hey waldo,
im gonna write up about my SR9 as I've recently added a Gost Ultimate 3.5, and today received my new stainless steel guide rod from Steve Bedair. Anyway while I have not fired live rounds through it I have been cycling the gun and dry firing a bunch today (i removed the mag DC when I put in the new trigger bar)
Anyway first things first. The thing looks sweet. Hopefully I can get some pics up but you can take my word for it. very professionally done and finished. I like the feel of it and I guess it just feels sturdier in my hands.
Anyway haven't live fired yet, but what I can say from racking the slide is that it does make it feel much smoother. On Steve's website this is what a lot of his customers say. After putting in the guide rod and lightly oiling it, it is much more of a pleasure to cycle. Anyway look for a full update on my gun, including thoughts on the guide rod, after some live firing. I'll let you know if there is any issue with the flex. I am pretty sure you don't want your guide rod flexing, but I could be wrong.