But there is a full length guide rod that makes a huge difference... 30% group size reduction when used in conjunction with a fitted bushing, by my tests. It is the Dwyer Group Gripper as sold by Wilson through Brownells:
http://www.wilsoncombat.com/a_guide_rods_gg_f.asp
Here's the concept:
THE PROBLEM.... When a 1911 recoils and then goes back into battery the parts and pieces reposition themselves in the gun. Because of the looseness of the fit of the slide to the frame, the barrel to the bush, the slop in the link, and the fit of the barrel to the slide, it doesn't happen exactly the same with every shot. A tuned gun takes all the slop out of the gun and sometimes some of the reliability too. The barrel and slide and frame all have to end up in exactly the same place every time or the accuracy is impacted adversely.
THE SOLUTION.... The Group Gripper (GG) is a special full length guide and spring plug that includes a very strong little spring that pokes out of the back. The GG includes a special link that is made so that the guide spring can force it up in the rear of the barrel, pushing the barrel into the locking lugs all the way and pushing the whole slide up against the rails. The result is the back of the barrel is pushed into exactly the same place with every shot making all those relationship the same with every shot. Control of the front of the barrel with a better fitted bush puts the icing on the cake.
THE RESULTS.... I saw a 30% reduction in group size with my Colt Delta Elite 10mm as measured in tests. I since have installed it in a 45ACP Rock Island project 1911 and the gun ended up very accurate indeed. The RI was done recently and the Colt done perhaps 15 years ago. This mod makes a measurable difference.
So if its a full length spring guide you want, get the one that does make a difference, along with a fitted bushing. You will see the difference.
LDBennett