M9 Guide Rod Materials?

[idus25]

I recently purchased a Beretta M9 and am more than happy with it's action and grouping. Although after 600 rds I am still grouping them together, but a little high and to the right. Need more practice.

Anyway it has a plastic guide rod. I understand that the reasoning behind this is that if bent during "use" it will not stay bent like the old steel rods. Having said that what would you think if I milled out a new one made from solid SS or preferably billet aluminum. I happen to have some billet on hand.

What sort of conditions made the rods bend enough times to make the maker go to plastic?

Thanks for your input.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Guantes]

I don't see why that would be a problem. I have two with the metal rods, with many rounds through them without a problem.

[idus25]

Thought I would post the guide rods I spun out on the lathe. The M9 is on the right and the P226 Elite is on the left.

Hard to believe I spent 900.00 on the Sig and it came with a plastic guide rod.

Thanks,

Lee

Guide Rods.jpg

[Guantes]

They look good. Great what you can do with some machinery and knowledge.

[cz75luver]

My understanding for Beretta going to a plastic guide rod was to cut cost. They also went with a plastic trigger, left safety lever and hammer spring plug. Actually, I think it's Delrin, but still . . .

I've never heard of a metal guide rod bending. Not sure if that's possible without some catastrophic failure.

Your guide rods look very nice, though.

[Viper7]

Nearly all my pistols have metal rods, but I do have or have had a few with plastic. So far, they've never caused a problem. I do understand however that the plastic rods should be replaced in Glocks.