Thank you in advance for any help.

Is there any genuine benefit to upgrading to a steel guide rod for my P250s (.45 and 9mm) and 290rs (9mm).

The information on the interweb is confusing in general and I can't find anything as to whether the DAO mechanism of the pistols makes any difference or not.

Welcome to the forum.

Steel is heavier and obviously more "durable." Polymer is "self-lubricating." For the P290, I'm not sure the weight would help with recoil that much. For your 250, the extra weight might reduce felt recoil.

If recoil reduction is your goal, there are tungsten guide rods available for the P320--not sure if there is interchangeability with the 250. Another forum member might be able to weight in.