This is an interesting topic. I'm having a custom 1911 built by Bill Laughridge's Cylinder & Slide shop. I provided the specs. for this weapon as a strictly self defense weapon. That is, no frills.
During two conversations with Bill himself he suggested using a one piece full length guide rod set up for captive take down. I asked Bill why. Bill stated that he believes this set up helps the 1911 run generally smoother putting less stress on the recoil spring.
During a separate conversation Bill stated that he initially didn't think these full length rods were necessary, that is, until he encountered a stock 1911 that somehow became "locked up" with the standard stubby rod and plug.
Bill stated that he retrofitted the gun with the full length rod and shortly thereafter that weapon was used by his customer, a law officer in Florida, to save life of his wife and himself. Apparently the customer called Bill and related the story stating that had the gun "locked up" as before, he and his wife would be dead. From there on, Bill figured full-length rods may be a worth while modification.
Personally, I'm still undecided, but I figure Bill knows what he is talking about. John Browning aside (a genius), my Sigs and Glocks have full length and they function fine. I'm still trying to figure out how that officer's 1911 seized up. Anybody have an idea?
[This message has been edited by DesertRat (edited October 07, 1999).]