I just ordered the steel guide rod for mine. Beretta makes it and sells it on their web site so I have no reason to think that it's a problem to use. Bending it by dropping the pistol? I don't think I could bend it by running over it with a truck. The plastic rod will become a backup but I doubt I'll ever need it.I recommend leaving the plastic guide rod. If ever dropped while the slide is locked back/out of battery, a metal one can be bent and leave the gun inoperable, where the plastic would absorb the impact better. Some things are designed for specific reasons. Nonissues with mine in 2000+ rounds.