I prefer the Dawson.

 

I have the Dawson unit in my 5” Govt with a bushing. I learned to love them thanks to Staccato (they come stock with them). Any other 1911/2011 style pistol I get in the future will immediately get the upgrade.

Never used/tried/or seen the Atlas, but if it’s in the name I’m certain you can’t go wrong. I highly recommend the Dawson.

 

If you shorten the guide rod just enough...you can remove the slide as an assembly. Then either press in the plug, turn the bushing and remove it, or compress the recoil spring a wee bit from the guide rod head and remove it. No need to remove it at all if you just need a fast field strip for lube.

 

I don't have any experience with Dawson's and thus no opinion. A gunsmith who built my 5" 2011 is particular about parts he chooses and he uses Atlas toolless. He is not affiliated with them and doesn't get any kickbacks. In fact, when I needed Atlas thumb safety, I had to get one myself. As a user, I've 6K on a 4.6 and 2K on a 5 inch rods of theirs and so far no issues to report.

 

I vote Dawson since they’re been doing it for many years. Nothing against Atlas, I hear good things.

 

Are special guide rods desirable just to simplify take down? Or is it because users prefer to run a full length guide rod? Both? I've used full length guide rods, but never discovered any accuracy or reliability advantage with them. I've changed my guns with FLGRs to the common GI type for years, even the bull barrel guns. The GI guide rod coupled with an EGW or 10-8 type reverse plug makes field stripping, etc. 1911 type pistols about as easy as it gets...YMMV

 

Are special guide rods desirable just to simplify take down?

That is the only reason, for me. I personally don’t really care for FLGR, but I like the Dawson enough to run with it. Your set-up looks pretty slick too!

 

Whichever one you get just be sure it is the right one for your gun.

 

The 3 inch guns are the only ones I've ever needed a tool to disassemble. And I've never had a 2 pc guide rod and I don't think I want one LOL. I do like the flat recoil springs and you need to change the guide rod to use one and I prefer the GI rod. The commanders aren't that difficult to field strip without any tools, take the slide off and then remove the recoil spring and rod. I sold a few 3 inch guns because of the captured dual recoil spring set-up they have, I really don't like those!! And they have a short life and are expensive! They work fine and my Kimber Ultras were very accurate, good guns but I hate that recoil spring set-up LOL.

 

I like the Dawsons, but that because I have never touched/used an Atlas.

 

EGW. Atlas is over-rated. Their magazine followers are junk also. Broke two at the slide stop notch. Followers are $10 each plus $10 shipping, no thanks. Springfield magazines run just fine.

 

6700 rounds on three lockback Atlas followers, no problems. Did you talk to them about it?