Couple of Stupid Handgun Questions.

[Minute_Of_Torso]

Ok, I'm not to proud to admit that there's a lot I don't know about certain things. So I'm going to ask some questions:

1. The '94 AW Ban is written in such horrible lawyer-eze that I can't make heads or tails of some (most) of it. So, I know it's legal to own pre-ban manufactured standard capacity magazines, but is it "legal" to use them in post-ban manufactured pistols?

2. What does MIM mean? What are the perceived problems with MIM parts? (Some people say replace them, some people say don't worry about it). I ask specifically concerning a Springfield MilSpec. Almost every thread concerning the SA 1911's has discussion of MIM parts. I've had absolutely no problems with my SA MilSpec but I want to know if I need to plan for some future parts problems.

Thanks for any info and feel free to lambast my ignorance.

 

[pytron]

I can only help answer your first question, and I'm not a lawyer.

But the way it reads is basically you can use any magazine in any pistol, but you cannot purchase or own "high"-capacity post-ban magazines (unless you are in law enforcement or military). These should be clearly marked with a date of manufacture and/or "For Law Enforcement only".

It is illegal to modify post-ban magazines to expand their capacity beyond 10 rounds. I don't know about pre-ban magazines, but I assume the same restriction applies.

It is also illegal to manufacture magazines with a capacity over 10 rounds for your own use.

The gray area concerns modifying a pre-ban magazine to fit into a firearm. If you can still use it in the original firearm then you seem to be okay. If you can't, then you just "manufactured" a high-capacity magazine.

Like I said, I'm not a student of the law, but that's what I've gathered from my time here and many readings of the various laws.

awbansunset.com has some good information.

-Pytron

 

[HankB]

MIM means Metal Injection Molding. Powdered metal and a carrier are injected into a mold. With high heat the carrier evaporates, leaving behind the metal particles, which are strongly bonded to one another and "almost" as dense as regular alloy. MIM's big advantage is summed up in one word: cost.

Most things I've read say that well-made MIM parts are "adequate" for most purposes. NO source I've read claims they're as good as the best quality "machined" or "forged" parts.

 

[Jim March]

Note that this whole "legal magazine" discussion so far in this thread covers FEDERAL law.

Some states are a whole different story, such as California and New Jersey .

 

[Handy]

As far as mags go, there is pre-ban (a 94 or earlier mag that holds 11+ rounds) or post-ban (any mag that holds 10 rounds or less, regardless of manufactoring date).

There is no such thing as a pre or post ban Glock, Sig, whatever. The ban only affected the mags, not their use. Stick that 17 rounder whereever you want.

 

[Penforhire]

Back on the MIM reply, I'd rather have a well-made MIM part than a poorly made machined part. Sure I'd prefer a well-made machined bit but more skill and equipment maintenance is required to make that machined bit.

 

[Minute_Of_Torso]

Handy,
I must have had a huge misconception about handguns manufactured after the ban. I thought that, like the long guns with the evil accessories and features, pistols were also under the curse by default.

Thanks for clearing that up.

 

[Croyance]

MIM parts have about 97% the density of forged.
MIM is similar to sintered metal, but with higher density.

 

[Jerry Morris]

On MIM parts, I prefer machined parts over MIM. In 1911 types, I routinely replace the extractor with a high quality machined part. The remaining parts will be replaced with machined parts as they are required by wear, or breakage.

Jerry