(***Update***) Just picked up my Glock 17, now what?

[SteveZ]

I have had a lot of the plastic guide rods break.  All of them had over 15000 rounds on them and had been through multiple spring changes.  I have wondered if the reason for the breakage is caused by the abuse the rod takes when swapping out the flat spring?   

doesn't Glock recommend changing out the recoil spring/guide rod assy something like every 5k-10k rounds or so? These things are dirt cheap. I can understand the attraction of going with an aftermarket assy if you're trying to respring the gun due to ammo or other customizing "tweaks" of the striker spring, but if you're trying to save money by replacing only the spring, please tell me that when you get the oil changed on your vehicles, you also change the oil filter too.

[SteveZ]

Sorry NS, wasn't meaning to sound condescending and you certainly haven't insulted me by any stretch of the immagination. I forgot the fact that your operating in a remote location and have to get along with what you can and can't get your hands on so your situation is unique.

I see many shooters try and cut costs in strange and unique ways. For those with access to parts locally, the best choice is to replace the assembly.