Delta Elite question

[4thHorseman]

I just purchase a used Colt Delta Elite.
The recoil guide rod on my Colt Delta Elite is part plastic and part steel.
Is this a factory ot aftermarket piece?
Is it better than all steel?

 

[Erich]

It's factory. A lot of people replace them. I don't have an opinion either way.

 

[Robert Allison]

I have a Colt Delta Gold Cup, purchased circa '93. It came with a strange recoil spring guide rod and a double spring. I promptly replaced the whole works with a full-length guide-rod, tungsten I believe to add some forward weight to the gun, and a 24# standard spring. Works great. I know that a lot of people are not fond of full-length guide-rods in a 1911, they do make it harder to break down the gun and some claim that they interfere with functioning. I have found the opposite with respect to the latter concern, although admit that they add to the PITA factor where field-stripping and cleaning is concerned.