[opos]

I have a CZ75BD in 9mm and a CZ75B in 40 cal. both have the plastic guide rods...other than wondering the reason for the use of a plastic part in an otherwise steel/almost indestructable pistol...is there a real reason to go with the after market stainless guide rod? I'm not going to change springs and have not heard of problems but there must be a reason for the after market rods...thoughts? thanks

[SwedeSteve]

I am wondering the same thing, so I'll be watching for someone to answer this one !!

[opos]

Well, it's the day after Christmas and I have a bit of an update. Turns out I was mistaken on the 9mm I have..it has a factory steel guide rod in it that looks a bit like plastic but it's not...it's a BD model and I understand the late BD models have the steel rod..I've installed a 16# Wolff spring and it shoots perfectly. I was also asleep when I said originally the 40 had a plastic rod..it has a factory steel rod in it and the factory recoil spring and shoots great...I also have recently purchased a 97 (45 cal) and it went to the range for the first time today..it has a really cheesy looking flexible plastic guide rod in it (earlier models had a shorter plastic rod as I understand) but with the factory spring (think it's 12 or 13 pound) and this cheesy looking rod it shot 100 rounds of Magtech 230gr. FMJ without any hiccups and no indication of anything amiss. I have heard that the 16# spring makes a real difference in the way the gun fires and kicks (not major kick out of the box because the pistol is so heavy) and is much more reliable for any heavy loads..I am going to install a 16# spring and I also plan on a Stainless rod as the heavier spring is supposed to be a bit difficult to get in place with the wimpy and thin plastic rod. In my case I'm going on what others have done before me...I think a lot of the replacement of rods is a bit overrated and based on the aesthetics of the plastic part in a solid steel pistol...in the case of the 45 model 97 the idea of having to fight a heavier spring back into place seems to warrent a steel rod to help the process.

[phoenix79]

Most CZ models have a plastic guide rod. The 75B .40 does not and as you said the newer 75BD's do not either but most all the rest do. Putting a steel rod in doesn't seem to cause any ill-effects unless it's an alloy framed gun like the P-01, P-06, PCR, etc. There have been reports of the metal being deformed where the rod rests in those guns.

[DWARREN123]

A lot of pistols use plastic guide rods and seems to be no problem. The aftermarket steel rods are made because many folks do not like the plastic ones and want steel.

[wunhunglo]

Personally, I reckon the CZ factory did a good job; I had one for many years and see no need to modify a perfectly good gun.

[opos]

I normally agree on changing anything that was designed to work as a unit...but I'm aware of several cases where CZ employees have suggested the move to a heavier recoil spring and because of the flimsy nature of the newer 97 guide rod about the only way to get the darn spring back in the pistol after field stripping is to have a stronger guide rod in place. The flimsy plastic rod with a 16# and higher weight spring bends all over the place and can really make a job of what should be a simple field strip/clean/reassemble. I also know that CZ customs goes with a Stainless steel rod and higher weight spring and CZ sells the steel rod as an "after market" part on the web site. I don't think they would do that if it were going to harm the pistol. I'd never manufacture a home made part though some do...and have been very successful in doing so..I'm just not skilled enough to do it. I look at the replacement part in this case just the way I look at aftermarket dealer upgrade parts for my Suburban...dealer approved and marketed as an improvement.

This link shows the steel guide rod and the 16# spring as a factory item ... just for info

https://shop.cz-usa.com/item_detail....e=042005111603

[NAM VET]

I feel that if CZ puts in a plastic guide rod, it must meet their quality standards or it would not be there. They would not risk their reputation just to save a dollar on a guide rod. I worry more about a astroid crashing through my roof and killing me while I sleep than I do about my plastic guide rod...

[Kappy]

My CZ75B in .40 has a steel rod. It works pretty well.