alloy frames

[tango3065]

Wondering how they hold up in larger calibers like the 40S&W? I recently got a new CZ40P and I will only probably put 2-3 hundreds rounds a year through it so I am guessing I will get to hand it down some day long as I keep the frame lubed but want opinions on the large calibers and alloy frames.

 

[Phenom]

When alloy started being used in handguns years ago there were problems. Today if designed right, alloy will stand up to quite a bit of abuse. Take the Ruger P-Series for example. Their frames are not only alloy, but cast too. The Ruger P90 is one of the few autos that can shoot the 45super in stock form.

 

[lee n. field]

Wondering how they hold up in larger calibers like the 40S&W?

P90 (.45, cast alloy frame) running fine after thousands of rounds. Don't worry about it.

 

[tango3065]

Not really worried just more curious than anything. My CZ has a pretty beefy frame since it uses the p-01 frame but then again 40 has more pressure than 45 but I guess the frame don't deal with that. Thanks for the info and btw them rugers are like tanks can't hurt them.

 

[ABBOBERG]

7075-t6 heat treated aluminum is actually stronger than most non heat treated steels and is much easier to machine. The only issue would be wear surfaces, and they have to be well coated for protection since uncoated aluminum doesn't wear well and produces a lot of friction against a steel slide.

I am guessing that Ruger uses very thick sections in their aluminum frames to get the strength back, since cast aluminum is usually quite weak.

 

[tango3065]

You have any idea what kind of treatment or alloy that CZ uses in their alloy frames?

 

[usp_fan]

Over on the SIG forum there was recently a report of a .357sig model 229 with 50k rounds and still running strong iirc. I believe the key is proper lube and recoil spring replacement. Heat treated aluminum that is also hard anodized is a very tough material when maintained well.

--usp_fan