If you look at the 1911 frame, you'll see that the slide stop pin hole is right at the thick part of the frame where the barrel goes to bed (sweet dreams).
Just forward of that thick part is where the guide rod head rests against.
That slot in the frame at that spot, where the slide stop pin hole is, is where the link and lower lugs fit into. So there is no way the guide rod can contact the link or lower lugs..........WHEN PUT TOGETHER........ :banghead:
Although Cap'n Bling, you show a very interesting pic 2 posts ago, with your caption saying " What might this be?" I agree with that statement, what might that be?
There's some slot in the (guessing here) end of a guide rod that is resting against the link. What is that? Please remove it from where you have it and give us a better look at it. And why is that there? What function.......or possibly (mal) in this case...........does it have?
Also the comment about the shok-buff has me confused.......
The pic showing the buff.........yes, its in its proper place. Sandwiched between the guide rod head and recoil spring, as the spring tunnel on the slide makes contact with it..........as its supossed to...........
Talk about a thread getting off course..............I believe it started with port flaring........and now we've digressed into basic function of the 1911.
I shudder the thought of someone working on a 1911 without basic knowledge of how the thing works........