What Big Time Gun makers Use MIM parts in there firearms?

[possum]

i know Taurus does, but was told today that kimber is using them, i don't believe that about the kimber, it is really hard for me to believe that a company like kimber would use mim parts. especially in thier higher end guns that cost so much.

any other companys use the mim process that ya'll know of ? thanks!

 

[cslinger]

Kimber, Smith, SIG, Taurus, Springfield (AFAIK), those are a few that I know of.

 

[3 gun]

Truth is I don't know of a maker who doesn't use MIM. The second truth is when done right it doesn't matter. The biggest question for me is the QA that is done by the company. Out of spec is out of spec no matter how it's made.

 

[Guzzizzit]

Ok, call me Dumb if ya like, But what is a MIM part?

 

[TexasP226]

Ok, call me Dumb if ya like, But what is a MIM part?

This should help:
http://www.kimberamerica.com/knowledgebase/index.php?ToDo=view&catId=12&questId=8

Don't feel bad; I have been into firearms for 4 or 5 years and didn't know what it meant until a few weeks ago when I started looking seriously into a new 1911. Seems to be a big deal among the 1911 crowd (negatively).

 

[daysleeprx]

was told today that kimber is using them, i don't believe that about the kimber, it is really hard for me to believe that a company like kimber would use mim parts. especially in thier higher end guns that cost so much.

Believe it...in fact the only major 1911 maker that I know of right now that doesn't is MIM are Sig, and the semi-custom jobs. But even the semi-customs are not free of MIM...I think Wilson Combat uses MIM in a few of their models now. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong).

 

[Guzzizzit]

Thank you TexasP226, That helps alot, seams simmilar to the Preassure die casting we use in the factory i work in.

Sorry to side track the thread.

 

[evan price]

The MIM process in and of itself is not the problem; the problem is using MIM parts in applications for which their strength is insufficient. There's stuff that can be MIM with no real problems. There's parts that shouldn't be to ensure long life. I worked at a plant that made auto engines from aluminum using high-pressure injection molding of molten aluminum. These motors go in cars that last over 250,000 miles with decent care.

For example the Walther P22 entire slide is MIM. But thanks to the low pressures of the .22LR there's little chance of a failure.
However I would not want a MIM hammer in a 1911.

As far as 1911 snobbery goes, if you don't have a 1911 that cost more than your car you're using junk. (according to some 1911 snobs)

I solve that problem by using a SIG 220.

 

[conan]

Detonics does not use Mim, nor did Wilson Combat I thought.

Mim is a way to make the part cheaper, but the cost savings may not get passed on to the consumer. I think it is a bad idea.

 

[daysleeprx]

Wilson used to have MIM in their CQB I think...although that may not be the case anymore.

 

[possum]

wow ok that is a real eye opener. i have no problem with mim, i have read some good things about it and read that it is used in many different fields, not just gun making. it makes for a more cost effective way of producing weapons and jeeps the cost down for us that spend our hard earned money. thanks for all the replies.

 

[shotgunkevin]

I know Kahr does. I had an ejector break, though the gun still functioned for a long time until I replaced it. I don't know how many parts are MIM though.

 

[Cacique500]

My Kimber CDP had three MIM "failures" - ambi safety broke off and fell to the floor...single side safety had a big crack in it and was about to fail (checked after ambi fell off)...and then my disconnect broke and fell out of the gun. This was in a gun that had about 5000 rounds through it and was well taken care of.

I still take my Kimber to the range but it is no longer my carry gun - (lost faith in it) switched to a Nighthawk (no MIM) and couldn't be happier.

 

[never_retreat]

Metal injection molding.
I think there is another way using powdered metal.
Investment casting I think. Correct me if i'm wrong.

 

[.cheese.]

what does Glock use? Not MIM?

 

[MarshallDodge]

Like others have stated, there is nothing wrong with MIM as long as you have a good quality control department. Forged or heat treated parts can have the same issues if the QC is poor.
I own Springfields and Kimbers and have never had any issues with MIM.

 

[conan]

Wilson used to have MIM in their CQB I think...although that may not be the case anymore.

Bummer. Do you know which parts? That is not a inexpensive firearm.

 

[Guzzizzit]

Metal injection molding.
I think there is another way using powdered metal.
Investment casting I think. Correct me if i'm wrong

Generaly Investment casting involves useing a wax or strofoam model of the part to be produced. The model is them coated in a ceramic slurry and when its dried, its packed into foundry sand and heated so the wax or foam burns/melts away. the cavity is then filled with molton metal.

We use this process to produce engine blocks for or 300hp + supercharged out boards.

 

[hankdatank1362]

Believe it...in fact the only major 1911 maker that I know of right now that doesn't is MIM are Sig,

Don't buy the hype. SIG says that "all key parts are made of hardened steel." And they leave it at that. No discussion of if MIM parts are used, or where.

That said, the SIG GSR 1911 is probably my most favorite production 1911 out there.

 

[daysleeprx]

Don't buy the hype. SIG says that "all key parts are made of hardened steel." And they leave it at that. No discussion of if MIM parts are used, or where.

EGW does/used to supply Sig with sears. EGW is quality stuff.

 

[trbon8r]

No MIM in a Les Baer pistol.

Of the more "mainstream" 1911 manufacturers Colt uses the least amount of MIM in their guns. Colt only uses 3 MIM parts: sear, mag catch, disconnector.

 

[lawdogso]

My Kimber Gold combat had the hammer break off after two hundred rounds thru it. MIM at it's best.
lawdogso

 

[default]

I couldn't say to what degree MIM is used in many more recent designs, such as various GLOCK, HK, and SIG-SAUER pistols, but none of those are famous for MIM parts breakage, although they presumably use MIM in non-critical (at least as far as the specific properties of MIM go) parts as a cost-saving measure. This is apparently not necessarily the case with many popular modern 1911s.

As I understand it, the issue has to do with both the quality of manufacture of the MIM parts and their specific application in the pistol. MIM grip safety? Who cares - it's not going to break under normal usage, nor are there any special metallurgical properties required of the part. On the other hand - a MIM extractor? Not so good.

 

[bogie]

For example the Walther P22 entire slide is MIM. But thanks to the low pressures of the .22LR there's little chance of a failure.
However I would not want a MIM hammer in a 1911.

Slide don't mean squat regarding pressure.

HAMMER don't mean squat regarding pressure.

Barrel means squat. As long as everything else is within tolerance, and is of sufficient strength, you're good.

 

[tommys]

I believe that Dan Wesson Doesn't use MIM parts in their 1911 pistols.