[BlueSkyJaunte]

Everyone I have ever talked to or written to--this includes some well-known 1911 pistol smiths--has expressed ambivalence about full-length guide rods (FLGR) vs. the standard-length GI guide rod. The advice I have received can be summed up as "if it comes with one, leave it in...if it doesn't, leave it alone."

The only case where it has been recommended is when the shooter need to reduce muzzle flip. Installing a heavy FLGR (tungsten or mercury-filled) can help with this. Unless you're shooting a space/race gun there's probably very little need to bother.

Edit--I'm a little confused, after re-reading your post. Your groups are nice and small at 7 yards but really bad at 10?