pass, stick with the GI rod and plug.

FLGR with a flat wire kit, seems like it have some merits!

 

I have one FLGR 1911 and two that are not. To tell the truth I don't see any discernible difference.

 

I've been back and forth on this. Bottom line is I prefer not needing a hex key to clean the gun.

 

For my purposes the JMB way is more than adequate. I have guns with flgr ,ambi safety, magwell, but can't say I have any appreciation for the superfluous additions. But that's just me, I'm what some would call old school.

 

I'm old school also. The OEM thumb safety needs a little fluffing as does the trigger pre-travel/over travel. Other than that they are good out of the box (most brands).

 

I have found that flgr and flat wire springs work well and last a long time. When using traditional round springs, does not seem to make much difference.

 

I have a FLGR on 10 of my 12 1911’s. Unless I’m going for a classic loom specifically, I always opt for it whether standard recoil spring or flat wire. I’m definitely liking the flat wire and ordering it now on any new build.

For me, it’s a preference, but I just like the way the gun runs with a FLGR.

 

What's the observable difference that you have seen with a FLGR and flat spring vs a standard 1911 recoil spring set up?

 

How does one determine that a flat wire spring and FLGR lasts longer?

 

Shoot it till it needs replacing, then compare that number of rounds to the other options you care about.

 

I like the idea of a full-length guide rod. I liked how they seemed to help the spring compress more linear and uniform, and thought they might help with locking the slide up straighter in the frame.

An article in a magazine I read showed that between two equal factory .45s fired in a Ransom Rest, the one with standard GI spring, guide, and plug shot just a fraction tighter (all things like ammo and wear being equal).

I broke a few tungsten FLGRs, one bouncing down the concrete floor of an indoor range with a tinkle-tinkle sound. I didn't try shooting it after I figured it was broken. The GI guide is a solid one-piece unit.

A proper GI spring plug is captive on the end of the recoil spring and guide, and doesn't go launching off into space (and possibly overboard if you're on a ship under way, or into the dark recesses of your garage). Lose that little son of a gun and you are out of business unless you have a spare. Ask me how I know.

If you want one I can dig and send you one. I don't use them any more.

Good riddance.

 

 

It's one of those things , if it was a full "Bells and Whistles" build then "Yes".
A working gun, then "NO".
As for the Flat wire spring, I tried them and decided I don't like them, that crunchy Glock feel and sound is for Glocks.

 

I first tried one in 1982 shooting IPSC, I think it was Steve Blankenbiller who told me to try one. I did like it a lot. Working guns no, just because. I have an RO going out for a build, it will get one.

 

Been using them forever it seems, with no ill effects. Shok buffs too. Why? Because I want to, which is enough reason for me.

 

An answer in search of a question? No offense, kidding here. I've bought a few pistols over the years that came with the flgr, I always changed them to the standard due to cleaning/field stripping more than any other reason, never could tell a difference in any of the pistols performance.

 

with a pistol and a FLGR, remove the slide lock and jut pull the top end off. saves a lot of nonsensical issues.

 

Wilson claims that their flat wire recoil spring has a service life 10 times greater than their equivalent round wire spring. Are they using them in their own guns yet? I sent a gun in for a reliability package and they replaced the recoil spring with round wire.

 

The X9 4" series has a flatwire spring.

 

I’m not a good enough shot to feel the difference in the two, so I prefer the GI guide rod. If I buy a pistol with the FLGR, it’s the first thing to go. One less tool I need in my bag.

 

Couldn’t agree more, GI for me on everything.

 

Nope

 

I sure wish you guys and gals would figure this one out. I can't, so I go back and forth depending on my mood any given day.

It is great to have options!

 

Well here are my current thoughts on FLGR's....I can take them or leave them. 20 years ago the pro FLGR guys said it ensured more linear spring compression, better faster barrel lock up etc...all of which helped accuracy. Made sense to me and it did seem to improve the already great accuracy of my Premier 2 so I was all in!! Fast forward 22 years since that first 1911 love affair started and I'm not sure why I was so dead set on a FLGR. I'm not sure I believe they do all that has been claimed but I'm equally sure I believe they dont harm the function or cause problems. I AM pretty sure my 33 year old self was far more accurate offhand than this 55 year old self! Not sure what happened...20 years ago I was sure old wasnt gonna happen to me...it snuck up on me a little while ago.

As far as take down issues, I did eventually settle on the Wilson 1 piece rod as it didnt require a tool to take down and it wouldnt shoot loose and launch itself down range like a 2 piece. For the 2 piece I usually pulled the slide and then worked it out. What prompted this discussion was I found several of my old ones while unpacking from this recent move and have been wondering if I want to use them again. I am at a firm "maybe"! LoL

 

FLGRs came stock in a couple of my STIs. I've just kept them in there. I also have a full custom colt that was built in the early 1990s that has a FLGR. I changed out the FLGR to a standard & I noticed it cycles much rougher/grittier. I am guessing its the spring running along the dust cover? Anyway, I put the FLGR back in & it cycles perfectly smooth again.

 

My Ed Brown Classic came with a 2-piece FLGR. It would shoot loose. Instead of using a drop of Loctite, I just replaced it with a standard GI plug.
I will admit, for dry-fire fondling , the FLGR feels a bit smoother. But in actual shooting, I don’t feel a bit of difference. Not having to worry about it shooting loose tilts the standard plug heavily towards the win.

 

Two piece threaded SA style rods go in the trash.

Ones that need a bent paperclip quickly annoy me.

Dawson tool-free is the only acceptable alternative to a GI setup in my stable. I have a few guns with each. Difference is roughly an ounce. Not that GI takedown is hard but the DP unit is a nice feature on guns you regularly take apart.

For a full custom where I cared about aesthetics, I'd use a GI. I think the front of a FLGR gun looks goofy.


I once sent my STI back for repair. The gunsmith said, "these FLGRs really annoy me." I said, "you don't keep a bent paperclip on your bench? I mean, it's how the gun came stock, from your factory." He said, "I know, I'll be sending it back with a Dawson tool-free unit. No charge."

 

For what's it's worth, no FLGR for me, If I ever had a 1911 with one installed, I quickly replaced it out with the GI rod and plug.

 

I find that my 1911s cycle a bit smoother with a FLGR and I have them in the majority of mine. I prefer the Wilson version that allows the bushing to be turned the same as you would with a regular GI guide rod set up. In the grand scheme of things I'm sure any actual performance differences are negligible, like so many things it comes down to personal preferences and justifications.

 

I got 2 1911’s with Wilson guide rods.. both shoots excellent,, the rest are 18lbs Wolfe springs. Can I tell the diff.. we’ll.. the lockup seams a little better…the cycle feels smooth… actually not really shooting speed plates.. my uncle Miley says it’s better,,, maybe he’s right…. 👍🇺🇸