Good image.
http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/kimber-1911-ray-gunz.jpg
I think it shows very well that only if the spring is damaged will it kink or bind under operation.
Remember the main point of the spring is to return the gun to battery, strip a new round from the mag and run the new round into the chamber. How it
feels has no effect on it's doing it's job. It begins to do it's job only
after the round has left the barrel. The trigger is pulled only after the spring has stopped it's movement.
Bill Wilson in his book "The Combat Auto" (Second Edition from 1994, chapter on Combat Accessories) says:
"Guide rods are a functional item. They improve reliability and usually improve accuracy slightly --although they're rarely billed as an aid to accuracy--by keeping everything operating the same way every time."
In the book he doesn't explain any more about them. I believe what he's saying that in his and some others hands they can feel the slight difference, shot to shot, that the action of the spring compressing and releasing makes. They advise that a FLGR will diminish that and make each shot
feel "the same way every time". I personally am not that sensitive that I can feel the difference.
He also states that it can improve reliability by making the action of the compressing and releasing spring closer to being identical each time and with less movement of the spring. It will also limit any movement of the spring retainer (GI guide rod) which does move a bit as the spring moves. But if this has any quantifiable measurable effect it's very slight. I remember Walt's experiments with this. I've read others.
Will it make the spring last longer? I doubt the difference could be measured. The spring does precious little squirreling around either way.
He doesn't mention the question of additional weight up front which some shooters like, as it can aid in recoil recovery. Or that some shooters like the "smoother" feel of it.
If you are looking for an edge in the higher levels of competition the FLGR may help some. More because it helps the shooter, rather than the gun. More because of the practical effect on the shooter then the mechanical effect on the gun.
One of the great strengths of the 1911 is that it's adaptable, more so than any other handgun, to the shooters needs and preferences. A FLGR fits some folks needs or desires.
tipoc