Steel vs Aluminum

[tman]

Steel or Aluminum frame 1911? And why?

Discuss.

I currently carry an aluminum framed Springfield, but looked at this photo of an aluminum framed Kimber from 10-8's facebook page: That feed ramp looks like it has issues. He says the anodizing is wearing off. There was also a separate issue with barrel setback from the factory, which is unrelated.

[gyrfalcon]

Steel, because if you're carrying a 1911 what's a little more weight matter anyhow?

[Shipyard]

i'm a glock guy over a 1911 guy but - steel. in that design it was meant to be steel and even with modern materials/machining steel is superior.

word.

[rugersol]

Steel!









... whaddya want fer yer Springfield?

[westhope]

To me it looks like someone "polished" the feedramp on the frame their by removing the anodizing.. This is NEVER done on an aluminum frame!

If the anodizing was chipping off, like it is in a few areas, it would not be so evenly removed at the feed ram area. Polishing the feedramp would also explain the barrel set-back shown.

Someone polished the feedramp on the aluminum frame. The only fix is a new frame or a steel insert into the feedramp area of the frame. Both expensive.

Steel frames on 1911's you shoot at the range. Aluminum on 1911's you carry.

[solidgun]

I would rather have the steel frame for full size as I can always use that frame to do fun 1911 customization. For compact models, I would rather have the aluminum since I don't see myself customizing compact 1911s.

[tman]

The 10-8 guy, Hilton Yam said that the ramp hadn't been done til he worked on it himself. When I have time, I'll copy and paste his comments.


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[westhope]

The 10-8 guy, Hilton Yam said that the ramp hadn't been done til he worked on it himself. When I have time, I'll copy and paste his comments.


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I can see where the anodize has chipped of into the magazine well, but it is so evenly removed on the feed ramp, that someone had to polish it off. No way would the anodize chip off so evenly and symetrically. When they "polished" it off, they removed so much material that there is not the minimum 0.030 gap from the feedramp to the throating on the chamber.

[tman]

When they "polished" it off, they removed so much material that there is not the minimum 0.030 gap from the feedramp to the throating on the chamber.

Yam said that it came without the proper gap from the factory.



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[westhope]

My carry 1911's have aluminum frames (anodized). Feedramps have not been touched. My range 1911's are steel frame. I've polished those feedramps. Main reason for steel is the heavier weight recduces recoil. Second reason, aluminum frames will eventually crack after many rounds. Nothing a carry gun should see in practice, but an competition gun will.

[GrundhauserGunWorks]

Depends on what you are using it for. Forged steel will be the strongest, most reliable material, and it will last longer. The aluminum frame is nice when weight is an issue, but it will wear and flex after heavy use.

[JoeH]

Depends on what you are using it for. Forged steel will be the strongest, most reliable material, and it will last longer. The aluminum frame is nice when weight is an issue, but it will wear and flex after heavy use.

Paul, you should post an intro for yourself when you have a chance.

[bstrawse]

I prefer steel in my 1911s. I have carried a Springer TRP and a Kimber SIS Pro without any issues.

I do have a Kimber full size CDP II that shoots great - and I'm not seeing the problems that Hilton posted.
b

[bpacman]

I have held and shot both. The steel frames have better balance. I recover from recoil faster. But the aluminum frames are lighter and easier to carry.

I prefer the steel but the Alums are nice too.

Bp

[rhodalinsky]

This is my issue. Similar but different but seems to relate: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=29069