GLOCK 42 OEM VS TUNGSTEN GUIDE ROD **WARNING** DANGEROUS DEFECT - DO NOT BUY BEFORE WATCHING!!

[@otrshark]

Thanks for sharing. Had thoughts of making a change, will refrain after doing my research.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

You’re welcome. I definitely think your money is best spent elsewhere, like ammo or a training course. I bet if we did a blind test most would not notice as huge a difference as they think they do. My guess is after spending well over $100 people want to believe it gives them an incredible benefit. I know my video has been controversial and even unpopular to some, but I’m just sharing my experience. It’s as if these “upgrades” are a religion and to state otherwise is ballistic blasphemy.

[@LeinaVance]

Try a stainless steel one.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Do you know of any good ones made for the G42?

[@LeinaVance]

​@@ShortStackSurvivalnot personally, but they're easy to find. I wouldn't trust tungsten guide rods though. To me they just seem like it would be over kill, especially for such a small lightweight gun.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@LeinaVance Yeah I agree. The only reason I bought the tungsten one is because people rave about how amazing they are. I think for what little you might gain from them they are way overpriced. I haven’t had an OEM spring and guide-Rod wear out or fail me yet and they are cheap to replace if they do. I’ll keep my eyes out on a stainless steel one though just to try it out.

[@sweetmeatbeatz3615]

I had the same issue so i put the oem back in . Great video

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Realizing that an expensive “upgrade” performs worse than stock really sucks, but I’m glad you got the reliable oem back in. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@sweetmeatbeatz3615]

@@ShortStackSurvival Especially with the price tag. I’m just getting an oem spare.

[@Brian3xm]

Thank you

[@ShortStackSurvival]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@bigbarkingdog2010]

Good for you regarding full disclosure.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you. I just wanted to share my experience with everyone. I know a lot of people only have good things to say about certain upgrades but in reality I believe there are some downsides to be aware of.

[@rickgarlington114]

Not an issue with my 42 at all. Maybe something else is dragging and the oem spring compensates? My 42 is about 3 yrs old.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

This issue does not happen with the original spring and guide-rod, but I suppose you never know. I did buy another G42 recently but haven’t tried this guiderod with it yet but I would venture to say it would have the same results considering that the spring weight is lighter than OEM. There is a lot of feedback from this video so I was thinking of doing a follow up video to address the many questions that people have regarding this issue.

[@flyontop]

Thanks! Great video

[@ShortStackSurvival]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@KirkWinterrowd]

Thank you for this. I replaced these parts in my Ruger LP Max and it was performed without issue so I was thinking about doing the same for my Glock 42.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

You’re welcome! Some people have had no issues, others have had the same problem that I encountered. If you swap anything out from OEM, just pay attention to any unusual wear or malfunctions.

[@royd7984]

Have you had any problems with your gun not firing. FTF, FTE, STOVE PIPES, ETC?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

There might have been a few but honestly it was a while ago. I’d have to pull it out of the junk drawer and try it again to be sure. Once I discovered the issue discussed in the video, I discontinued use and went back to OEM with no issues.

[@TwinGunz]

Thanks for the info, I was actually thinking about one. But a lot of people say yes, a lot say no. I’m sticking with stock, wish I could get something, but oh well, I’ll just become a better shooter lol I’m rolling with a 23, which is why I was considering, but I want no problems. This is my life. Which sometimes, people are like, oh it’s fine. Not fine enough for me. Lol

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I will say I have heard with the larger pistols you can get various spring weights that will accommodate the ammo you shoot and potentially have no issues. When you modify your pistol from stock, it isn’t always for the better or can have some unintended consequences. That being said, you can try it for your pistol but just keep an eye out for the problems that I’ve had. I enjoy shooting stock pistols but sometimes you are just itching to switch it up, I totally get it. Whatever you choose to do, just know when you’re rolling with a 40 SW it makes the 9mm boys jealous.

[@TwinGunz]

@@ShortStackSurvival I just hate modifying unless it’s 100%, I’m sure you agree. Stock Glocks have always just worked for me. Only a limp wrist could maybe jam up a Glock. Besides that it’s 100%. All these other companies just suck compared to Glock in my eyes. Glocks are simple, robust, and reliable. Grip angel is the only downer, but I got use to it very quickly lol

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Glocks are very reliable, I love them. They are one of the best pistols out there, second only to the S&W M&P in my humble opinion. I think most people would benefit from buying ammo and shooting more rather than buying expensive upgrades that potentially impact dependability.

[@Buckybill101]

Subscribed!! Watch the “short”. U just saved me $80 bucks. Thank u so much!!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you and you’re welcome! I’m happy to help! I definitely think spending $80 on ammo and range time is definitely going to make you a better shooter. Adding these so called “upgrades” that often perform worse than stock, will only make you sad and angry for having drank the “Gucci Glock Cool-Aid.” With that said, there are some accessories I really like, but in general I like to keep my guns simple and relatively close to stock - which I know is highly unpopular these days.

[@Khmarth]

Thank you 🙏 for your awesome and informative info! I got a 42 and kept it stock and it’s great 👍 thank you again 🎉

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I’m glad I could at least show why sometimes stock is better especially when you aren’t prepared to go down a rabbit hole of making sure everything is functioning and compatible as you “upgrade” components. Glocks come from the factory perfectly fine for the average user. If you’re going to change something, consider upgrading to night sights and adding a light.

[@tcepilot]

Makes me sad. But thank you!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I totally understand! It sucks when gear/accessories don’t perform like they should. At the end of the day, they mostly just make your wallet lighter. Thanks for watching!

[@nicolasarcana6139]

FANTASTIC video! Thank you.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

[@nathanjohnson676]

Actually it's binding up... The CDS did the same thing on G23 Gen4

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Yeah, that sucks. I bet there are quite a few aftermarket parts out there causing issues that people aren’t even aware of. I doubt I would have noticed the issue had I not been filming.

[@nathanjohnson676]

@@ShortStackSurvival The RYG version isn't any better.... But I was to choose one it would be the Lone Wolf double spring variant.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@nathanjohnson676 I’ve heard good things about Lone Wolf, but I haven’t had the chance to try their stuff out yet.

[@rickgarlington114]

I think I saw that you had a slide rack assist on your 42. I tried one of those, but removed it when I saw the pistol was not going back into battery all the time. This was back with the OEM recoil assembly.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thanks! That’s good to know. I actually picked up another G42 and it is stock so I can definitely test the theory and see if there were any issues due to the slide racker. I personally haven’t had any issues with the OEM recoil spring and guiderod but it’s worth testing the theory.

[@user-mp8ff6mv3p]

G42 kinda seem tough to rack for such a little light round. My G29 must have a 20 LB rack.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

It can be difficult, that’s why I installed Vickers Tactical Slide Racker on mine and it works great! Not to mention in rainy conditions it really helps so that your hand doesn’t slide off the back. Highly recommend checking it out!

[@jacobortega8910]

Hey I liked the video! Keep up the content! Love seeing people passionate about the second amendment! I just noticed something about your issues that you may not notice. As you release the trigger your slide also releases forward. I looked at my Glock 42 also with the tungsten spring and I do not have any of theses issues. My belief is that your safety plunger on your upper assembly is stiff or the bar is out of spec. Because normally the plunger can be pressed in with little to no effort. As the slide comes forward with your finger on the trigger this plunger will rub against the safety bar. And it just so happens with a lower weight spring it’s more noticeable. Just thought I put in my two cents! Take care!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I’m glad you shared your two cents with me haha, I’ll definitely check it out and see if something unusual is going on. I just so happened to acquire a second G42 that I can test your theory on and see if the issue persists in the new one.

[@rickgarlington114]

Short Stack; Just got back from the range and wanted to follow up with you. I tried some 1200 fps and 1000 fps jhp cartridges today. Fast, slow shots, single to 6 in a row. No issues at all. Same reliability, same accuracy. Typical glock! Shoot safe.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Ok awesome! This was with the Glock store brand recoil spring and guide-rod? I definitely want to get my new G42 out and try it again.

[@rickgarlington114]

Yes. GLOCK store tungsten rod recoil assembly

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@rickgarlington114 ok thanks! I really appreciate the information!

[@neiljohnson6815]

So what was the dangerous defect?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

The guide-rod spring is not strong enough to return the slide fully forward after each round - basically it is out-of-battery until the trigger is released. I tested with different weights and pressures of ammunition from typical range to carry and it consistently had this issue. After speaking with a gunsmith he said the only way to make it function properly would be to swap out some internal springs on the gun which is something I did not want to do. The only reason I bought the guide-rod was because Glockstore claimed it was a simple, drop-in upgrade, no Gunsmithing or tools required. I like to keep my guns relatively stock but had heard good things about the tungsten guide-rods and wanted to try it out. The Glockstore offers many different types of guide-rods where you can choose your own spring weight but that is not the case with the g42 version. For the money, spending $90 for a barely imperceptible advantage (“stiffer” and tiny bit heavier than an oem guide-rod) to then have to troubleshoot and fix this issue is not worth the headache for the average person. There are lots of reviewers who only say good things about gun accessories/products, but for me if I discover a flaw or worse a potentially dangerous defect, I want to inform people to the best of my ability - from there at least they can make an informed decision. Anyways, I hope that helps you understand the issue with the G42 glockstore tungsten guiderod.

[@Orion64-y4w]

I can duplicate what you claim to be a problem that you demonstrate -with my 42 and the same tungsten GRA from the Glock store. This is not a safety issue as I see it because in actual live fire the inertia of the slide returning always causes the slide to return to battery. At least in my gun it always has. And the striker cannot release until the slide is in battery anyway. So I think your concern is an irrational one. The tungsten assembly solved all of the ftf and fte problems with my 42 and a lot of other people's also. You may have a defective unit because after hundreds of rounds my 42 has never failed to lock into battery while actually firing the gun or slingshoting a fresh round into the chamber off of a fully loaded mag. I have a 1911 Colt with a tight competition barrel bushing that will do the same thing if you gently ease the slide down like you are doing. A slight shake of the gun causes it to go into battery. In actual use this doesn't happen because of the return inertia of the slide.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

During filming at the range, the G42 was actually having the same issue. I did not notice until I reviewed the footage. After sending the videos to a gunsmith and talking to other avid shooters, we all agreed that this was absolutely a design flaw and potentially dangerous condition which is why I wanted to share my experience with others. Everyone is free to use or disregard the information as they see fit. It is important to me to be very up-front with my viewers and not withhold information especially if might be unpopular. As long as people are aware and can make an educated decision or at least keep an eye on it when they begin modifying their pistols then I would say mission accomplished. Thank you for taking the time to reply and share your concerns.

[@NorthCountryOutlaw]

Is the spring strength the same? Might be heavier than the OEM spring

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Based on my test, the spring is lighter than OEM. One of the major issues I have is that the packaging says it “uses same factory weight springs” but on the Glockstore website it states “slightly lighter spring.” Contradictory and confusing. Furthermore, it is marketed as a simple drop-in upgrade with no indication of the need to upgrade/swap other components. Several people have reached out to me stating they have the same issue with their Glockstore tungsten guide-rod both in G42 and G43. I suspect this is mostly an issue in the sub-compact Glocks. I just wanted to get the information out to people and share my experience with this product. Perhaps it’s a one-off quality issue but I’m not willing to take the chance and am going to stick with the OEM.

[@NorthCountryOutlaw]

@@ShortStackSurvival it may be because I heard that the end part that seats in the barrel lug is wider. That may be causing it not to seat properly causing it to travel and jam the gun up. That could also break your ejecter

[@NorthCountryOutlaw]

@@ShortStackSurvival I got a Glock 20 on layaway I might just stick with the stock spring and see how it does.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@NorthCountryOutlaw Yes! I notice it was migrating upgrade on the barrel lug despite my best attempts to place it perfectly in the slot. I never had that issue with the OEM guide-rod.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@NorthCountryOutlaw Oh nice! I would love to add a G20 to the arsenal at some point. Yeah I definitely think if there’s no issues with the oem guide-rod I’d stick with it. The only reason I got the tungsten guide-rod in the first place is because I kept hearing how amazing it was and people swearing it was so much better than stock - well that certainly was not my experience and at $90 you’d be better off buying more ammo or extra magazines, or both lol.

[@NorthCountryOutlaw]

Do they make other steel guide rods?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

The GlockStore does not as far as I’m aware, but a quick google search lead me to Centennial Defense Systems. It appears you can pick your preferred spring weight as well, which is awesome. I haven’t used one before, but I’m guessing you’ll have better results than the tungsten one I bought from the GlockStore. Also, the price is way more affordable at about 1/2 the cost. www.centennialdefensesystems.com/CDS-Stainless-Steel-Guide-Rod-Assembly-For-Glock-42_p_816.html

[@SpudOutdoors]

I know this video is old. But a recoil spring like anything else needs to be cleaned. Now high temp/low temp grease should be applied on the rod. This will keep it from binding up. The old one being plastic does not need it. But metal on metal will always need it.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Someone else has suggested adding oil to the spring to “break it in” which I find odd. I have many different pistols, some with OEM metal rods and have never had to oil them for them to function properly. In my experience, the spring is one area that is not a routine oil application-it is not an area we want dust/debris collecting, just like the magazine springs are not oiled. This is just my experience and knowledge that was drilled into my head as during academy and is consistent with my owner manuals. That being said, for aftermarket products that require a specific break-in process, it should be stated on the website and packaging in my opinion. I personally get irritated with all these “upgrades” that fail to work properly out of the box, and yet I’ve never had an issue with any of my brand new pistols out of the box - S&W, Glock, FN, Keltec, Ruger etc. Again, these are just my humble opinions and experiences.

[@SpudOutdoors]

@@ShortStackSurvival well most standard metal guide rods with springs don’t need it other than a cleaning occasionally. But with a multiple spring guide rod where it’s metal rubbing on metal it can add a lot of friction. I don’t do oil I do shooters choice grease on all my guns. That said I am not a fan of that type of recoil guide rod. I prefer a 1 piece rod with a flat spring. Super reliable/ helps speed the gun up on cycling yet tames the recoil. Original design used on Gen 3 glocks and older. Even mp pistols had the flat spring. I bought the rival arms tungsten rod for the Glock 42 with a flat spring. I will let you know how it goes.

[@rickgarlington114]

I'm heading to the range in a few days. I'll let you know if I have any difficulties with the tungsten recoil rod. Be safe!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Yes, let me know if you notice anything! I didn’t realize it was happening until I reviewed the video footage. I’ve heard that their recoil springs and guiderod work well in full size G19, G17 etc. So this may be a G42 specific issue.

[@charles17508]

I just like the smoother feel of the plastic .

[@ShortStackSurvival]

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it - the OEM guide-rod works just fine. I think people want to imagine there is a HUGE improvement over the original because they invested money in their modifications and have drunk the Cool-Aid convincing them it will make them shoot better.

[@wymanbanks5050]

You explained that very well. Usually, you have to change to a reduced power striker spring also to compensate for the reduced power recoil spring, I had the same problem so I switched to a stainless steel recoil spring with OEM weight. the added weight of the spring helped the felt recoil. Thank you for taking the time to investigate the issue. Shoot'em well!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I few people have commented that I fail to understand what was happening and that a reduced power striker spring is obviously required when installing this particular recoil spring and guide-rod. The entire point I was trying to make with this video is that the manufacturer (GlockStore) states on the package that it is the same as OEM spring weight, just a simple drop in upgrade, no gun-smithing required. They state on their website it is a slightly lighter spring, but no mention of needing to swap out other components to make it function properly. I think the average person purchasing this, especially if buying in a store, would read the package and just drop it in without knowing of the issues I showcased in the video. My goal is to educate people so they can make an informed decision and be safe. Thanks for taking the time to comment, I appreciate it!

[@ConservativeVet84]

I have a Glock 42 with a tungsten guide rod and spring (one piece). I tried every way I could think of to duplicate the problem you had and it didn’t happen. Wondering what happened🤔

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Is it the GlockStore brand or from another company?

[@ConservativeVet84]

I purchased it through the Glock Store. Got lucky I guess. I did change out all the internal springs and connector. Got them through Ghost Inc. The gentleman I talked to at Ghost Inc., explained to me all had to do to make everything work together. So far, flawless performance or maybe I just got lucky. I’d like to think he knew what he was talking about

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@ConservativeVet84 I talked to a gunsmith and he said if I wanted to get the tungsten guide-rod working I’d have to swap out internal springs, but I personally didn’t want to do that. The GlockStore tungsten guide-rods are one of their best-selling products and you’d think they would have a disclaimer stating you have to change components for it to run properly. I suspect this would turn many people away from the product. Instead they market it is a simple drop-in upgrade that installs in seconds no Gunsmithing or tools required. I think the average person would buy it, drop it in and go, just like I did, not realizing it was meant to be installed in conjunction with other components. I think this is why I have about 50/50 split of people reaching out to me stating they have issues/don’t have issues with their guide-rod. Either way I just wanted to make sure people saw the issues I had so they could check their own gun for similar issues or know before buying. I’m glad yours is running smoothly. One additional concern with the tungsten guide-rod is it tends to migrate out of the pocket on the barrel and some people have had excessive wear on their slide and barrel as a result. Just something to keep in mind as you use it, maybe check on it periodically. Thanks for sharing your experience, I think if someone is interested in this product and watches and reads the comments they will at the very least be better informed about the tungsten guide-rod from the GlockStore.

[@ConservativeVet84]

I spent about $35 on the springs and the connector and got a wealth of information from the gentleman at Ghost Inc. telling me what internals I needed for my 42 to run without a hitch. Don’t get customer service like that anymore. Thanks for your original post it was very informative and people should take note. Made me go back and check all my Glocks

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@ConservativeVet84 That’s awesome! It’s good to hear there are companies who actually care about their customers and take the time to walk them through a purchase. Definitely gives you confidence and not to mention creates re-peat customers. Thank you so much again for sharing your experience!

[@Nordraw]

Did you try sending it back for a new one to see if it might be a faulty spring? I see you went from 15 lbs to 12 lbs. Was that what you wanted? Why?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I thought about sending it back but when people starting reaching out to me saying their GlockStore Tungsten guide-rod was doing the same thing, I figured this must just be how it was designed. Also, where the guide-rod interfaces with the barrel it tends to slide out of the pocket. I’ve heard this causes excessive wear overtime. At this point I’m just going to stick with the original guide-rod. It seems most people have had issues with subcompacts like G42 or G43 so perhaps your G19 will be fine.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

There is only one spring weight option for the G42 and I had no idea the spring was 3lbs lighter, because they do not disclose this on the packaging or the website. It was only through testing that I discovered it. I thought I was purchased the same spring weight just with a heavier guide-rod. I think the GlockStore could and should do a better job of being precise and upfront about what to expect when purchasing their products.

[@Nordraw]

@@ShortStackSurvival I would contact them , see if they will refund your money

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@Nordraw I was planning on contacting them at some point and let them know the issues I have had so they can look into it.

[@MrDaleStroud]

Most likely it’s just that particular spring that’s the issue otherwise it would be a widely known issue. There have been issues with OEM guide rods in the past as well so anything mass produced has the potential for failure. Ammo pressure and spring weights are a balancing act, swap one and the others may not be compatible so it takes some testing to get the mechanical device to run correctly.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

That’s definitely a possibility, but if there is one bad lemon during production there could be more. A few people have reached out saying they had the same issue with their GlockStore guide-rod as well. Ultimately, as long as people can make an informed decision about the products they purchase, it’s a win in my book. As far as swapping parts and compatibility issues, it’s definitely a slippery slope for sure. In the case of the GlockStore guide-rod, the packaging states same as factory spring weight so I was surprised to discover this was definitely not true and was the reason for the malfunctions.

[@MrDaleStroud]

@@ShortStackSurvival An underpowered spring batch wouldn’t surprise me but the internet would have exploded if this was a common occurrence. Two things I noticed in your video was the gentleness of your racking the slide, Glocks are designed for a rather vigorous slingshotting of the slide to charge the weapon. If you look at the amount of muzzle flip on your range session it appears you had several underpowered rounds as well. The one malfunction it appeared you had a squid in the barrel when you pulled the trigger on the next round…thought I was watching a detonation of a pistol.

[@artbylove]

Great info! Thanks for sharing! I was set on getting that tungsten part but now holding off. Safety first!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! Yes, I definitely think it would be for the best. Especially considering the price and the safety concern. Sometimes keeping critical components stock is the way to go. Thanks for commenting!

[@GuacIsExtra99]

I just ordered one of these fml 😂

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Hey no worries! You can always just keep an eye on it and see if you have the same problems as I had.

[@dawnstratton9344]

Thank you for the safety update! Will they be recalling the guide rod?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

You are welcome! I plan on relaying the information to the Glock Store and letting them know the issues I’ve had with the recoil spring and guide rod.

[@gix6]

Yeah, cause God forbid #TheGlockStore would make it easy for you to return a defective product. They’re probably gonna give you the runaround. @4:31

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I never tried to return it but you’re probably right. For now I decided to hang onto it so I could do future videos if I need to. I get quite a few comments suggesting the issue was user error or that I’m ignorant but ultimately the product does not perform as the package states - same as OEM spring weight, simple drop-in upgrade. My goal was to inform people of this discrepancy so they can make an informed decision and also check their current pistol if they have one installed. Thanks for commenting!

[@andyprairiedog]

Excellent video and put together very well. Thank you very much for comparing the slide pull weight as well as shooting your ammo in these uncertain times to feel the difference in recoil and feel. Liked #100 and subscribed.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I’m glad you found my video useful and thank you so much for subscribing!

[@sweetcostarica]

Finally, someone in the gun community telling the truth - i.e. many after market parts for gun are not only _unnecessary_ but also *_dangerous._*

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I definitely think there are a lot of snake oil products out there vying for people’s hard earned money when gun owners would be better off buying ammo or training. I’ve heard from so many people “I would never leave my gun stock, you gotta upgrade this, this and this.” While I do think there are some worthwhile upgrades, I wanted to find out for myself if certain upgrades I’ve been hesitant to buy are actually worth it and ultimately share my findings with my viewers. In the case of the GlockStore tungsten guide-rod, I’d say save your money. Thanks so much for commenting and watching my video.

[@sweetcostarica]

@@ShortStackSurvival The Glock Store is a very cool place😎. They have taken a lot of flak for being for Glock mostly. They sale not only good items (night sights, holsters, factory parts & factory magazines) BUT the Glock store sells unnecessary and aftermarket parts that can & do make your reliable stock Glock into an expensive aftermarket ticking time bomb 💣. You have learned this. Many others have learned already: That is leave your gun(s) stock for *_safety and reliability._* No Shield Arms S15 mags, no drum mags for handguns, no titanium firing pins, no titanium guide rods, colorful aftermarket triggers, no gold/silver aftermarket barrels that wear out much faster than factory barrel, etc. etc. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT If you practice with your firearm(s) you will not need 💯 of any aftermarket part if your gun is for self-defense. You will find that you *_know_* your gun after shooting it over and over. And your gun will "break in" all by itself and will self-polish all areas exactly where needed. So easy and so logical. Maybe some people have so much money 💸 they just need to spend it and show of their "Gucci" gun(s)? I don't know. Have a great day👍.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@sweetcostarica I definitely think the Glockstore is a cool place too, I’m just disappointed in how much they push these items with fancy videos etc. without proper R&D or just simple consumer warnings like “must be used in conjunction with reduced spring kit.” Or whatever would need to be changed in order for it to run properly. Instead they say “installs in seconds, no gunsmith required, same as factory spring.” I agree that keeping your gun stock is the best approach. In the WSP we were not allowed to modify our duty gun and if we needed something replaced, our certified armorers were the only ones allowed to mess with it. I definitely have kept with that approach with most of my guns but I thought to myself, hey maybe there is something to these products. I’m not going to demonize all upgrades but unless you have a very specific reason to swap something out, keep it oem. Gucci definitely isn’t my thing haha but hey if you have the money I guess go for it. I’m sure it’s great for competitions and such. Yes the break in period helps smooth out the gun, especially triggers. Nice thing about running stock is if you pick up another one you’re already trained on it. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience with my viewers!

[@sweetcostarica]

@@ShortStackSurvival Well said. God bless.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@sweetcostarica Thank you, and you as well. Have a great day!

[@drkdrive]

Did you say it is a lighter spring on the tungsten?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Yes the Glock Store tungsten spring is lighter. On the back of the packaging it states “uses the same factory weight springs” but on the Glock Store website it states “slightly lighter spring.” I’m not sure why the discrepancy there but I believe they lightened the spring too much (approx 3lbs by my test) which is why I’ve been having issues. I had a friend check their Glock Store tungsten guide rod for the Glock 43 and they had the same issue too. I just think the smaller framed Glocks don’t do so well with lighter springs.

[@devonyoung6340]

This is very important that you’ve caught this defect. Thank you for your thorough and honest review. I’ll definitely be avoiding the tungsten guide rod and will share with other gun owners I know. Thanks for looking out for us Short Stack!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I was very disappointed when I discovered this fatal flaw in the tungsten guide-rod and hopefully people will double check their pistol especially if they have already purchased this from the Glock Store.

[@ericb6390]

Its not defect,i just looked it up by model number,its noted that this spring is designated for lighter recoil,and it states its less lbs than the stock spring,so no surprise its less the the factory spring,and with lighter springs like this you usually use lighter competition loads

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@ericb6390 The Glockstore website states “Our G42 Tungsten Guide Rod is designed with a slightly lighter spring to allow it to function with a wider range of ammo.” The average person would read that and not think this guiderod is for light competition loads ONLY. Furthermore, if this guiderod required another modification to the firearm, such as reduce weight striker spring, it should be stated clearly. Finally, the rear of the package of the guiderod states “uses the same factory weight springs” and is “ready to drop in and shoot. Installs in seconds. No gunsmithing or tools required.” If you were purchasing this in store then you would have absolutely no clue there could be an issue with this recoil spring. My channel is geared towards newer shooters and I wanted to make sure if and when they decided to make modifications to their pistol, they be aware of this guiderod specifically for thr G42. I don’t think the average shooter would be aware of the issue either, based on the website or the back of the package. Thanks so much for the comment, I hope you understand my goal is to make sure people can make an informed decision and also be safe.

[@mattdockery307]

@@ShortStackSurvival there’s no reason to swap guide rods in any Glock just one of the many reasons Gucci glocks are stupid

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@mattdockery307 This was my first time trying an aftermarket guide-rod and I wanted to see if all the hype was worth it. As you can see, I was sorely disappointed based on my individual results, although many others swear by their aftermarket guide-rods. I usually stick to OEM where internal parts are concerned, and this experience definitely solidified that mentality. I’m not saying I’ll never try another “upgrade” but I honestly think these types of upgrades are overhyped and underperform for how much you pay for them. I wish I had spent the $90 on more ammo, which would have been a wayyy better investment in my humble opinion.

[@XwaYdesu]

My first pistol was a G42 with a tungsten rod. So, I thought the slide sticking was happening because I was doing something wrong. Namely, when I released the slide from its furthest point back, it didnt stick. But if I released it a little late, it stuck. I assumed until tonight that this was how I had to treat all glocks. I just got out my G43 (OEM) and tested it out. And, wow. I don't have any sticking, even with late slide release! I'm glad to be able to correct my wrong assumption about glocks! So, thank you!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you! I’ve had so many people reach out to me when they checked their tungsten guide rod and had the exact same issue. Even a local gunsmith was able to recreate the problem with his Glock and tungsten guide-rod too. There are ways to make the tungsten guide-rod work but it requires replacing the striker spring with the appropriate weight. I think the Glock Store should make sure this is stated on all tungsten guide-rod products both on the website and rear of packaging so that the consumer can make an informed decision. The most worrisome detail for me was that this was happening when I was shooting, not just when I was racking the slide. I’m so glad my video made your realize that you weren’t doing anything wrong and that it was the aftermarket guide-rod giving you problems. Thanks so much for the comment!

[@aportilla007]

The lower weight spring can cause issues. Glockstore tells you it is a lighter spring, but does not warn you about potential issues. Try out the HYVE guide rod.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Since making this video GS has updated the description of the G42 in their website, but the packaging that my guide-Rod came in states “uses the same factory weight springs. Installs in seconds, no gunsmithing or tools required.” If you were to buy it in store, reading only the packaging you would be surprised to find that was not the case. Ultimately, as long as people are aware of the potential issues, and can make an informed decision about it, that’s all I care about. I will definitely check out the HYVE guide-rod!

[@aportilla007]

@@ShortStackSurvival My 43X is kitted out with all Hyve stuff. It works great. Next is my 42.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@aportilla007 Awesome! I’ve heard of them but haven’t had a chance to try them out.

[@247demon]

Interesting I literally just put that product in my Glock 23 and 20, I’ll watch to see if this occurs down the road but so far this issue isn’t happening on my two.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Are you running the gun stock (other than tungsten guide-rod) or have you also swapped out the striker spring? My gunsmith friend informed me that swapping the spring kit out should allow for the lighter-spring tungsten guide-rod to function. Either way, I’m glad it isn’t happening on your Glocks. I barely caught this issue myself if it weren’t for my range footage and filming the pistol cleaning video. Several people have reached out to me and said they had the same issue on their Glock 43s as well as on a G19. My guess is it may run fine in certain models, and some not so much. Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@247demon]

Right now other than the guide rods they are totally stock, the only other changes I plan on doing is kkm barrels.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@247demon Nice! I’ve heard those are good barrels. Do you plan on getting standard or threaded?

[@247demon]

@@ShortStackSurvival I’m going with standard length non-threaded but converting to 9mm on the 23 and on the 20 I’m going oversized 6” length non-threaded staying in 10mm. The barrel will stick out a little over an inch past the slide, using it for a trail gun and I want the fully supported chamber and the extra velocity.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@247demon Nice! Sorry for the delayed reply, for some reason KZbin marked and pulled your comment as held for review and I never got the notification. I think the barrel upgrade is especially smart when dealing with 10mm and with hotter loads. Hopefully it all works out great for you! Eventually, I'd love to get into 10mm just don't have the funds at the moment.

[@johngrunwell2412]

I’ve had mine for years now, all steel, and no…NO issues with mine. Good positive lockup ALWAYS. I also run that in my G19/4 and again no issues and adds the extra weight where I want it. I run the AMERIGLO CAP sights and love them as I run that same sight on my G23/5. In the G42 I installed the 3.5 connector and shaved ALL my .02 & .03 Mags to load 7rds giving me 7+1 as well as running the ETS-9 +1 mags with the XGRIPs and a TLR-6. Only Ammo I’ve ever had a problem with was Winchester Range White Box 90gr. with the Flat nose as some would hang on FTF or it could be a light load? The G42, in my mind and I fired many, is the best .380 on the market for accuracy and ability to shoot all day long ($). Would like to see the G28. Have you brought this up with the Glock Store, maybe a change in the manufacturer giving a weaker spring?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I’m glad you haven’t had any issues with yours, are you running a GlockStore brand or one from another manufacturer? I seem to have about a 50/50 split of people saying they either have zero issues or they had the same issue as I had. I understand that on different model Glocks you can choose whatever recoil spring weight you want, depending on any other modifications you have made to the gun. In the case of the G42 recoil spring and guide-rod, there is only one choice, and they market it as: same as factory spring weight, just a simple drop in replacement. Thanks for reminding me to reach out to them, I’ve been meaning to write a well-crafted email explaining the issue. I hope they will be receptive of me pointing out an issue with their product. I haven’t heard about shaving the G42 mags before, but I did install +2 Vickers tactical end plate which has really come in handy (I have a video on that install). I bought the G42 specifically to test out for those who are interested in carrying a smaller pistol. I have been pretty impressed so far and the more rounds I put through the gun, the more reliable. As stated in the video, I switched back to OEM recoil spring and guide-rod which is now operating 100% with different types and qualities of ammo. Most of my other Glocks or S&W will eat just about anything right out of the box, but this is why testing out guns and gear is important. I’d say to anyone wanting to keep their G42 stock, make sure you give it about 300-500 rounds to break in, otherwise you’ll be frustrated with malfunctions. Thanks for sharing your experience with different guide-rods and some of the modifications you’ve done to your pistol, very cool!

[@johngrunwell2412]

@@ShortStackSurvival I’ve put thousand of rounds thru mine and with the Tungsten Guide Rod, but I bought mine, thru the Glock Store, many years ago and runs great. Since the Lockdown, some manufactures may have changed (?). I even ran the .01 Mags thru it and no change, I’ve not had any of the problems so many have had on the initial production. The Glock Generation 4 there are other weights for the recoil spring unless you convert the spring to the Gen 3.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@johngrunwell2412 That would definitely make sense if different generations of Glock and possibly different guide-rod manufacturers over time could have all contributed to why we are experiencing different outcomes. Either way, GlockStore should do their due diligence and test compatibility of their products if new generations of pistols and different manufacturing processes occur, just my humble opinion of course. I have friends who swear by metal guide-rods and I don’t think there is anything wrong with it. I typically keep my guns relatively stock, especially where internal components are concerned. This was my first venture into trying a guide-rod upgrade, and wanted to share my results for those thinking of doing the same. For the time being, I’ll stick with OEM, but I say use what works for you.

[@johngrunwell2412]

@@ShortStackSurvival Metal Guide Rods have proven to give a straight powered lockup, proven on many platforms and in NRA competitions and I run metal GRs mainly for that true lockup = accuracy and no fouling when it counts. However, quality counts and running your equipment esp. if you EDC it.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@johngrunwell2412 My favorite handguns are of the smith and Wesson variety, and they come from the manufacturer with metal guide-rods and are very reliable. The only difference being is that the manufacturer designed them that way just like Glock designed theirs with the plastic guide-rod. I know lots of competition shooters and other professionals like aftermarket metal guide-rods and they work very well for them. As a previous law enforcement officer, we weren’t allowed to change anything from stock without an armorers approval and even then it was nothing internal. Once you deviate from oem I think there is always a chance of having reliability issues. Imagine how much research, development, time and money gun manufacturers like Glock and S&W put into their firearms and compare that to companies offering aftermarket products. This is merely speculation, but my guess is there would be a big disparity there. Not saying those items aren’t good, just saying maybe they haven’t tested all scenarios/variations like we discuss earlier i.e. generations of gun, manufacturing tolerances etc. LEOs wouldn’t rely on those handguns if they weren’t reliable right out of the box. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it - at least that’s how I’m going to treat most of my firearms moving forward.

[@paulscountry456]

I would send it back,it was set up light for easy slide manipulation,too light by 6 lbs.Good test.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I definitely have considered sending it back. I wanted to reach out to the Glock Store and let them know of the issues. If they told people up front it would require reduce weight striker spring that would help people make an informed decision I think. Thank you so much for the comment, so glad you enjoyed my test!

[@operator1192]

Super helpful. I’ve actually encountered this with aftermarket springs and components in full sized custom Glocks and I wasn’t fully sure of the cause of it not going fully into battery but you explained that really well and it made total sense as soon as I heard it. I love my G42, it was my primary carry gun for about 5 years and it was an earlier example which unfortunately had some growing pains, turns out my ammo sensitivity problems were actually largely due to early generation magazines. Ones that have a mold number 03 or 04 function flawlessly as well as ETS mags but I only use them for range practice. I would like to get an extra power spring for suppressed shooting with my G42 just for range fun but as it’s currently configured it is set up beautifully for concealed carry and I still do use it for deeper concealment when I’m not carrying my CZ P-10S.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thank you, I’m glad you found value in my video. I definitely was surprised to discover this issue, considering it’s marketed as a simple drop in replacement to the oem guide-rod. A gunsmith friend of mine said he could probably get my G42 up and running with the tungsten guide-rod but he’d have to swap out all the springs and I just said thanks but I’ll just stick with the original. I had several people reach out and ask if the G42 was a good EDC option and that’s how I ended up buying one and testing it out. I definitely think it gets the job done, but your CZ sounds pretty awesome too. I had an opportunity to shoot a CZ-75 compact and it was amazing! It was crazy accurate for me and made me question my life choices lol.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Oh and thanks for the tip on the magazines, I’ll keep my eyes out for any old ones that might cause issues but mine was purchased this year so I think I’ll be good. I can only imagine what the G42 would be like suppressed lol that would be a fun and mean little package.

[@operator1192]

@@ShortStackSurvival absolutely, it’s nice and quiet. Overall I really love the G42. Despite the short sight radius I’ve been able to get some extreme accuracy out of it offhand. I think because of its light weight and compactness I’ve been able to hit full size steel torso targets at 60 yards with about 85% accuracy and at 100 yards with about 65%. For carry training I practice from 15 yards and in, but I wanted to see what I could eek out of it at range just for fun.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@operator1192 That’s awesome! I’ve seen other KZbinrs do the “Dicken Drill” 8 out of 10 shots at 40 yards - I usually practice much closer than that with my EDC but I’d like to see if I could maybe run that drill with the G42. Sounds like it’s possible, just not sure I’m capable lol. I noticed most people performed that drill with full size Glocks or Sigs so it would be an interesting challenge with a tiny sub-compact.

[@operator1192]

@@ShortStackSurvival oh for sure. I’ve taken some defensive pistol courses and most of the training focused on the statistical close quarters,creating distance and engaging the threat but we did do some 25 yard shooting. After the mall active shooter I do see the merits in getting some time in with longer distances with a concealed carry setup.

[@chrismartinez8393]

Your firing pin safety plunger spring needs to be changed out to a reduced weight. It should fix that issue. The glock store has a upgrade for $24

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I understand that would allow me to utilize the GS guide-rod, but I’m not interested in modifying my carry pistol to that extent. The only reason I bought the GS tungsten guide-rod is because it clearly stated no gunsmithing or modification required, just a simple drop in replacement for the oem guide-rod assembly - hence my surprise and disappointment when I discovered this issue. I appreciate your comment though, I think it could help people who are wanting to make the GS guide-rod work in their G42.

[@Orion64-y4w]

Actually you can purchase a reduced power plunger spring from them for 3.49.

[@triptre3638]

I’m my opinion…. With a Glock 42, keep everything OEM!! Remember it’s a .380acp! Higher calibers…. You can do more to a capacity! .380 is a watered down 9mm! You can do only so much with watered down calibers!

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I definitely agree especially in terms of the critical components, such as the recoil spring. I normally keep everything oem but I wanted to see if certain aftermarket parts were worth it or just fancy marketing. I have to say by far my favorite upgrades have been the vickers tactical slide racker, vickers tactical extended magazine plate, and trijicon night sights - all of which I did a video on if you’d like to check it out. I think for most people though it is probably best to keep your carry pistols oem unless you have a specific reason to swap something out. That’s what I try to achieve with each video, to help people decide if they would like it or not. I typically prefer 9mm but I wanted to pick up this .380 because I know a lot of people who enjoy this little guy and I wanted to explore it and see how it performs. Thanks so much for the comment!

[@turnbasedtoddy7664]

Wait how does that make sense? Why can you only do so much?

[@tedsemonis7905]

I like my revolvers, 90 grain compared to 255 grains. There are so many after-market pieces these days that just are a little off.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Nothing wrong with revolvers! Yes I would agree, you have to be careful with certain aftermarket products. I typically leave my guns stock but the tungsten guide-rod came highly recommended so I wanted to try it out. Unfortunately, as I showcased in the video, I was not very impressed with the results.

[@tedsemonis7905]

@@ShortStackSurvival So did Cadillac Saville, 300-dollar upgrade from the nova with a 3,000-price jump. Gas was 59 cents a gallon.

[@deancoronado4898]

Sanity check: Did you have the gun cleaned, rails oiled, a touch of grease on the top-front of the barrel where it meets the slide? All that potential friction adds up, as well as the internal contact points by the striker. Slight polishing can help reduce friction and smooth the trigger out. I'm a certified Glock armorer and learned where to polish with Flitz. Did it fail to go into battery with different weights and different pressures of ammo? Or was it "picky"? Just kinda curious. I was also an instructor and RSO for several years, and I used to test customers' guns when they had issues.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Thanks for the questions. Yes, I always keep my guns cleaned and properly oiled. The Glockstore guide-rod had issues with all types of ammo - I ran various types of range and carry ammo through it. During testing I swapped back and forth between the OEM and aftermarket GS guide-rod ensuring proper installation each time. The OEM did not have the issue the GS one had despite the gun being in the same condition of round count and cleanliness. I am not a gunsmith, but I did reach out to one to discuss the issue and he suspects I would need to swap out some internal springs just to get it to function properly. As the GS guide-rod is marketed as a simple drop-in, no Gunsmithing required “upgrade,” I was not prepared or wanting to go down the rabbit hole of changing parts out to get this to function properly. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the OEM guide-rod and I feel like these aftermarket guide-rods are just a waste of money. I suspect they make people “feel” better about their gun when in reality most would be better off spending the $90 on ammo instead- just my humble opinion of course. I have friends who swear by them, which is why I purchased it in the first place but I am not convinced they do any good and in fact lead to reliability issues in some cases - as I found with my G42 specifically. As for my experience and background, I am a former LEO and current volunteer Range Safety Officer so I do understand the importance of keeping the gun properly maintained to ensure reliability. Almost every range duty day has involved remedying malfunctions by adding oil to a bone dry gun - I don’t know why people forget that oil is critical to keep a gun functioning properly. I hope this helps you maintain your sanity!

[@Nordraw]

I just put one in my gen 3 19. Anybody have any issues with that one?

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I heard with the G19 it depends on the spring weight you chose and if you swapped out the spring kit or kept it stock. Hopefully others reach out and share their experience specifically with their G19.

[@Nordraw]

@@ShortStackSurvival it comes with the fixed spring so no choice on that, oh well I kept the original so I’ll find out how it works and switch back if I have to. Damn that Lenny McGill 😜

[@ShortStackSurvival]

@@Nordraw lol! Seriously, he’s so good at making you feel like you couldn’t possibly survive without ALL the upgrades.

[@laylasbabyalive3575]

it's not the guide rod lol 😆 just get a different spring with a higher tension

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Did you watch the entire video? The guide-rod is assembled with a spring that is not swappable - the point of the video is that Glock Store markets this products as a simple drop-in “upgrade” - no other modifications or gunsmithing required. When I say “guide-rod” in the video I’m referring to the whole assembly including the spring. I think it’s fairly obvious that I’m not saying that just the tungsten rod is the problem here - but the product as a whole.

[@spurgeondotson4998]

Exactly

[@srg6918]

Hey lady, u honestly didn’t put the aftermarket guide rod in correctly

[@ShortStackSurvival]

What do you think I did wrong?

[@DallasJonez]

I don’t want to be condescending but if you listen to manufacturers and believe they never make false claims, your gunna be disappointed. You may have a slide and frame that needs more breaking in before that guide rod will work. You might need more loob you could try a reduced power safety plunger spring. But to pull a video and say that the guide rod is unusable is a bit naive and tells me you have a few more miles ahead of yourself in the journey of learning about guns, and specifically Glocks. Also when they say “Glock Perfection “ they mean “Glock perfect after your upgrade everything”

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Believe whatever you want, but at the end of the day I have an obligation to my viewers to be as transparent and honest about the items I review and recommend. If I discover an issue with something, I’m going to tell them about it regardless of how many people are inconvenienced or don’t wanna hear it. I’m fully aware I could have made further modifications to my pistol to make the guide-rod “work” but that is not the point. It was supposed to be a simple drop-in replacement, no gunsmithing required. As for lube, I use plenty and the pistol break-in doesn’t change the fact that the pistol functions properly with the oem guide-rod and doesn’t with the GS tungsten one. Ultimately, people can decide for themselves how they want to run their pistol either stock or highly modified. I’m not interested in wasting money on “upgrades” that require you to go down an endless rabbit-hole of well maybe it will work if I changed this or that. The truth is stock Glocks are fine right out of the box and anyone failing to recognize that is perhaps the one suffering from naivety.

[@bc_usa]

​@ShortStackSurvival zip think you missed his point. I use these in all of my glocks and never had a problem. He was trying to say just because you had an issue doesn't mean the guide rod is faulty. That's just your experience. Thanks for sharing 👍.

[@dukewellington7050]

That's strange. I have the tungsten guide rod in my 42 and nothing like that happens. I even have a reduced power striker spring with no issues. You could just buy an after market stiker spring. Something a little stronger which would probably fix your issue if you're wanting to keep the benefit of the extra weight upfront.

[@ShortStackSurvival]

I’ve heard mixed results from people, some have had the same issue as me and some like you, no issue whatsoever. I suppose it could be a manufacturing quality control issue. Either way, as long as people are aware of the issue and check their set-up after they swap out parts, they should be good to go. I just wanted to bring awareness to it so people would be informed at the very least.

[@drewputtbach3396]

You have to compensate with a spring suited for the pound resistance of your guide rod Jesus why are you educating people

[@ShortStackSurvival]

Because on the package it states that it uses the same factory weight springs, just drop-in and you’re ready to shoot, no gunsmithing or tools required. The point of the video was to show people that if you were to do exactly that, this is what the result would be.