life expectancy of aluminum framed 1911s

[FlyinBryan]

how long have you seenum last?

i have only seen 1.

its a fairly new defender (8 years old) and im sure it has seen 30,000

i dont think it has measurable wear (havent actually measured it)
but it still feels pretty tight. nice lockup, tight rails, tight ejector.

 

[CPshooter]

A thread just like this popped up awhile ago. The majority of people agreed that with the advancements in quality control and machining practices over the past couple decades, a properly made Al-framed 1911 should still last a lifetime of shooting just like a steel-framed auto.

 

[dhoomonyou]

HAD a KIMBER pro carry 2, after 1600 rounds, crack near dustcover. I think thats whats its called, just forward of the trigger guard.

 

[Double Naught Spy]

Mine broke at 9600 rounds.

It isn't wear that is the issue, but fatigue.

 

[MCgunner]

Using a shock buffer help???? I noticed battering on both my 1911s, a stainless AMT and a steel Auto Ordinance from firing +P stuff in 'em even with a 22 lb spring. Got to where I used a buffer and stuck to standard pressure stuff only. If I tried to fire +P with the buffer in place, even with 22 lb spring, it'd smash the buffer flat in a few rounds, I mean a pancake, destroy that buffer. LOL I would have had problems even on steel frames had I kept shooting the hot stuff, I think. And, I know when the Delta Elites came out in 10mm, they had some battering problems initially. Not sure how they cured that.

The 1911 is an old design and built for standard ball ammo and steel frames. It was never intended to be made out of other than steel nor fire anything other than ball. Add to that the shorter slide and less slide weight of an Officers or Commander and it's a recipe for destruction. Wanna carry a light weight .45, get something other than a 1911 IMHO. Want to fire other than ball ammo, get something other than a 1911 IMHO, or at least don't expect a cheap one to feed with much else. Neither of my 1911s liked to feed much other than ball, anyway. That's why I no longer have a 1911.

YMMV

 

[Walkalong]

My old LW Commander just keeps on ticking. I don't know how many rounds, but it has got to be around 7 to 10 thousand over the years, and I bought it used. No sign of battering etc.

The worst thing that has happened to it is my first attempt at checkering. The squaring up and flaring the ejection port turned out as nice as anyones, and better than many, but not the checkering.

The checkering is functional at least, if not pretty. 90% of it is fine, but there were a couple of "Oh S***'s" in there as well.

 

[MICHAEL T]

My 1951 9mm Commander #62XX is still going strong Have no idea how many rounds or owners
All my Newer LTW Commanders Defender and Agent are doing fine. The shoot HP and +P just fine as do most new 1911. My 1941 GI has had a fair share of HP thru it also.