97B SS Guide Rod Won't Go In

[Navy87Guy]

I just received my stainless steel guide rod from CGW for my 97BD, and I'll be bleeped if I can get it installed. The full size was tough on my SP-01, but at least the end was tapered so there was room to maneuver it through the hole. With the 97B rod, it's a uniform thickness and leaves no room to get it aligned.

I'm contacting CGW, too, but I wanted to get any forum feedback. Here is the factory guide rod side-by0side with the CGW product:



As you can see, the stainless rod is significantly longer than the factory original. Without the taper like the &75-series rod, I can't find anyway to align it to get it installed.

Is there a simple trick that I'm missing??

Thanks!!

[Earl Keese]

After you insert the rod and spring into the spring channel at the front of the slide, try pulling back on the spring while wiggling the rod towards the hole. The closer you can get the rod to parallel with the barrel, the better your chance of getting it seated.

[Navy87Guy]

After you insert the rod and spring into the spring channel at the front of the slide, try pulling back on the spring while wiggling the rod towards the hole. The closer you can get the rod to parallel with the barrel, the better your chance of getting it seated.

There’s no way that’s happening. The spring is already so comperessed just getting the guide rod into the channel that there’s no way to pull it back. I tried using the bushing to compress everything g to try to get it in p,ace, but then the bushing hangs up. The end of the rod almost lines up with the hole in the end of the bushing, but even trying to pry on it from the end won’t free it enough to seat.

The stainless feel rod is 3 5/16” long as the factory original is just 3”...that’s nearly an inch longer, which seems excessive (and frustratingly unnecessary!).

[Earl Keese]

After you insert the rod and spring into the spring channel at the front of the slide, try pulling back on the spring while wiggling the rod towards the hole. The closer you can get the rod to parallel with the barrel, the better your chance of getting it seated.

There’s no way that’s happening. The spring is already so comperessed just getting the guide rod into the channel that there’s no way to pull it back. I tried using the bushing to compress everything g to try to get it in p,ace, but then the bushing hangs up. The end of the rod almost lines up with the hole in the end of the bushing, but even trying to pry on it from the end won’t free it enough to seat.

The stainless feel rod is 3 5/16” long as the factory original is just 3”...that’s nearly an inch longer, which seems excessive (and frustratingly unnecessary!).

I don't recall the actual measurement, but 5/16 is not almost an inch. The method I suggested works, I just pulled mine out of the safe and tried it. I didn't say it was easy.

[Navy87Guy]

After you insert the rod and spring into the spring channel at the front of the slide, try pulling back on the spring while wiggling the rod towards the hole. The closer you can get the rod to parallel with the barrel, the better your chance of getting it seated.

There’s no way that’s happening. The spring is already so comperessed just getting the guide rod into the channel that there’s no way to pull it back. I tried using the bushing to compress everything g to try to get it in p,ace, but then the bushing hangs up. The end of the rod almost lines up with the hole in the end of the bushing, but even trying to pry on it from the end won’t free it enough to seat.

The stainless feel rod is 3 5/16” long as the factory original is just 3”...that’s nearly an inch longer, which seems excessive (and frustratingly unnecessary!).

I don't recall the actual measurement, but 5/16 is not almost an inch. The method I suggested works, I just pulled mine out of the safe and tried it. I didn't say it was easy.

Sorry - typo...it’s 15/16ths. I’ve spent over an hour pulling, prodding, jiggling...no luck.

Could you measure yours? When mine is inserted (without the spring) flush against the barrel lug, it extends past the end of the frame by almost 1/16”. Your photo seems to show it recessed in the opening...which would make it a bit shorter than mine.

[Navy87Guy]

Here’s how much mine extends when it’s in place.

[Earl Keese]

I just measured, same as yours. Your bushing isn't pushed all the way in, that’s why the rod is sticking out. Another way that just now worked for me: with the slide in your right hand, line the rod/spring up so the rod is resting in the little 'V' on the barrel lug and the other end is inserted all the way into the bushing. This will have the rod/spring almost parallel to the barrel. With your right thumb pushing on the back of the rod, wiggle/roll it side to side while pulling back on the fwd end of the spring(close as possible to the bushing). Mine drops in with this method as well. Your thumb will be sore, but it'll go. I'm using a round wire spring, are you?

[Navy87Guy]

I just measured, same as yours. Your bushing isn't pushed all the way in, that’s why the rod is sticking out. Another way that just now worked for me: with the slide in your right hand, line the rod/spring up so the rod is resting in the little 'V' on the barrel lug and the other end is inserted all the way into the bushing. This will have the rod/spring almost parallel to the barrel. With your right thumb pushing on the back of the rod, wiggle/roll it side to side while pulling back on the fwd end of the spring(close as possible to the bushing). Mine drops in with this method as well. Your thumb will be sore, but it'll go. I'm using a round wire spring, are you?

Thanks for your patience!

The bushing was the key. I had the retainer rotated slightly too far so the bushing wasn’t seating fully (as you pointed out!). As soon as I fixed that, the guide rod went right in with no effort at all!

I appreciate your help (and I learned a lesson about attention to detail when I reassemble!).

[Earl Keese]

I just measured, same as yours. Your bushing isn't pushed all the way in, that’s why the rod is sticking out. Another way that just now worked for me: with the slide in your right hand, line the rod/spring up so the rod is resting in the little 'V' on the barrel lug and the other end is inserted all the way into the bushing. This will have the rod/spring almost parallel to the barrel. With your right thumb pushing on the back of the rod, wiggle/roll it side to side while pulling back on the fwd end of the spring(close as possible to the bushing). Mine drops in with this method as well. Your thumb will be sore, but it'll go. I'm using a round wire spring, are you?

Thanks for your patience!

The bushing was the key. I had the retainer rotated slightly too far so the bushing wasn’t seating fully (as you pointed out!). As soon as I fixed that, the guide rod went right in with no effort at all!

I appreciate your help (and I learned a lesson about attention to detail when I reassemble!).

I wish mine went in as easy as yours! 
On another note, that OEM barrel bushing can be a little finicky. It's not intended to fit as tightly as as possible. You kind of have to find the sweet spot, which isn't fully tightened. To be honest, I don't really see any benefit over a standard pressed in bushing.
 Glad you got it together.

[Navy87Guy]

I wish mine went in as easy as yours! 
On another note, that OEM barrel bushing can be a little finicky. It's not intended to fit as tightly as as possible. You kind of have to find the sweet spot, which isn't fully tightened. To be honest, I don't really see any benefit over a standard pressed in bushing.
 Glad you got it together.

That was my mistake...I tightened the bushing down completely, which put one of the “spurs” in front of the spring bushing instead of one of the “grooves”. It does feel weird not to tighten it completely. But I guess the spring bushing holds it in place.

[Navy87Guy]

And just to give props to CGW, their customer service responded to my email inquiry in less than 24 hours. Considering how busy I'm sure thy are, that's excellent service!