The Springfield "Loaded" is a nice pistol for the money. Just a personal thing, but I don't care much for the long slide models. To me, they just don't look and balance right. The barrel length is not a factor in accuracy. It does give you a longer sighting plane, and a muzzle heavy balance. For my tastes the 4" balances perfectly, and I tend to shoot better with them in rapid fire. In slow fire my 4" 1911s shoot as well as my 5" models. Have to admit, I'm not a fan of long barrels on any handgun. Just my own tastes. If you like long barreled handguns, the long slide might be just the thing. And yep, the guide rod has to be longer in the long slide. Bet you'll be happy with either one.
Savage