I think he is talking about the recoil spring guide rod.
I think he is talking about the recoil spring guide rod.
I started changing to steel anything on all my guns years ago. Use to have pics of some really chewed up both recoil and striker guide rods. Here is a latest one from a Ruger SR9C. Hard to tell from he pick, but there is significant damage to the Plastic guide rod. (and this one is no where near as bad as many I have replaced)
I replaced it with steel from Gallaway. The small guns like 380's seem to take the worst beating.
I had no functioning issues with my stock plastic guide rod in my CW9 but I noticed the surface was getting kind of rough and was developing some small gouges from the spring. I went with a stainless rod from Lakeline and am happy as no more scars from the spring.
Whether or not it’s an “upgrade” is up to the purchaser but I’m glad I went with the stainless.