1911 Plastic mainspring housing??

[ripp]

that is a stupid way to go prone

and it ASSUMES that you will always be going prone on a soft surface. Train as you'll fight, KISS. Break your fall with a judo "slap" of the weak side forearm and palm, as you kneel and lean forward,and keep the gun from touching the ground. Don't assume that bs match techniques are good combat techniques, most are not.

 

[JROC]

I can't find anything wrong with the plastic MSH that came with my Colt other than I don't want a $1,000 1911 with plastic pieces. It works fine, but yes that is very cheap of Colt, and Kimber to use a plastic MSH. I replaced mine with a Ed Brown Maxi-Well.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

The use of plastic in a firearm has either or both of two purposes: a cost cutting measure to (this is important) lower the price, and to reduce weight. This being a small part, the weight savings is not significant. At $900-$1,000 or whatever it costs, you are certainly not saving money. I expect a handgun at this price point to not have plastic parts. (To a lesser extent, this could also be said of MIM, but that is another topic.)

 

[MCMXI]

I expect a handgun at this price point to not have plastic parts. (To a lesser extent, this could also be said of MIM, but that is another topic.)

I agree. I recently bought a Kimber Stainless Pro Raptor II for $1,130 (NIB). The MSH is plastic and when you consider that full retail price on an Ed Brown stainless steel MSH with chainlink checkering is only $47, it makes me wonder about the bean counters at these companies. How much would each part cost if Kimber ordered 1,000 or 2,000 units directly from Ed Brown? I bet a lot less than $47. Of course, Kimber would say that they do it to save weight ... yeah right! Anyway, at least those of us that care can correct this issue easily and cheaply enough.