1911 Frames: Steel vs. Aluminum

[digsigs226]

So I have been wanting to jump on the 1911 bandwagon for quite some time now, and currently I've got the hots for the Springfield Loaded Series, more specifically the lightweight bi-tone model. However, I'm a little weary of getting an aluminum framed 1911 (which is somewhat curious, because I'm a Sig owner and an aircraft engineer... but I digress )

Does anyone own both steel and aluminum framed 1911's? How does accuracy (follow up sight re-alignment) compare? How noticeable is the difference in felt recoil? Is the 7 or so ounces worth the hit in material durability?

This will be my first .45, and I intend to use this primarily as a range gun so accuracy is important. Concealed carry is out of the question for the time being, but I may toy with the idea of open carrying it whilst conducting outdoor adventures (I just moved to UT)

Thoughts?

 

[osteodoc08]

Get the one you want cause at the end of the day, if you decide to get something other than the one you want based on internet critisicm.....you'll always be wondering (and its your money). That's how I ended up with my Walther P22 and it has really grown on me.....and I have yet to have any trouble out of it contrary to what some of the internet naysayers would have you believe.

FWIW, I have an alloy framed Kimber and I love it. I've not noticed any appreciable wear, but my round count is somewhere between 1000-1500 if I had to guess right now.

 

[2wheels]

I do have one of both, but my steel framed gun is a full sized GI style and my alloy framed gun is a subcompact Colt New Agent. Not exactly apples to apples.

Just in general, if it's a range toy/occasional OC gun, I'd say go for steel. You won't get any real benefit with 7 less ounces. But if you're not going to put thousands and thousands of rounds through it, I really wouldn't think it matters as far as wear and tear go.

 

[Winkman822]

I have both steel and aluminum framed 1911s. Personally I prefer to opt for an all steel frame as opposed to an aluminum frame. With the ligter aluminum frame, you will experience a slight bit more felt recoil, but that's not a huge deal.

The most cited problem with aluminum frames on the 1911 is that they are more susceptible to general wear and tear damage, but I'd estimate that an average shooter will be outlived by the aluminum framed 1911. For this same reason, shooting very hot loads (+p and +p+) with any regularity is probably not a great idea

Another problem that many cite with aluminum framed 1911s is that the feed ramp is part of the frame rather than part of the barrel. The issue that's frequently cited is the susceptibility to damage caused by magazine followers for the aluminum ramp. Personally, I've never seen an aluminum framed 1911 have isues related to this.

My reason for prefering steel, I just like the additional weight. To me, an all steel 1911 feels more balanced in my hand. My EDC is an all steel Wilson Combat CQB Compact or an all stainless steel Springfield TRP (full size 1911).

 

[Greg528iT]

Also an aircraft engineer. and I would not buy an Aluminum framed 1911.

If you do go AL frame, get a fully supported barrel. I've heard of a few issues (not everyone) where the bullet hammering into an AL ramp get's beat up pretty quick.

Yeah, most firearms do NOT see the corrosive environments of a modern jet, but we never let AL and steel airplane parts sit next to each other.

 

[Red Cent]

I also own steel and aluminum framed Colts. I carry my lw Commander and have owned the pistol for over forty years. Bunch of rounds down the tube. Tight and accurate. Will not feed hollowpoints. I have visited Tuner a couple of times and he says (and I agree) that the 'smith, back in the 70s, got a little overzealous and polished the hardened skin off the Commander feed ramp. 2# trigger and gets right along if you can keep up.



Love the old AMT Hardballer sights.

My Colt NM is for HD and competition. So is the US GOVT PROPERTY Colt 45.

 

[Norton Commando]

...but we never let AL and steel airplane parts sit next to each other.

Yeah, it's called an anode.

Also, aluminum doesn't have an endurance limit, so it's subject to failure even at low stress levels.

Jason

 

[Sniper X]

I have both and have at least 10K rounds thru a few of the lightweight frames one is a SA Champion, the other a Kimber tactical Custom II and neither have ever had any problems, in fact the Kimber has at least 15K rounds thru it. I have a bunch of steel ones. I would not shoot +P rounds thru the lighter ones but never really shoot +P anyway in a .45acp.

 

[BullfrogKen]

I have steel and 2 aluminum frame 1911's. One is .45 ACP, the other is a 38 Super/9x23 with a 9mm barrel fit to it for even cheaper practice. The .45 ACP doesn't have as much through it, because its more expensive, but the other has about 20,000 rounds through it now. About 75% of those rounds were 38 Super.

It's still holding up just fine.


Not all aluminum frames are the same. Colt and Springfield produce a better alloy frame than any other manufacturer. Still, the anodized layer isn't very thick, so someone taking a dremel to the feed ramp to "polish it up" can quickly go through that layer if he's not careful.


Difference in recoil? Yes, there is, and you'll notice it. Not enough that it'll make you not want to shoot an alloy framed gun, but it will slow down splits compared to a steel framed gun. However, it will carry a lot more comfortably. You will notice the difference if you wear it all day going about your business.


Jim Garthwaite became attracted to what S&W was doing with the scandium frames. It's much more expensive to work on, but the frames are both very durable while still being very light.

 

[makarovnik]

Steel all the way.

 

[Zerodefect]

The better Al framed 1911's have ramped barrels like modern pistols. So the bullet never touches the frame. But those same companies rarely make a fullsize 5" Al framed 1911.

My Al framed 5" Kimber CDP does kick a bit harder that my steel 1911's. But it is significantly easier to CCW as well.

The real answer is to get both. Sometimes a light 1911 has what I want, but heavier 1911's rule at actually shooting, as long as you don't go too heavy.

5" Stainless 1911's, or Les Baers 5" Monolith are about as heavy as I'd want to go, the LB Monolith Heavyweight is awesome to shoot on a static range, but swings a bit slower/heavier. Meanwhile an Al framed 5" 1911 swings really easy, but recoils much harsher.

Al Framed 1911's not only recoil harder due to less weight, but recoil weirder like a Glock. Keep in mind that the slide is the same weight as a regular steel 1911. So now you have a top heavy gun. It feels quite different.

Sometimes the light gun is the better option due to this. After all lighter Glocks seem to keep up with 1911's in IDPA just fine.

 

[Zerodefect]

I wonder if a lightweight Scandium frame and slide teamed with a heavy recoil spring is possible?

Maybe only in 9mm?

 

[digsigs226]

Another problem that many cite with aluminum framed 1911s is that the feed ramp is part of the frame rather than part of the barrel.

Interesting, I did not know this.

Greg, now that you mention it, it's not so curious I'm adverse... I look at cracked aluminum all day.

I'm beginning to think steel is just a safer bet for a range gun, it sounds like it will be more balanced with better recoil characteristics. I will just have to deal with the hunk of iron if I open carry.

 

[Chindo18Z]

If I were to purchase a new 1911 right now, it would be a Colt Lightweight XSE (aluminum alloy receiver; 5 inch barrel) like this...



I've not owned an alloy 1911 since my satin nickel LW Commander back in the 80's. That weapon was a joy to shoot and carry...except for its annoying habit of ejecting straight back at my forehead. Back then, I didn't know anything about corrective action for that particular problem, so I wound up trading it away.

I've carried full sized Government Models for long periods of time 24/7, especially over the last four years of deployments. Love the guns and a good holster makes for comfortable carry, but there were occasional times this past year where I noticed that chunk of steel on my hip.

When I recently got back from Iraq, I went and looked at the Lightweight XSE. I've got no use for extended ambi safeties or forward cocking serrations and prefer an arched MSH, but I guess I could replace those parts on a new Colt and just live with the muzzle serrations. Haven't made a decision yet, but I really like the combination of lesser weight and full sized sight radius.

I'd not be worried about wearing out an aluminum 1911 unless I was expending a lot of rounds in competition.

 

[tekarra]

Chindo,
That is the one I want! If only it did not have the front slide serrations, sigh.

 

[huduguru]

Personally, I prefer unobtanium. Doesn't work harden but lighter
than balsanium...and much higher modulus of elasticity.

 

[Walkalong]

The shorter the slide, the less difference between steel and aluminum frames as far as muzzle flip etc, IMHO.

I like aluminum frames on 3", 3 1/2", 4", & 4 1/4", but not 5" guns. I really feel the torque and flip of a full sized steel slide on an aluminum frame, but with lessor length slides it does not bother me.

 

[DenaliPark]

Steel rules my heart, though that Colt's XSE is pure sweetness....I do however love mine...

 

[samurai]

I have 2 aluminum frame 1911s-Colt Defender Plus and Colt New agent. The main thing I was warned about was using good quality mags( skirted followers) and stay away from +p ammo. I have done both and haven't had any problems. My steel frame guns are larger- 3.5-5"- and other than being heavier the recoil is about the same.

 

[MCMXI]

You can always buy an Ed Brown Kobra Carry Lightweight.

"Normally, the feedramp might be damaged just by hollowpoint rounds impacting it repeatedly, but not with an Ed Brown. We have solved this particular problem by designing a steel insert for the feedramp. Now hollow point or solid nose ammo hits the steel insert and never touches the aluminum frame."

http://www.edbrown.com/kobracarrylw.htm

Personally, I only want stainless steel frames and slides (if possible) and those have to be coated in some way ... no brushed or polished stainless for me. It's a pistol not a piece of cutlery!!

 

[squarles67]

I picked up this LW XSE a couple of weeks ago


This is my first alum frame 1911 and so far it has been great. I don't notice that much difference in recoil or muzzle flip compared to my all steel 1911. I was a bit concerned before I got it about the durability of the frame but after research just like you're doing I figured it would outlast me

 

[cpirtle]

So I have been wanting to jump on the 1911 bandwagon for quite some time now

In America one could probably successfully make the argument that buying anything other than a 1911 is jumping on the bandwagon... LOL


I have never felt my aluminum framed 1911's were somehow less adequate and I don't see excessive wear on them when compared to their steel safe mates.

But I do have a couple that are intended primarily for range and competition and are steel, it's a logical conclusion IMO.

I'm not an Aeronautical Engineer or a Rocket Surgeon but not sure I buy the mating of aluminum to steel in the case of a slide and frame. Land Rover found out the hard way not to bolt aluminum to steel without a barrier but the slide of a gun is different in that they are not permanantly connected and one would hope there's a layer of oil between them. JMHO

 

[kmbrman]

Like most of you , I'm worried about the fact that the bottom of the feed ramp is the Al. frame. I'm not too sure it wouldn't wear out faster than the steel barrel throat and cause chambering problems where the two surfaces meet. The solution ,if you want a Al. framed 1911 is to buy a Para ,since they make the feed ramp as part of the bottom of the barrel throat like, say a Glock barrel.

 

[Fmjblack]

I have the exact model Springfield loaded lightweight that you are asking about and I previously owned an all steel 1911. First, let me clear something up that nobody has mentioned yet... the Springfield lightweight DOES have a steel feed ramp that is part of the barrel so there is no potential issue with gouging up an aluminum feed ramp. I do not notice an appreciable difference in recoil vs. an all steel 1911 and I find this pistol to be quite accurate. I have only put around 1k rounds through this 1911 so far, but it shows no signs of wear and I don't anticipate that it will any time soon. If I ever do manage to wear out the frame, it's covered under Springfield's lifetime warranty. That 7 ounce difference does make a big difference if you ever plan to carry this pistol. If you like this model I would say go for it, it's a nice shooting 1911.

 

[Madcap_Magician]

I don't think it will make a difference in terms of the feed ramp. If you do, sometime down the road, start noticing increased wear, send it to Cylinder and Slide and they'll put a steel throat in your aluminum frame.