underrated, less discussed steel frame pistols...

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This one shop around here has a massively used Kahr E9 ... it feels really nice and seems to be in perfect condition ... finish aside.
It's not the half polymer variety, I know that, but I'm not sure if it's steel, either.
 
here is the bit from the article he linked talking about the aluminum frame problems:

The Beretta’s frame is aluminum and it simply does not have the service life and durability of steel or the polymer frames of the Glock or HK-USP. Unlike those designs, the Beretta M9’s slide rides directly on aluminum frame rails rather than steel and with inadequate lubrication, they wear. The military has addressed this by “re-arsenaling” the pistols and rebuilding them, but a more major issue is locking block breakages. The part has an expected life of 22,000 rounds and recoil springs are recommended to be replaced every 5,000, but seldom does either occur. Thus, the locking block and frame take a pounding and cracks can occur that will stop the pistol. The issue is that other, more modern designs are more durable and the War on Terror means more shooting is being done than ever before. Practice and training is also taking its toll. WWII era 1911s were not immune to breakages due to the same lack of lube and spare parts, though many of them have been documented to have fired over 400,000 rounds, in comparison to the 92 receiver’s hoped for life of roughly one-tenth that amount.
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solution: lube your damn gun.

btw, i call shens on 400,000 rounds through pretty much any gun.
 
Plenty of trap guns shoot way over 400000. Serious shooters can rack up 30k a year
 
Lvl21nerd said:
i just got done reading a lengthy review of the Beretta 92fs, which spoke about its alum frame, and the problems caused by it...just turns me off even more to alum frames

unless someone can provide counterpoint?
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I'm just not clear - your aversion to alloy frames is based on one article about one model of pistol? Have you ever looked into any of SIGs excellent and highly regarded pistols? What about CZ's P-01 and PCR, which again have a very good reputation.

I'm just saying, that even if you feel you have a legitimate dislike of the Beretta, there are plenty of alloy framed pistols out there with superb reputations and very long, reliable service records.

There are several excellent choices in all steel too, as mentioned by others. I'm just saying your comment of "hating" aluminum based on such limited information about them (one article about one gun) seems a bit extreme.
 
The only modern makers of steel framed guns that come to mind are:
S&W (limited scale, mostly now with Alloy frames)
CZ-USA (just getting into polymer now)
SIG Sauer (just getting into polymer now)
Any 1911 manufacturer

Some good choices out there for value: Used S&W 3rd Gen pistols. Used CZ-USA Guns. SIGS are overpriced to begin with IMHO and a used one will net you what you can get a new CZ-USA pistol for.

Hope this helps!
 
Another vote for Smith pistols. Highly under rated workhorses.

Steel framed pistols have a reputation for long life. Aluminum framed pistols have the shortest life span. Most people will never shoot one enough to wear it out, but they simply do not hold up as long as the steel framed pistols.

The plastic pistols such as Glocks are proving to last much longer than aluminum. It is hard to say which will last longer, steel or plastic. But the plastic guns are proving themselves quite well.
 
General Geoff said:
Except for weight (for people who want a heavier pistol), aesthetics (for people who don't like matte black or krylon), and feel.
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plus 10+
you do not have to hate plastic or alloy, to like steel

an "airweight" revolver/pistol has it's place
but current mega-trends are based on manufacturing costs, not on user preferences, not better vs. worse

some of us just have to live with what the manufacturer's offer us until the next cycle comes around
(not unlike "fashionable" clothing trends)
and hope we live long enough to participate when it does
and "settle for" that obsolete old stuff until it does

ain't no perfect
but like I tell milady, "pert-near-perfect ain't half bad"
some of that obsolete old steel qualifies
 
A steel frame is a worthwhile quest and the BHP may be the best answer thoughsome of the turkish CZ knockoffs are steel= See armalite. Steel Sigs are big and heavy. This one is extra accurate but from what I've read, the internal extractor is a poor piece of engineering , prone to break or quit working.
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The IMI Jehrico 941 and the later version the IWI Baby Eagle is available in 3 calibers, with variations resulting in 11 separate models. The compact (short frame and barrel) and semi-compact (short barrel) pistols have the same excellent shooting characteristics as the standard (full-size) Baby Eagle and are ideal for shooters with smaller hands. All Baby Eagles are black and all are made of steel except the versions with polymer frames.
 
It has been out of production for some time and finding a good specimen is going to set you back a good chunk of change, but there is a reason that so many people swear that the Sig P210 is the best pistol in the world. If you ever have the chance to shoot one, you will weep.
 
WarlockFirearms said:
It has been out of production for some time and finding a good specimen is going to set you back a good chunk of change, but there is a reason that so many people swear that the Sig P210 is the best pistol in the world. If you ever have the chance to shoot one, you will weep.
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No need to weep, just buy a new P210 Legend.
 
210x2.jpg


The 210's are everything they are cracked up to be and more. Very impressive pistols and I am glad I got two while I could afford them.
 
i like aluminium alloy firearms, especially for carry. but i also like the feel of a full size all steel firearm as well. i am thinking about getting a cz 75 compact, it looks like a great gun.
 
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