Metal Frame Pistols Becoming Obsolete???

[Auto426]

You guys know darn well the 1911's reign ended the day they first issued the M9. That would be 1985. The 1911A1 was adopted in 1924, for a total of 61 years service. The M9 has been in service for 26 years. Therefore the M9 needs 35 more years to tie.

The M1911 was adopted in 1911, and slightly modified in 1924 with the A1 provisions. However, you can't discount those first 13 years of service simply because the gun didn't have the arched mainspring housing or the shorter trigger. The gun was the official sidearm of the US for 75 years.

As far as the M9 outlasting it, I highly doubt that. The Aluminum framed M9's do not have the same longevity as the steel framed M1911. Instead of constantly replacing worn out guns I believe the military is more likely to adopt something else, likely one of the popular striker fired polymer designs.

 

[rellascout]

From "The Graduate"
'Plastic! It's the future!'

One word plastics......

 

[chicharrones]

Without it, most of us would be shooting Hi-Points and driving Hyundais.

I understand your point, but Hyundai makes a really nice car these days. Off topic, I know.

 

[GLOOB]

One of the reasons our military doesn't use Glocks is because Glock wouldn't give up their manufacturing secrets.

Now, they stick with the Beretta for many reasons. I think they'd be reluctant to use a polymer that might be considered second rate to a Glock. But the Beretta is one of the top metal-framed pistols.

 

[Stringfellow]

I understand your point, but Hyundai makes a really nice car these days. Off topic, I know.

I am with you Chicharrones--that's my point: a Hyundai is an excellent car and a perfect substitute for one costing thousands more. But it still doesn't command the same pride of ownership. Neither did Honda 30 years ago, nor perhaps even 1911s...

 

[1SOW]

rellascout:

These types of dicusssions crack me up. The reality is that we have no idea what the future will bring in terms of materials. Today there is still a niche for metal guns but look at the current guns in production and I am willing to bet that the number of units sold polymer to metal, of any kind, is at least 2 to 1 if not 3 to 1.

While 'some' can debate this, the later 1911 "triggers" are still held as the model to match. In support of 'rellascout', he's right. Technology will lead to better products.
I still believe "Remington's" attempt at an ELECTRICAL firing system (zero moving parts) has a potential to dramatically improve firearms accuaracy, weight and reliability. Combine something like this with improved 'materials' and design, and who knows what will be on the USPSA/IDPA/IPSC list in 10 years.

 

[metalman8600]

I still believe "Remington's" attempt at an ELECTRICAL firing system (zero moving parts) has a potential to dramatically improve firearms accuaracy, weight and reliability.

They might be more accurate and weigh less, but they will be way less reliable than a simple part. Regular gun - all you need is the correct ammo. No need to throw batteries and microchips into it.

 

[Zach S]

You guys know darn well the 1911's reign ended the day they first issued the M9. That would be 1985. The 1911A1 was adopted in 1924, for a total of 61 years service. The M9 has been in service for 26 years. Therefore the M9 needs 35 more years to tie.

The M9A1 has only been in service since 2006.

Using your logic, it needs 56 years to tie...

 

[REAPER4206969]

The M9A1 is only with the Marines. The Rest of the military bought more M9's.

 

[Dogguy]

Endangered, maybe. As time goes on, I expect fewer and fewer metal-framed handguns to be available due to cost of manufacturing. Plastic formulas have proven to be reliable for decades now.

Just because something is outdated doesn't mean it will disappear and become obsolete. The 1911 is an outdated design compared to more recent designs but it's still around, still loved and still selling for outrageous prices.

 

[Casefull]

The truth about plastic in guns is that anyplace that is a stress point is reinforced and or made from steel. When the stress parts are plastic and the small mechanisim parts that have to be steel ( or they would wear out and break) then you can talk about plastic guns. I personally do not expect steel to be replaced beyond what they now have for at least another century.

 

[1SOW]

metalman8600:

They might be more accurate and weigh less, but they will be way less reliable than a simple part.

I've never owned a pistol with "a simple part" in the firing mechanism.
Add firing pin interrupts, safeties, sears, numerous springs, firing pins, hammers/strikers, and several linkages to all the above; and even the simplest have lots of parts to fire the cartridge.

How about a piezzo-electric (no battery) power source charged by slide movement.

All I'm saying is that change is inevitable.