Tool-less guide rod

A handgun recoil spring guide rod, comprising:

• an elongated rod body configured to fit within a compression recoil spring;
• an axially elongated slot formed transversely through the body;
• and
• a movable member mounted on a first assembly pin extending transversely through the slot and through a corresponding opening in a forward portion of the movable member, the movable member configured to fit substantially entirely within the slot and pivotably movable between a first position substantially entirely within the slot and a second position partially protruding from the slot such that it engages the recoil spring to hold the spring in a more compressed condition, the movable member including a forward pivot opening that receives the first assembly pin and a rearward opening that receives a second assembly pin and is shaped to allow a rearward end of the movable member to pivot to the second position, the forward pivot opening being elongated in a longitudinal direction and the rearward opening being elongated in an angled direction to guide the movable member to the second position when pivoted substantially about the first assembly pin;
• and
• further comprising a spring in the forward pivot opening biasing the movable member toward the first position.