Both Kadet kits I've purchased came with plastic guide rods that were quite curved right out of the box. CZ-USA replaced the first rod a couple years ago with no questions asked, but this time they refused to replace the guide rod under warranty.
The curved rod was causing the recoil spring to bind against the edge of the slide, making it more difficult to cycle the slide by hand, and no doubt retarding the slide's normal operation.
Following another forum member's suggestion to heat the guide rod and attempt to straighten it I put the rod into a microwave-safe plastic cup, added about an inch of water and zapped it for 90 seconds. When I poured out the boiling water I was surprised to find that the heat had caused the rod to return to its original, normal straight condition.
Only time will tell if the fix is permanent, but for now the slide is working perfectly.
If your Kadet guide rod is bent and you'd like to straighten it give this method a try.
John Ward
Brandon, Florida
